Lula Urges Stronger UN-Backed Security Mission for Haiti Amid Gang Violence Surge

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has urged the United Nations to step up its role in stabilizing Haiti, calling for a stronger, better-funded security mission amid escalating gang violence. Speaking at a summit with Caribbean leaders in Brasilia, Lula pushed for either full U.N. financing of the current Kenya-led mission or its conversion into an official U.N. peacekeeping operation.

Haiti is experiencing a humanitarian crisis as armed gangs tighten their grip. According to the U.N., more than 1.3 million people have been displaced in just the past six months. The current security mission, although backed by the U.N. and led by Kenya, remains under-resourced, relying on voluntary international contributions—many of which are delayed.

Lula emphasized that restoring security is a critical step toward holding presidential elections and reestablishing political stability. He also acknowledged the challenges of past peacekeeping efforts in Haiti, including the Brazilian-led mission from 2004 to 2017, which was plagued by controversy and public distrust due to a cholera outbreak and human rights abuses.

Calls for a stronger international response are growing. France, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic have also voiced support for transitioning to a full peacekeeping mission. Dominican President Luis Abinader, with backing from other leaders, proposed a hybrid mission to boost logistical and operational support. Colombia's President Gustavo Petro recently asked the Organization of American States to consider troop deployment.

Approval for a formal U.N. peacekeeping mission would require a U.N. Security Council resolution—currently stalled by opposition from Russia and China, despite previous U.S. support. Leaders warn that failure to act swiftly could turn Haiti into a regional hub for drug trafficking and transnational crime. The situation remains urgent and precarious.