Port-au-Prince, Tuesday, December 2, 2025 — The Standing Partnership Group of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) in Haiti — which includes the United States, Canada, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and the Kenyan Force Commander Godfrey Otunge — announced on Tuesday the appointment of Jack Christofides as the GSF’s Special Representative in Haiti.
According to the press release, Christofides brings extensive experience in political affairs, peacebuilding, and operational leadership — expertise deemed essential to guiding the GSF’s efforts to confront Haiti’s security crisis and lay the foundation for lasting peace.
“We look forward to his leadership in supporting the Haitian people in their pursuit of security, stability, and democratic governance.”
The statement said.
The statement said.
Christofides previously served as Director of the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations for the North Africa Division, based in New York.
From 2020 to 2023, he was Deputy Head of Mission and Director of Political and Civil Affairs for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), where he played a key role in advancing stability and political dialogue in a highly challenging environment.
His earlier positions include Director of the Africa II Division in the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations, and Director of Policy, Evaluation and Training within the Departments of Peacekeeping Operations and Field Support.
A Central Pillar of the International Response in Haiti
The GSF was created on September 30, 2025, under UN Security Council Resolution 2793, with support from the United Nations and international partners. It constitutes a central pillar of the global response to Haiti’s escalating security crisis.
Its mission includes:
- restoring state authority and public order,
- reducing gang territorial control,
- securing critical infrastructure, and
- supporting the Haitian people on the path toward elected governance and long-term stability.
Operating under a 12-month mandate, the 5,550-person force is working alongside Haitian authorities to neutralize gangs, secure infrastructure, and facilitate humanitarian access. However, key questions remain regarding funding, deployment timelines, and the origin of the 5,500 troops. A donors’ conference is expected in New York later this month.
The Gang Suppression Force replaces the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMAS) in Haiti, marking a strategic shift in international engagement.
Violence Escalates in Artibonite
Meanwhile, armed groups carried out attacks over the weekend in Pont-Sondé, leaving several people dead and injured and triggering population displacement toward other provinces. Gunmen also attacked the commune of L’Estère earlier this week, also in the Artibonite region.
According to police, 50% of the Artibonite department is now under gang control.
OAS Delegation Meets Transitional Presidential Council
On the same day, the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) welcomed an official delegation led by OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin at the Villa d’Accueil.
The OAS delegation is expected to meet with the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), the head of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), Carlos Ruiz Massieu, and civil society representatives to support the implementation of Haiti’s political roadmap toward stability.
