US condemns deadly Haiti gang attacks, calls for rapid deployment of suppression force
Key Points(5)
- The United States (US) has condemned deadly gang attacks against the Kenscoff community in Haiti and called for the rapid deployment of the United Nations-authorised Gang Suppression Force (GSF).
- Addressing the United Nations (UN) Security Council, US Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs, Ambassador Jennifer Locetta, described the attacks as “savage” and extended condolences to the victims and their families.
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- August 28, 2026 She said the violence was another reminder of the severity of Haiti’s security crisis, noting that armed gangs have killed civilians, terrorised communities and destroyed homes and families for months.
- Locetta also accused gang coalitions of seeking to prevent Haitians from exercising their right to elect a representative government.
The United States has condemned deadly gang attacks in Haiti’s Kenscoff community and called for the rapid deployment of the United Nations-authorized Gang Suppression Force (GSF) to help tackle the country’s worsening security crisis.
Addressing the UN Security Council, U.S. Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs Ambassador Jennifer Locetta described the attacks as “savage” and extended condolences to the victims and their families.
Locetta said the violence was another reminder of the severity of the crisis facing Haiti, where armed gangs have killed civilians, terrorized communities and destroyed homes and families.
She also accused gang coalitions of attempting to prevent Haitians from exercising their right to elect a representative government.
“Terrorists cannot take democracy hostage for their own selfish and violent ends,” Locetta said, adding that civilians must be protected and those responsible for the violence held accountable.
The U.S. diplomat said Washington remains committed to supporting Haitian-led efforts to combat gang violence, restore state authority and establish conditions that would allow Haitians to choose their leaders.
Locetta said the latest violence underscored the importance of the mandate given to the GSF and argued that the mission must take decisive action against armed groups.
She urged UN member states to help troop- and police-contributing countries deploy personnel as quickly as possible and called for additional financial support through the UN Trust Fund for the mission.
“The GSF needs equipment, resources and political will to do and finish this job,” she said.
Washington is also calling on the Security Council to renew the force’s mandate next month. Locetta said the United States would work with Panama, its co-penholder on Haiti, on the renewal.
However, she acknowledged that security operations alone would not be enough to bring lasting stability to Haiti.
Locetta called for greater international investment in infrastructure and job creation, arguing that economic opportunities and accountable governance are necessary to give young Haitians alternatives to gang activity.
“The United States stands with Haiti and will continue to work with Haitians and international partners to end this crisis and restore Haiti’s stability,” she said.
Haiti continues to grapple with widespread gang violence that has displaced large numbers of residents and undermined state authority in several communities, as international efforts continue to bolster the country's security forces.
