Dominican Republic urges UN to expedite Haiti anti-gang force deployment

Dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez called on the UN Security Council to renew and accelerate the deployment of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) in Haiti, warning that logistical gaps are undermining the mission. Speaking at a quarterly session, Álvarez noted that while the force was authorized for up to 5,550 troops, only about 1,000 are currently on the ground Source: Diario Libre.

Key demands

• Accelerate deployment: Álvarez urged nations with strategic airlift capacity to assist in moving pledged contingents and equipment, stating, 'No debería un obstáculo de naturaleza puramente logística interponerse entre la comunidad internacional y la protección de todo un pueblo' Source: Listín Diario.
• Full sanctions enforcement: He called for rigorous application of Resolution 2653 sanctions against gang leaders, financiers, arms traffickers, and political supporters Source: El Caribe.
• Strengthen Haitian institutions: Álvarez emphasized that international forces can reclaim territory but only solid Haitian institutions can hold it: 'Una fuerza internacional puede ayudar a recuperar el territorio; solamente instituciones haitianas sólidas podrán conservarlo de manera permanente' Source: Infobae.
• Security before elections: He argued that security must precede elections: 'No serán las elecciones las que producirán la seguridad; será la seguridad la que hará posibles las elecciones' Source: Hoy.

Outlook

UN Special Representative Carlos Ruiz Massieu described a 'window of opportunity' for Haiti's political transition, noting progress on electoral decrees and voter registration Source: Infobae. However, Álvarez insisted that the next phase must focus on executing existing strategies rather than drafting new ones.