Jack Christofides, the Special Representative of the Gang Supression Force (GSF), submitted his first report to the President of the Security Council, Leonor Zalabata Torres, on June 29, 2026. This report included a detailed roadmap for the GSF, complete with measurable objectives, performance indicators, and a timeline, setting a deadline of September 30, 2028, for achieving the mission's expected results.

Nature and Objectives of the GSF : Jack Christofides emphasizes that the GSF is not simply a peacekeeping operation. Its primary objective is to "reduce and then dismantle the territorial control exercised by gangs through intelligence-based operations conducted independently or in coordination with the Haitian National Police (PNH) and the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd'H)."

The second objective aims to secure critical infrastructure, including Toussaint Louverture International Airport, maritime terminals, detention centers, and major national highways.

The third objective focuses on the sustainable strengthening of Haitian institutions' capacities so that they can ultimately contain gang violence themselves. The document outlines joint planning and execution of operations between the FRG (Gang Front), the Haitian National Police, and the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd'H).

It emphasizes that "To break the gangs' grip, the GSF must reach its full operational capacity of 5,550 personnel." It specifies that high-intensity operations will be conducted in close coordination with the Haitian National Police (PNH) to maximize their impact on the ground.

However, he clarifies that the September 30, 2028 target does not represent the complete stabilization of Haiti, but rather the creation of the minimum security conditions necessary to reverse the current dynamic, restore public confidence, and allow Haitian authorities, with the support of the international community, to initiate a process of institutional reconstruction.

Priority Geographic Areas :

- West Department : This is the absolute priority, as gangs control nearly 90% of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Interventions aim to clear the main roads, the public port, and the international airport to restore free movement.

- Artibonite Department : This breadbasket and major agricultural hub is subjected to intense terror by armed groups. Securing this area is essential to curb the food crisis and revive the local economy.

- Central Department : Identified as a strategic buffer zone, it is targeted to block the escape routes of gangs fleeing the capital and prevent criminal expansion into the rest of the country.

Although these three regions are the focus of the initial large-scale strikes, the GSF's mandate will expand to cover all 10 departments of Haiti as its troop strength increases.

Jack Christofides clarifies, however, that this objective does not represent the complete stabilization of Haiti, but rather the creation of the minimum security conditions necessary to reverse the current dynamic, restore public confidence, and allow Haitian authorities, with the support of the international community, to initiate a sustainable process of institutional reconstruction.

SL/ HaitiLibre