UN voices security concerns in Haiti amid attacks and election preparations

The Salvadoran ambassador to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has condemned the ambush of four aviation technicians from her country by armed gangs in Haiti.

“During the attack, the criminal groups used firearms and explosive devices, setting the vehicle on fire,” Egriselda Lopez told a UNSC meeting on Haiti on Monday.

International forces in the violence-torn Caribbean nation are trying to find the four Salvadorans who went missing after gangs attacked their armoured vehicle on Sunday.

The soldiers from the United Nations-backed Gang Suppression Force (GSF) managed to flee the burning vehicle in Croix-des-Bouquets north of the capital, Port-au-Prince.

It is the first major attack on the international force since it began operations earlier this year.

Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Haiti, told the UNSC meeting that between July and September more than a thousand people were killed and over 100 abducted.

Security and elections

The ambush underscored growing risks as gangs retaliate against security operations, he added. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack. It came as Haiti prepares for its first general election in more than a decade and illustrates the power of armed gangs that control an estimated 70 per cent of Port-au-Prince.

The UN official voiced concerns about Haiti’s credibility amid the rising violence during preparations for presidential and legislative elections scheduled for December 13.

“The repeated announcement of electoral dates without a true assessment of their credibility, of their feasibility, only serves to weaken credibility with Haitian institutions,” Massieu told the session.

He warned that security gains alone cannot deliver lasting peace.

GSF officially began operations on June 1, but has so far operated only in a limited capacity.

GSF Special Representative in Haiti, Jack Christofides, said it has deployed over 2,000 personnel from six countries, but remains well below its authorised strength and needs equipment, logistics and funding to expand operations.

After yesterday’s attack, the GSF said it is assessing the situation and has advised residents to stay indoors.

The area where the armoured vehicle was struck is controlled by gangs, including Kraze Barye, led by Vitelhomme Innocent, and 400 Mawozo, led by Lanmo Sanjou. Both gang leaders have been sanctioned by the UN and US.

“Armed gangs have overrun large parts of Port-au-Prince, the capital, employing tactics including murder, kidnapping and sexual violence amid widespread impunity,” said a UN Security Council report last month.

Since the assassination of President Jovenel President Jovenel Moise in July 2021, Haiti has been in a multidimensional crisis characterised by extreme violence, political deadlock and dire humanitarian conditions.