Haiti Requests UN Peacekeeping Amid Gang Crisis

Haiti's escalating violence saw a United Nations helicopter come under fire from gangs, forcing it to land safely and underscoring severe security threats. Despite the deployment of Kenyan-led forces, the situation has worsened with over 700,000 Haitians displaced due to increased gang activities beyond Port-au-Prince. Gangs, including the Viv Ansanm coalition, control 80% of Port-au-Prince and have expanded their brutal influence, prompting the Haitian government to request a transformation of the current mission into a U.N. peacekeeping mission. The lack of resources and personnel in the Multinational Security Support Mission has hindered efforts to address the lawlessness, highlighting the need for international intervention. The chaos has roots in political instability following President Jovenel Moïse's assassination in 2021, allowing gangs to thrive unchecked. The situation remains dire as gangs continue to displace thousands and threaten regional stability.