Haiti stands at a crucial crossroads as it prepares for its long-delayed elections amidst a backdrop of escalating gang violence and political instability. The Haitian government is not just seeking international support but is appealing for a renewed commitment from global partners to help restore peace and ensure a credible electoral process. As the nation grapples with the legacy of past leadership crises, the role of external assistance will be pivotal in shaping Haiti’s future stability and governance.
Haiti’s Foreign Ministry has urgently requested the United Nations Security Council to renew the mandate of an internationally backed security force tasked with addressing the pervasive control of powerful armed groups throughout the country. Foreign Minister Raina Forbin emphasized the necessity of fully deploying the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) during her remarks, articulating a pivotal call for action from the international community. The GSF, which faces a September 30 expiration of its mandate, requires renewed support to effectively combat rampant gang violence.
“This is a critical moment for Haiti,” Forbin noted during a recent meeting of the Organisation of American States (OAS), where she voiced the country’s pressing security needs. She highlighted that between April and June of this year alone, an estimated 1,408 lives were lost due to gang-related violence, with 656 additional individuals injured, underscoring the urgent need for concerted international assistance beyond mere expressions of solidarity.
With elections scheduled for December, Haiti is determined to move forward with its political process despite fears that ongoing violence could undermine public confidence in the electoral outcome. The political landscape has been tumultuous since the assassination of former President Jovenel Moise in 2021, which created a power vacuum allowing armed groups to expand their dominance over key areas in the capital and displace over one million residents.
Haitian officials and OAS Secretary-General Albert Ramdin are optimistic about deploying an Electoral Observation Mission to ensure a credible electoral process. However, he cautioned that logistical challenges remain, including the production and distribution of approximately one million identity cards needed for voter participation.
“At this critical juncture, our collective responsibility is clear: to bolster security, enhance electoral preparations, and ensure that international efforts translate into meaningful improvements for the Haitian populace,” Ramdin stated.
However, skepticism about foreign intervention persists among many Haitians, who have witnessed fluctuating support from international forces. Previous efforts, such as a Multinational Security Support led by Kenya, faltered, leaving the nation in continued turmoil.
The GSF was established through a UN Security Council vote in October 2025, intended to take over from the MSS with a year’s mandate to conduct “counter-gang operations,” either independently or alongside Haitian authorities. Unfortunately, advocates for human rights stress that support is still lacking, particularly for those seeking refuge from violence. During this year’s initial eight months, nearly 200,000 people have been forcibly returned to Haiti, a stark increase that exemplifies the ongoing humanitarian challenges facing the nation.
In conclusion, as Haiti embarks on this vital phase of its democratic journey, the need for substantive international support and cooperative engagement has never been greater. Only through a united front can Haiti hope to overcome its current challenges and pave a path toward stability and prosperity for its citizens.
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