The United Nations Security Council on Friday unanimously voted to extend sanctions against the flow of illicit firearms and other military equipment to Haiti.
The resolution was reached following the surge in gang violence in the Caribbean nation. The resolution exempted the supply of firearms and military equipment used by the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) officers and Haitian police.
Non-lethal military equipment intended solely for humanitarian or protective use and equipment used for technical assistance or training or even those used in restoring peace and stability in Haiti were also exempted.
According to the United Nations, the resolution highlighted the need to prevent illicit arms trafficking and instead encouraged coordination among international organisations, regional organizations and the Haitian government to improve border security and manage weapons stockpiles.
During the meeting held in the United States, the Security Council also urged the Haitian government to enhance its national police force’s capacity to control weapons and ammunition, including strengthening border and customs control.
While acknowledging the extension of the sanction, the United States Mission to the United Nations termed the sanction as a key component of broader international efforts to promote peace and stability in Haiti.
“But more work needs to be done to strengthen the impact of these sanctions measures. We urge all Member States to diligently implement all provisions of this resolution,” the United States Mission in Haiti noted.
“The United States is committed to the people of Haiti and will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to facilitate peace and prosperity for the country and the region.”
The move comes as a major boost for the Kenyan police who who have in recent weeks intensified their efforts in fighting the dreaded Caribbean gangs.
During a recent operation carried out in the town of Trocel by the Kenyan contingent jointly with the Haitian police, the officers managed to shoot down at least 20 gang members including gang leader Deshomme.
The officers also managed to recover several dangerous items used by the gangs. The equipment recovered during the operation included firearms, ammunition mobile phones and sensitive materials.
“Our brave police officers have carried out penetrations into strategic areas used by criminals for some time to commit their crimes. As part of the fight to track down armed gangs throughout the national territory, the Haitian National Police continues its operations and interventions in several areas of the country,” read part of the statement by the Haitian National Police(HNP).
