Towards a UN 'Gang Repression Force' in Haiti: New US Request

During a Security Council meeting, US Acting Ambassador Dorothy Shea announced on August 28, 2025, that Washington, with Panama's support, will submit a resolution to create a 'Gang Repression Force' in Haiti. This initiative, which could redefine the multinational mission already led by Kenya, comes as armed violence continues to devastate the country and the humanitarian crisis reaches critical levels. The United States proposed on Thursday the creation of a new 'Gang Repression Force' under a UN mandate to counter the growing insecurity in Haiti. The announcement was made by US Acting Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, who praised Kenya's role in leading the multinational security mission deployed for over a year. Ms. Shea specified that, without the Kenyan intervention, 'gangs would have been even more emboldened in their ambitions and atrocities against civilians.' She indicated that Washington and Panama will soon submit a draft resolution to the Security Council providing for the establishment of this new force, as well as a United Nations logistics support office, responsible for providing drones, fuel, and transportation. According to a Council diplomat, this force could actually correspond to a strengthening and renaming of the current Kenyan mission, whose personnel remain below 1,000 men, far from the 2,500 initially planned. Kenya, accompanied by contributing countries such as Jamaica, El Salvador, Belize, and the Bahamas, would thus see its logistical means increased under the aegis of the UN. The announcement comes amid escalating violence. Heavily armed gangs now control entire areas beyond Port-au-Prince, forcing thousands of families to flee. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned of a 'life-threatening emergency,' citing the collapse of the state, the paralysis of essential services, and an unprecedented humanitarian crisis: 1.3 million displaced persons, six million people in need of aid, and only 10% of the required humanitarian funds collected to date. Meanwhile, other initiatives are emerging. A report revealed that Vectus Global, a private security company led by Erik Prince, founder of the controversial Blackwater, plans to deploy 200 agents to support the fight against gangs. Additionally, a 'Permanent Partners Group,' comprising seven countries including the United States, Canada, and Kenya, has been established to guide the security strategy and mobilize additional funding. 'Haitians are in a situation of extreme suffering,' insisted Mr. Guterres, calling on donors to act quickly to prevent 1.7 million people from being deprived of assistance. Meanwhile, Washington urges the international community to share responsibility and support this new path, presented as an an opportunity to restore security and stability in Haiti. The Editorial Staff