UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres put forward a plan this week that would see a rapid, multinational intervention to help stabilize Port-au-Prince and enable the Haitian government to regain control from armed gangs that now control portions of the capital. The proposal envisions a quickly deployed force drawn from one or more countries, operating under the UN umbrella rather than as a standalone operation, and coordinated by a member state that would lead the mission with or without support from others. This concept was outlined in a letter to the UN Security Council that has been obtained by regional media outlets.
According to the secretary-general, the mission would primarily assist Haiti’s national police in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area. Its aim would be to ensure the free flow of essential supplies—water, fuel, food, and medical goods—from major ports and airports to communities, hospitals, and other critical facilities. The plan emphasizes protecting these infrastructures and guaranteeing that life-sustaining resources reach the population amid the ongoing instability.
To carry out these tasks, the proposal envisions foreign troops supporting Haitian police efforts to neutralize the threat posed by armed gangs and to provide immediate protection to essential services and infrastructure. The objective is to reduce violence and restore basic security so that humanitarian relief and government services can function more effectively.
The idea comes in response to a request from the Government of Haiti earlier this week for international military assistance to address a deteriorating security situation. Armed groups have extended their reach in Port-au-Prince regions and have even blocked key oil terminals, impacting energy supply and daily life across the city.
The secretary-general’s letter indicates that the Security Council could consider a deployment that would be welcomed by the international community, with the UN Secretary-General able to mobilize additional capabilities to support ceasefire arrangements and humanitarian operations, coordinating these efforts with relevant international partners and organizations.
Under the proposed plan, the rapid-action force would be temporary, with a goal of enabling the Haitian National Police to regain control of critical infrastructure and to begin restoring essential services. The phased approach would see a transition from foreign-led security actions to a more normal, nationally led security posture as conditions stabilize.
Looking further ahead, the proposal outlines two medium-term options. One would involve forming a working group of participating nations to advise and train Haitian police officers, building their capacity to handle security challenges themselves. The other would create a dedicated, international “special force” comprised of trained agents from abroad to assist in ongoing efforts against armed gangs. In both scenarios, the plan emphasizes that any bilateral or multinational action would take place at the invitation of the Haitian government, and that members would hope to avoid establishing a long-term UN peacekeeping presence if possible.
The UN has previously had a visible military presence in Haiti, with blue helmets deployed from 2004 to 2017. Since then, a police-led mission and subsequent political-advisory programs have maintained a reduced level of international involvement. The Security Council has pressed for options to strengthen Haiti’s security framework, recognizing that the country’s situation has worsened in recent weeks and that health risks, including a cholera outbreak, could escalate quickly in the current crisis.
In parallel, member states with influence within the UN are weighing possible actions to curb violence. Measures under consideration include sanctions targeting armed gang leaders and an embargo on arms sales to these groups. These steps illustrate the international community’s readiness to support Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas as Haitian institutions work to restore governance and protect civilians.