A turning point for Haiti? New security force takes fight to powerful gangs

A New Dawn for Haiti? International Force Targets Gangs in Capital

A turning point for Haiti New security - In the heart of Port-au-Prince, a vibrant cityscape unfolds as commuters navigate the chaos of the Boulevard du 15 Octobre. Colorful shared minibuses, or “tap taps,” weave through the traffic, carrying passengers who occasionally glance at the bustling sidewalks below.

Merchants set up small kiosks along the route, offering fresh produce and household items to pedestrians. This everyday scene, however, masks a deeper crisis: the pervasive fear of gang violence has kept many Haitians indoors, transforming the streets into zones of uncertainty.

For years, armed groups have controlled vast swaths of the capital and surrounding regions, estimated to cover up to 90% of the area. These gangs instill terror through violent attacks, summary executions, and extortion, while also disrupting economic activity by blocking the movement of goods.

Since the start of 2026, over 2,300 lives have been lost to gang-related violence, with more than 1,100 injured. Now, a new initiative aims to shift the balance. The Gang Suppression Force (GSF), backed by the UN Security Council, has established its operations just blocks from the bustling boulevard.

UN Chief Visits Base Amid Rising Tensions

During a recent visit to Port-au-Prince, UN Secretary-General António Guterres inspected the GSF’s base, Camp Vertières. The facility, currently housed in shipping containers, is being prepared to accommodate the 5,550 personnel mandated by the Security Council.

"Their deployment offers a real opportunity to curb violence and restore the authority of the State," Guterres remarked after the tour. "We have no right to waste this opportunity."

He emphasized that security measures alone would not suffice, urging a political approach. "Gangs must be disarmed and dismantled through a Haitian-led process," he stated, highlighting the need for broader systemic change.

The GSF relies on logistical support from the newly created UN Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH), which provides rations, medical care, and transportation. This collaboration enables the force to tackle its core missions: neutralizing gangs, safeguarding vulnerable communities, and facilitating humanitarian access.

A Nation in Crisis

Haiti’s instability has deepened over the years, with gang violence driving nearly 1.5 million people from their homes. The country’s economic plight worsens, leaving millions reliant on aid. Since the assassination of former president Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, no elected leader has emerged, further destabilizing governance.

Guterres met with displaced families during his visit, noting their resilience. "These families did not ask for my sympathy. They are waiting for action," he said, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

The GSF’s strategy includes targeting key supply routes, such as border crossings and maritime channels, to cut off weapons and financial resources for armed groups. This multi-pronged approach seeks to weaken gangs’ ability to sustain their operations.

While challenges remain, there is cautious optimism. The introduction of foot patrols and forward bases across the capital signals a potential return to normalcy. "For the first time in many years, there’s finally some light at the end of the tunnel," Guterres concluded. "Haiti has a chance to turn a corner—but only if the international community assumes its responsibilities."

"The biggest disgrace is indifference, the indifference of a world that has looked away," he added, reflecting on the global response to the crisis.