Haiti has reached a ‘critical juncture’ in efforts to restore democratic institutions, the United Nations told the Security Council on Wednesday (21 January), warning that political fragmentation, escalating gang violence and mounting humanitarian needs risk derailing the transition.
Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Special Representative and Head of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), urged national stakeholders to overcome divisions, sustain security efforts and prioritise elections, saying recent electoral preparations — including new women’s representation requirements with financial incentives — were encouraging.
On security, Ruiz Massieu warned gangs continue coordinated attacks, controlling key economic corridors and agricultural areas.
“Haiti has entered a critical juncture in its process of restoring democratic institutions,” Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Special Representative and Head of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), told a Security Council session on Haiti.
“As we start a new year, there are high expectations for tangible progress on the political and security fronts in Haiti to bring the transition to a close,” he said, stressing that “political responsibilities must be assumed, security efforts sustained, and international engagement must remain focused and coherent.”
“Let us be clear: the country has no time to waste on prolonged internal fighting,” he added, calling on authorities, political parties, civil society, the private sector and community leaders to work together.
Key developments
• Intentional homicides in 2025 rose by nearly 20% from 7,574 in 2024
• Gangs increasingly recruit and exploit children
• 6.4 million people require humanitarian assistance; funding remains insufficient
John Brandolino, Acting Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), said the crisis has become more violent and systemic, citing gang consolidation, arms trafficking and illicit financial flows, while commending recent Haitian police operations.
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