United Nations condemns gang violence in Haiti

By James Blears

Haiti has pleaded long and hard with the international community to recognize their terrible plight and do something practical to both combat and alleviate it.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres heeded them and answered their SOS, helping plan and organize a meaningful response. Kenya also reacted in the most heartfelt manner, by sending a 200 strong highly trained police force mission, which arrived in Haiti on 25 June. 

Security Council condemns gang violence

The UN Security Council has not forgotten that much still needs to be done to win back and re-gain peace and stability in Haiti. They have issued a resolution condemning the blight inflicted upon the country by street gangs, which still control most of the capital, Port-au-Prince. They are extending their political mission in Haiti until July 15 next year, with the avowed aim of helping in every way possible to help facilitate a fair and free presidential election. 

The situation spiralled out of control following the assassination of President Juvenal Moise on 7 July 2021 and has worsened as time has gone on. 

New Prime Minister Garry Conille tells the UN that the Kenyan police are a vital lifeline in this complex, difficult, and painful process leading to those vital democratic elections.