UN Security Council extends sanctions and arms embargo on Haiti as gang violence escalates

The United Nations Security Council has renewed sanctions on Haiti, citing a surge in gang violence, kidnappings, and arms trafficking that continues to destabilize the country. Resolution 2752, passed on Oct. 18, extends the arms embargo and other sanctions for another year, as international efforts intensify to address the mounting violence.

The decision comes as armed gangs in Haiti, emboldened by the proliferation of illicit arms, have grown more powerful and violent. The Security Council expressed “grave concern about the extremely high levels of gang violence and other criminal activities, including kidnappings, trafficking in persons, and the smuggling of migrants.” It also highlighted incidents of sexual and gender-based violence, particularly against women and children​.

The sanctions, first imposed in 2022, include travel bans and asset freezes targeting individuals and groups involved in destabilizing Haiti’s already fragile security. In particular, the renewed arms embargo aims to stop the flow of weapons into the hands of gangs, which has been a key driver of the country’s escalating violence.

Resolution 2752 calls for all UN member states to prevent the direct or indirect supply of arms to Haiti’s non-state actors. The Security Council emphasized the need to “prevent the illicit trafficking and diversion of arms and ammunition to armed gangs in Haiti,” stressing that these arms undermine the rule of law and hinder humanitarian efforts​​.

In response to the worsening violence, the Security Council encouraged Haiti’s government to strengthen its national security forces, particularly in managing weapons stockpiles and improving border controls. However, for many Haitians living under the daily threat of violence, questions remain about whether these international measures can make a real difference on the ground.

Gang-related violence has soared in Haiti since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, with armed groups controlling large parts of the capital, Port-au-Prince. 

On Oct. 18, the Bel-Air gang, led by notorious Kempès Sanon, attacked the Solino area, killing at least three people and injuring two police officers. The assault follows similar incidents in Pont-Sondé and Arcahaie, coinciding with the arrival of six Bahamian soldiers to reinforce the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti.

Despite the renewed sanctions, some critics remain skeptical about their effectiveness, given Haiti’s deep-rooted political instability and weak law enforcement. The UN has signaled its continued involvement in addressing Haiti’s crisis, with plans to reassess the situation in 2025 based on key benchmarks, such as a reduction in violence and improved judicial capacity​.

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