UN Imposes new Sanctions on Haiti amid Escalating Gang Violence
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A renewed UN sanctions regime targeting haiti aims to curb escalating gang activity through travel bans, asset freezes, and an arms embargo.
The United Nations Security Council has approved a new round of sanctions against haiti, building on a regime established in 2022, in response to the contry’s spiraling security crisis. The resolution, drafted by Panama and the United States, also extends the mandate of the panel of experts supporting the sanctions committee.This action follows the recent authorization of a Gang Suppression Force (GSF), replacing the Kenya-lead Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission that had been assisting Haitian national police.
Did you know? – The UN sanctions target individuals and entities deemed to be fueling gang violence in Haiti. These measures include travel bans and asset freezes, aiming to disrupt their operations and limit their influence.
Targeting Key Figures and Disrupting Criminal Networks
Resolution 2794 (2025) expresses “grave concern” over the “extremely high levels of gang violence and other criminal activities” plaguing Haiti, including kidnappings, homicides, human trafficking, and sexual violence. An annex to the resolution specifically designates two individuals accused of fueling the instability.
Dimitri Herard, formerly the head of security for assassinated President Jovenel Moïse, is accused of supporting the Ti Bwa gang and facilitating the trafficking of weapons and ammunition. Kempes Sanon, identified as the leader of the Bel Air gang, is cited for systematic human rights violations, including extortion and kidnappings.
“These measures will restore security in Haiti and bring gangs to their knees,” a US representative stated. Washington indicated that these designations complement actions taken earlier that day against the same individuals. Though, the representative also acknowledged that the current list is not exhaustive, stating, “There are more enablers of Haiti’s insecurity evading accountability.”
Pro tip: – Sanctions are a tool used by the UN to pressure countries or individuals. Thay can include travel bans, asset freezes, and arms embargoes. The goal is to change behavior by limiting access to resources.
Cutting Off the Supply of Arms
Panama’s representative emphasized the critical importance of enforcing the arms embargo, calling for a concerted effort “to once and for all remove the fuel that is firing this conflict.” The representative further highlighted a concerning dynamic, noting “there is a symbiotic relationship between certain economic and political elite sectors and the gangs.”
Regret was expressed over the lack of consensus to include additional individuals deemed responsible for the ongoing damage to Haitian society.The representative expressed optimism that the sanctions renewal, alongside the work of the UN Support Office in Haiti and the GSF, “will enable us to bring about a Haiti free of weapons, safer and in peace.”
Reader question: – What do you think is the most effective way to combat gang violence in Haiti? Share your thoughts on the role of international intervention and local efforts in the comments.
Haiti Calls for Consistent Application of Sanctions
The representative of Haiti welcomed the sanctions regime as “an effective instrument of deterrence and of justice,” provided it is indeed consistently applied and respected by all UN Member States. The sanctions are intended to function as a “complementary pillar” to the GSF, which replaced the Multinational Security Support Mission.
despite these efforts, the Haitian representative acknowledged that progress in quelling the violence has been uneven, with gangs continuing to receive a steady supply of heavy weapons and ammunition from external sources. The Haitian Government confirmed it will address the cases of the designated individuals in accordance with national law.
