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UN brief: Haiti’s transition fragile amid corruption allegations, gangs control much of Port-au-Prince
Summary
The UN political office in Haiti reported the security situation has deteriorated and that corruption allegations against three transitional council members have increased tensions. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime warned that gangs control roughly 85% of Port-au-Prince and that weapons trafficking and child trafficking have surged.
Maria Isabel Salvador, head of BINU, the UN political office in Haiti, told Security Council members that the security situation in Haiti has continued to deteriorate in recent months and remains complex. She said there is "reason to be timidly hopeful" about political progress but described the transition framework as fragile.
Salvador said serious corruption allegations against three members of Haiti’s transitional council have heightened tensions and raised questions about the council’s legitimacy. She called on the Security Council to remain committed to supporting Haiti and said a lasting solution will require simultaneous progress on political and security fronts supported by international solidarity.
Gadawali, identified in the briefing as the head of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, briefed the council that gangs control about 85 percent of Port-au-Prince. She said that despite reinforcement of the arms embargo, weapons and ammunition trafficking continue to reach gangs and that human trafficking — particularly child trafficking by gangs — is surging.
Why it matters: the combination of entrenched gang control, trafficking and allegations of corruption affecting transitional authorities presents obstacles to stabilizing Haiti and restoring security and governance.
Context: Salvador and Gadawali urged continued international engagement; the briefing text was shared with attendees and Security Council members.
