New Mission

The UN voted to replace the current police mission in Haiti with a larger, more aggressive military force to combat armed gangs.

Context

Haiti has faced escalating violence since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, its last elected leader. The violence worsened in February 2024 when rival gangs united, expanding their control over the capital, Port-au-Prince, and surrounding areas, forcing over 1.3M Haitians from their homes, overwhelming makeshift camps.

Gangs have terrorized the population through killings, kidnappings, and widespread sexual violence. The country has not held elections since 2016 and currently operates under a transitional council without an elected president or legislature.

Larger Force

The UN Security Council voted on Tuesday in favor of replacing the struggling Kenyan-led police mission in Haiti with a more aggressive military force designed to combat armed gangs that control most of the country.