Haiti’s newly installed Transitional Presidential Council and Government have called for the mobilization of all available resources to ensure this transition is the final one.
Addressing the United Nations Security Council, interim Prime Minister Garry Conille stressed the critical need to address the rampant gang violence that has stymied political progress and economic development.
Conille emphasized that with 12,000 armed gangs holding 12 million people hostage, no political or economic projects can succeed without first tackling the security crisis.
In his inaugural public appearance before the Council, Conille revealed that the new Government has already engaged in several working sessions with various stakeholders. The administration aims to facilitate elections, enact constitutional reform, combat corruption and impunity, modernize the judiciary, and develop security strategies that strengthen the interaction between citizens and police forces.
Highlighting the importance of the Multinational Security Support mission authorized by the Security Council, Conille warned against repeating past mistakes of foreign interventions and stressed the need for mechanisms that ensure both security and dignity.
María Isabel Salvador, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), lauded the formation of the transitional Government, which includes 14 ministers overseeing 18 ministries. Salvador noted that the proposed election timetable aims to establish elected authorities by February 2026. She also suggested enhancing BINUH’s electoral and human rights mandates to support the international security force.
Council members and concerned countries reiterated the urgent need for financial contributions to the security mission. The United States committed $309 million to the international police force, emphasizing unwavering support for the Haitian people. Malta expressed concern over the involvement of children in gang activities and stressed the importance of child protection in security planning. Representatives from Guyana, Algeria, Mozambique, and Sierra Leone urged measures to curb illicit arms flows into Haiti, while China and the Russian Federation called on the U.S. to address weapon trafficking from its territory.
Japan’s delegate underscored the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses Haiti’s instability’s root causes, advocating for the Peacebuilding Commission’s role in coordinating international efforts.
The recent arrival of a 200-strong Kenyan police contingent marked a significant step for the Multinational Security Support mission. The Kenyan representative reported that the contingent has commenced joint operations with the Haitian National Police and conducted assessments to guide future actions. He urged donor countries to turn pledges into tangible support.
As BINUH’s mandate renewal approaches, the Dominican Republic’s Foreign Minister highlighted its importance for Haiti’s peace, stability, and development, calling for the mandate’s extension to maintain international solidarity and support.
