Bisonó welcomes six-month extension of Haiti gang suppression force mandate

Dominican Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó welcomed the United Nations Security Council’s decision to extend the mandate of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) in Haiti for six months, through March 31, 2027.

Bisonó said the Dominican Republic supports the renewal, which will allow the force to continue its deployment and work toward reducing gang control and restoring security and stability in Haiti.

However, he described the six-month extension as a limited timeframe given the scale of the challenges facing the country. He called for the international community to provide the personnel, equipment, financing and logistical resources needed to strengthen the force’s operational capacity.

The foreign minister also expressed hope that the Security Council will approve another extension in March 2027, preferably for one year, arguing that a longer mandate would provide greater predictability for countries contributing personnel and resources.

Bisonó said security gains in Haiti remain fragile and stressed the importance of supporting the country’s institutions and creating conditions for free and secure elections.

He highlighted the Dominican Republic’s support for the mission, including contributions to the UN Trust Fund for the GSF, facilities for medical evacuations and care, and logistical assistance from Dominican territory.

“The solution for Haiti lies within Haiti,” Bisonó said, adding that the international community should help turn its commitments into concrete results for the Haitian people.