Haiti pushes security deployment and elections as gang violence disrupts economy and services

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Highlights

Haiti's Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé told a UN meeting that restoring security is critical for resuming economic activity, education, and free elections.
The UN-backed Gang Suppression Force has deployed only 1,083 of an authorized 5,500 personnel, impeding efforts to reclaim infrastructure and facilitate humanitarian aid.
Around 6.4 million Haitians need humanitarian assistance and nearly 1.5 million are displaced, as gang violence disrupts vital services and increases economic pressure.

UN meeting outlines security and election priorities

As reported by UN News, Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé tells a special UN meeting that restoring security is essential for citizens to return to work, send children to school and vote freely in the planned elections.

He says Haiti's response must also address illicit flows of weapons, ammunition, trafficking and transnational criminal networks that fuel gang violence. Fils-Aimé adds that security gains need to be followed by the return of the state, including police, local authorities, schools, justice institutions and economic activity.

Speakers at the meeting express broad support for extending the mandate of the UN Security Council-backed Gang Suppression Force, which aims to neutralise armed gangs, protect vital infrastructure and allow humanitarian aid to enter. The mission remains far below its authorised strength, with 1,083 personnel deployed against an approved 5,500, according to Carlos Ruiz Massieu, the UN's most senior official in Haiti, who calls for full deployment as early as possible.

Humanitarian and institutional stakes remain high

Around 6.4 million people require humanitarian assistance in Haiti and nearly 1.5 million are displaced, as gangs continue to murder, rape and kidnap civilians. Their control over large parts of the capital and major transport routes is hampering the delivery of essential services and aid, adding to pressure on the economy and public institutions.

Haitian officials say they want a Haiti-centric response that builds lasting state capacity, with Fils-Aimé pointing to efforts to train and recruit more police officers and soldiers. He also says two specialised judicial units are working against impunity, financial crime, mass atrocity crimes and sexual violence.

UN officials and member states also stress child protection, particularly for children recruited by or associated with gangs. Amar Bendjama, president of the UN Economic and Social Council, says protection, education and essential services must be prioritised, while Ruiz Massieu calls for differentiated pathways for children linked to armed groups.

General elections, repeatedly delayed since 2019, are scheduled for 13 December 2026. Fils-Aimé says the electoral process is already underway, with operations launched, citizens registering and political organisations being certified.

Our earlier article on the U.S. Justice Department’s $25 million ANGEL Grant Program explained how the initiative would fund local, state, and tribal operations targeting violent crime, gang activity, and drug and human trafficking. We noted that the grants are intended to strengthen enforcement capacity through activities such as apprehensions, prosecutions, detention, transport, and investigative analysis as part of a broader public-safety push.

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