Overview:
The United Nations Security Council extended the mandate of Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force (GSF) until March 31, 2027, as gang violence continues to spread beyond the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area. The extension comes after a Sept. 28 attack, attributed to the Kokorat San Ras gang in Gros-Morne, Artibonite, killed at least 11 people in retaliation for a GSF operation in the area.
PORT-AU-PRINCE — The United Nations Security Council voted Tuesday to extend the mandate of the Gang Suppression Force in Haiti for another six months, through March 31, 2027—instead of the previously requested two-year extension—as armed gangs continue to expand their reach beyond the capital.
With 12 votes in favor and three abstentions (China, Russia and Pakistan), the 15-member council maintains the multinational force created last year to combat armed gangs and support Haitian security institutions before its mandate expires Sept. 30. The GSF is not a U.N. peacekeeping mission but operates under Security Council authorization, with logistical and operational support from a U.N. Support Office in Haiti.
The U.N. Security Council’s decision comes as violence continues to affect communities across Haiti. On Sept. 28, at least 11 people were killed in Gros-Morne in the Artibonite region in what local authorities described as a gang reprisal following a GSF operation in the area.
The United States and Panama, the Council’s co-penholders on Haiti, proposed the six-month renewal. The draft resolution also calls for continued U.N. logistical and operational support for the force through the U.N. Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH).
Force’s mandate was to expire before full deployment as actors welcome extension
The Security Council established the GSF by Resolution 2793 on Sept. 30, 2025, replacing the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS). The force was initially authorized for 12 months and given a ceiling of 5,550 personnel, including 5,500 military and police personnel and 50 civilians.
It has faced delays in reaching its full strength. According to a Security Council Report, the force’s military component had 1,083 personnel as of July 8, along with 16 civilian staff members. UNSOH became fully operational April 1.
But according to the United States, more than 1,500 troops are already deployed in Haiti, with over 4,000 being expected in the coming months. The force’s troops and police currently come from Chad, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Mongolia and Sri Lanka.
The Security Council’s decision extends the force’s authorization while giving contributing countries additional time to expand its deployment.
Most council members and Haiti applauded the move.
The United Kingdom, which backed the extension, said the force is needed to help restore security in Haiti.
“We hope the Gang Suppression Force can bring about the security and stability that the Haitian people deserve,” Jennifer MacNaughtan, a minister counselor, said in a statement explaining the U.K. vote.
She added that the United Kingdom remained committed to supporting a Haitian-led response to the crisis.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz also urged countries supporting the force to maintain momentum. He said the goal should ultimately be for Haitians to regain control of their security and future.
“The entire effort is designed around the ultimate objective that Haitians themselves take back control of their own security and their own future,” Waltz said, according to the U.S. Mission to the United Nations.
In Haiti, the government welcomed the renewal, saying international assistance remains important as national security institutions work to regain control.
In a statement, Haiti’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanked U.N. Security Council members and countries contributing personnel, resources and logistical support to the GSF.
“The Haitian government welcomes the support of all countries that continue to assist Haiti in its efforts to restore security and state authority,” the ministry said.
The government also reaffirmed its efforts to strengthen the Haitian National Police (PNH) and Haitian Armed Forces (FAd’H), with the stated goal of eventually assuming full responsibility for national security.
Deadly Artibonite attack follows GSF operation and Kenscoff massacre
The extension comes as the security crisis continues to spread into areas outside Port-au-Prince.
On Sept. 28, a Sri Lankan GSF contingent conducted an operation in Gros-Morne against members of the Kokorat San Ras gang, according to local officials and the force.
Mayor Hubert Cénéac told local media that the operation targeted gang members who had established illegal toll points in the area. The GSF said three gang members were killed before its troops withdrew.
The force later reported that gang members targeted civilians in retaliation after its departure.
“Reports later indicated that gang members targeted civilians in the area, upon the departure of GSF troops,” the GSF said in a statement. “The GSF strongly condemns these attacks and any violence against civilians.”
Cénéac said between 11 and 12 people were killed and homes were burned. However, human rights organizations said the final toll and extent of the damage remained unclear because access to the terror scene is limited.
The attack underscores the difficulty facing the GSF as it expands operations outside the capital. Gangs have established or maintained strongholds in parts of the Artibonite and other regions, challenging the state’s ability to protect communities and maintain access to roads and other critical infrastructure.
The Artibonite attack follows a deadly wave of violence in Kenscoff, where gangs attacked communities in late August.
The U.N. reported that at least 47 people, including five children, were killed in attacks in Kenscoff between Aug. 23 and 24. Dozens of people were abducted, homes were burned and civilians seeking refuge were also attacked.
The National Network for the Defense of Human Rights (RNDDH) has reported a higher toll for violence in the area. The organization said at least 164 people, including children, were killed in attacks between July and August.
The continuing violence has increased pressure on the GSF to accelerate its deployment and demonstrate results while ensuring that operations protect civilians and comply with international human rights standards.
The U.N. has said security operations must be accompanied by efforts to restore state authority, basic services, schools, health facilities and livelihoods and to create alternatives for young people who may otherwise be drawn into armed groups.
With the mandate now extended through March 2027, the force faces the task of expanding its presence while Haiti’s national security institutions confront an armed-gang network that continues to operate across multiple regions of the country.
