UN Security Council Unanimously Expands Arms Embargo on Haiti to Combat Gang Violence

The United Nations Security Council has unanimously decided to broaden the arms embargo on Haiti, now covering all weapons and ammunition. This move comes amid significant concerns over rampant gang violence and criminal activities in the Caribbean nation. The resolution empowers the 193 U.N. member countries to take necessary actions to stop illegal arms trafficking and diversion in Haiti.

Gangs in Haiti have gained strength since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, now controlling up to 80% of Port-au-Prince. They have also expanded into nearby areas, leading to increased violence, including killings, rapes, and kidnappings. This surge has prompted civilian vigilante groups to rise up violently against these gangs.

International Support for Haiti

The Security Council had earlier extended the mandate of a multinational force led by Kenya to assist the Haitian National Police in combating gangs. Kenyan President William Ruto recently announced that Kenya would send an additional 600 officers next month, supplementing the 400 already deployed. However, this still falls short of the 2,500 personnel promised by countries like Chad, Benin, Bangladesh, and Barbados.

In September, two individuals were added to the U.N. sanctions list related to Haiti. One was Elan Luckson, leader of the Gran Grif gang responsible for a massacre in Pont-Sondé. The other was Victor Prophane, a former Haitian parliament member accused of arms trafficking. The sanctions include travel bans and asset freezes for those on this list.

Efforts to Curb Arms Trafficking

The resolution also urges Haiti's government to enhance control over police weapons and seized arms while strengthening border and customs checks to prevent illegal trafficking. It extends the panel of experts overseeing sanctions implementation for another 13 months.

UN experts have highlighted that sophisticated weapons are being trafficked into Haiti from the United States, particularly Florida. The expanded embargo now includes all types of arms and related materials, beyond just small arms and light weapons.

Ecuador's political coordinator, Irina Barba Bustos, emphasized that sanctions are crucial for addressing Haiti's crisis and fostering a peaceful future. She stated that expanding the arms embargo "bolsters our efforts to combat transnational organized crime, which uses all forms of violence against the civilian population, particularly against women."

The leaders of Kenya and Haiti have called on international partners to fulfill their commitments to support the UN-backed mission in Haiti. They stressed that more resources are needed as the mission's budget is set to expire in March 2025.