At least 47 people were killed and more than 50 were kidnapped during a brutal gang attack in Kenscoff, Haiti, on August 23. The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms the savage onslaught by these terrorist gangs.
“This attack, which follows months of ongoing deadly violence, is another reminder of the dire state of Haiti’s security crisis,” said Ambassador Jennifer Locetta, U.S. Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs at the United Nations. For months, terrorist gangs have murdered civilians, terrorized communities, burned homes, and destroyed families.
These gangs have now publicly admitted that their goal is to prevent Haitian voters from exercising their rights to cast ballots in future elections.
“Terrorists cannot take democracy hostage for their own selfish and violent ends,” declared Ambassador Locetta. “They cannot terrorize from the ends of rifles and from the comforts of toll-stations—as they rob Haiti of their future.”
“We must protect civilians against these unconscionable acts.”
The United States stands with the Haitian authorities who seek to hold the perpetrators accountable, put an end to gang impunity, restore state authority, and allow the Haitian people to choose their government leaders for themselves.
The United States remains committed to supporting Haitian-led security efforts to end gang terror.
“This attack is precisely why the UN-authorized Gang Suppression Force’s (GSF) mission and mandate matters,” said Ambassador Locetta. “The GSF was not created to issue statements from within a compound wall or spend our money while Haiti suffers. With the help of this [Security] Council and so many other donor countries, this is a new kind of mission, one with a mandate to actually stop gangsters and end the bloodshed.”
“They must sweep the streets, neutralize the threat, and deliver Haiti back to her people,” urged Ambassador Locetta.
“UN Member States can support this important work towards regional stabilization by enabling troop- and police-contributing countries of the GSF to deploy as quickly as possible and by contributing to the UN Trust Fund for the GSF.”
Ambassador Locetta encouraged Member States to provide much needed equipment, resources, and political will to finish the job.
“We cannot achieve stability through security forces alone,” cautioned Ambassador Locetta. “We must break this cycle of violence by pairing credible offramps with real opportunities fostered by accountable governance.”
“We call on the international community to help Haiti win the peace for the long haul,” said Ambassador Locetta. “By injecting sorely needed investments through capital, infrastructure, and job creation, we can offer opportunities for the next generation of Haitian leaders and provide alternatives to the deadly path of gang violence.”
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.