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France has expressed serious concerns over the ongoing security crisis in Haiti, emphasizing the need for continued international cooperation to address the growing gang violence and human rights violations. During a session of the United Nations Security Council, France’s Deputy Permanent Representative, Jay Dharmadhikari, highlighted the dire situation in the country, specifically referencing a recent massacre in Pont Sondé on October 3, 2024, as an example of escalating violence.
“France condemns with the greatest firmness these attacks,” Dharmadhikari stated, stressing that the Haitian population, particularly children, remain the primary victims of the unrest. He urged the Security Council to maintain its focus on improving the situation in Haiti and utilizing all available resources to help restore stability in the nation.
Dharmadhikari praised the Security Council’s unanimous decision on September 30 to renew the mandate of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMAS) in Haiti, signaling the Council’s collective determination to assist the Haitian people. France recently committed €2 million to the United Nations trust fund for the mission, alongside efforts to coordinate additional financial support from the European Union.
The Deputy Permanent Representative also emphasized that the long-term success of the international security effort in Haiti would depend on sustained human and financial resources. He acknowledged the critical role of the United Nations in providing strategic, operational, and logistical expertise and called for reflection on the possibility of transitioning towards a UN peacekeeping operation in Haiti, as requested by Haitian authorities.
In addition to security measures, Dharmadhikari highlighted the importance of political progress in Haiti, endorsing the April 3, 2024 agreement that established the Presidential Council and the government of Garry Conille. France remains committed to supporting Haiti’s transition process and encouraged Haitian authorities to accelerate preparations for the 2025 elections.
Dharmadhikari also welcomed the October 18 renewal of the Security Council’s sanctions regime, which included expanding the arms embargo and adding new criteria for designating individuals involved in gang activity. He called for further sanctions against those who support and finance gang violence, noting the recent designation of two individuals in late September as a positive step.
