Dominican Republic Backs Extension Of Haiti Security Force

The Dominican Republic has supported the extension of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) in Haiti through March 31, 2027, with Foreign Minister Víctor-Ito-Bisonó arguing that the six-month extension is too short given the scale of the security challenges facing the neighboring country.

Bisonó said a longer mandate would give countries contributing personnel and resources greater predictability while allowing the force to complete its planned deployment and strengthen its operational capacity. He urged the international community to provide the personnel, equipment, financing and logistical support required for the mission.

Santo Domingo Calls For Longer International Commitment

The Dominican foreign minister said the six-month period should be used to make progress on security in Haiti, but argued that the GSF should receive another year-long extension once the current mandate reaches its March 2027 deadline.

The GSF was authorized by the UN Security Council in September 2025 to replace the previous multinational security support mission. Its mandate calls for operations in coordination with Haitian security authorities, including efforts to reduce the influence of armed gangs and improve security conditions. The United Nations has also established a support office to provide logistical and operational assistance to the force.

Bisonó also linked improved security conditions to Haiti’s political process, expressing hope that the coming months will create circumstances in which the country can move toward elections that are free and secure.

Dominican Republic Highlights Support For Haiti Mission

Beyond its political support for the GSF, the Dominican Republic has contributed to the United Nations trust fund established to support the force, according to Bisonó’s statement. The country has also facilitated evacuations, medical assistance and logistical support from Dominican territory.

The issue has particular significance for the Dominican Republic because Haiti shares the island of Hispaniola with it. Developments in Haiti’s security situation have direct regional implications, including for cross-border movement, humanitarian operations and the wider stability of the Caribbean.

At the United Nations, the GSF has been described as part of a broader effort to create the security conditions needed for longer-term institutional and political progress in Haiti. A recent Security Council briefing noted that the force had established structures and coordination mechanisms and was moving toward sustained operations, while also emphasizing that its deployment remained incomplete.

Haiti Faces Continuing Violence

Haiti continues to face severe insecurity linked to armed gangs, particularly around the capital, Port-au-Prince. The violence has contributed to killings, injuries and large-scale displacement, while also complicating humanitarian operations and the country’s efforts to organize elections.

United Nations reporting has continued to document high levels of violence during 2026. In the second quarter alone, UN officials reported more than 1,000 people killed and 656 injured across Haiti, underscoring the security conditions that the GSF is intended to help address.

The United Nations has also acknowledged that the force’s deployment has faced significant operational challenges. Its support infrastructure was established during 2026, including medical services, transportation, communications, accommodations and other logistical capabilities needed to sustain the mission.

For the Dominican Republic, the next stage will therefore involve continued support for the international security effort while pressing for the resources and longer-term mandate that Santo Domingo says are necessary to help Haiti improve security and advance toward an electoral process.