Haiti urges UN to renew international force mandate ahead of elections

Haiti’s government is pressing the United Nations Security Council to renew the mandate of an international force backing the Haitian National Police (PNH), warning that stronger support is essential if Haiti is to hold its first national election in a decade.

Foreign Minister Raina Forbin made the appeal Thursday before the Organization of American States, calling for the Gang Suppression Force to deploy fully as soon as possible and urging the Security Council to extend its 12-month mandate before it expires Sept. 30.

“We need technical, financial, logistical and safety support that is up to the challenge,” Forbin said, referring to Haiti’s plan to hold presidential and legislative elections Dec. 13. “We must now move from solidarity to action.”

The Haitian government says the force’s continued presence is critical to helping the country regain territory controlled by armed gangs and to strengthening the PNH and Armed Forces to restore state authority. Forbin cited the Aug. 24-25 massacre in Kenscoff, in which gunmen stormed several communities, burned homes and attacked residents as they tried to flee.

At least 47 people were killed, including five children, and 22 were injured in the attack, with dozens more abducted, according to the United Nations. Some of the victims were displaced people who had sought refuge in a church, where 22 were reportedly executed.