Haiti: UN warns gangs are changing tactics, worsening the crisis amid the security offensive

PORT-AU-PRINCE. — Armed gang violence in Haiti is entering a new phase. As security operations intensify, armed groups have begun to change their tactics, expand their presence, and increase pressure on the civilian population, the United Nations warned before the Security Council.

The UN special representative in Haiti, Carlos Ruiz Massieu, warned that the gangs' capacity to adapt has become one of the most concerning factors in the conflict. Armed organizations are increasingly resorting to kidnappings, intimidation, and reprisals to maintain control of their territories and challenge state authority, according to the UN's latest report on the Haitian situation.

Among the cited cases is the attack between August 23 and 24 in Kenscoff, southeast of Port-au-Prince, where at least 47 people were killed, 22 were wounded, and 52 were kidnapped. Thirteen of the hostages were later freed thanks to local initiatives backed by the UN.

The report also focuses on the impact of the security operations themselves: Haitian security forces were linked to 52% of the 808 Haitians killed or wounded since the beginning of July, and 148 people with no ties to criminal gangs are among the victims.

Amid this scenario, the Gang Suppression Force, backed by the Security Council and with UN logistical support, continues to deploy, although it has 1,563 uniformed personnel — far below the 5,550 authorized. Both Ruiz Massieu and the force's special representative, Jack Christofides, agreed that police and military operations alone will not be enough to stabilize the country and called for strengthening the permanent presence of the state and promoting disarmament programs.

Insecurity also threatens the political calendar: the presidential and legislative elections initially scheduled for December 13 were postponed indefinitely, as Haiti has not held national elections since 2016.

Photo: DiarioDigitalRD

Source: DiarioDigitalRD