UN Leader Alerts: Haiti's Capital at Risk of Gang Domination Without More Help

The United Nations Secretary-General has voiced a dire warning regarding the situation in Port-au-Prince, Haiti—without enhanced international aid, street gangs may take control of the capital, leading to governmental collapse.

In a recent briefing at the UN Security Council focused on Haiti's deepening crisis, Antonio Guterres stressed the urgent need for action.

"We cannot afford to delay any further in delivering additional police forces to assist the multinational unit attempting to curb violence," Guterres cautioned, highlighting the perils of inaction which could see critical state functions dissolve completely.

"Should the current instability persist, Port-au-Prince could fall completely under gang rule, disrupting all forms of governmental support activities," he stated.

Urgent Call to Action

“We must act swiftly and with determination to avert such an outcome,” Guterres urged the council.

Leading the quick-deploy project is Kenya, which recently deployed 217 officers, incrementally supporting operations now totaling over 600 officers. Nevertheless, this figure falls short of the 2,500 officers anticipated for optimal effectiveness.

A Surge in Violence

The increasing influence of gangs has been noticeable since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. According to the United Nations, more than 5,600 people were murdered in the previous year alone—an alarming spike by over 20% from 2023.

Humanitarian and Security Concerns

According to Maria Isabel Salvador, the UN's envoy to Haiti, relentless gang activity has resulted in the displacement of over a million Haitians, with many being forced into makeshift shelters following the destruction of their neighborhoods.

Salvador emphasized the severity of Haiti's humanitarian emergency, highlighting that almost 2 million face severe food shortages, while thousands experience the prospect of starvation.

A Call for UN Peacekeeping Forces

Haitian leadership has called for a United Nations peacekeeping mission, seeking to transition from the current multi-nation force. This request is backed by countries within the Organization of American States, the U.S., and others.

Though funded by a trust currently standing at $101.1 million, these funds fall short of the envisioned UN operation capabilities.

Considering future strategies, Guterres is drafting proposals for the UN's future involvement in Haiti.

Critical Importance of a UN Mission

Jean-Victor Harvel Jean Baptiste, Haiti's Foreign Minister, expressed the necessity of a UN peacekeeping unit to the council, echoing Guterres' sentiment about the existential threat posed by gang-related killings and kidnappings.

The escalation of violence, including horrific accounts of sexual assault and child exploitation, has caused widespread shock, the Secretary-General noted.

Political Stagnation Worsens Situation

Delays in political progress have contributed markedly to the atmosphere of lawlessness, Guterres observed.

With democracy restoration efforts trailing far behind schedule, the milestone of rebuilding democratic frameworks by early 2026 is now cast in doubt, adding urgency to the international community's response.