Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly said Friday that Canada strongly condemns the new surge in “horrific violence” by Haitian gangs.
Gang violence has increased in the Caribbean country in recent weeks, with the United Nations saying gangs now control 85% of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
Kenya is leading a multinational security mission to restore order after gangs ousted the former prime minister in targeted attacks earlier this year.
A transitional council currently leads the country, with the goal of holding elections next year.
“This politically motivated violence is clearly aimed at undermining the transition process, which is critical to security and the restoration of democratic institutions,” Jolie said in a media statement.
“This should not be tolerated. It is essential that all stakeholders continue to adhere to the agreed transition process.”
Haiti’s Ambassador to the United Nations Antonio Rodrigue told the Security Council on Monday that more support is urgently needed to proceed with safe elections. He told the United Nations that Haiti is currently seeking to upgrade its security mission to a full peacekeeping force.
Canada has contributed $86 million to support the country since February.
“Canada reiterates its support for the transition process and remains committed to a coordinated response with international partners focused on Haiti-led solutions,” Joly said.
“It is essential that the international community supports the Haitian National Police and multilateral security assistance missions in their efforts to prevent further atrocities.”
Earlier this month, 115 civilians were killed in a gang attack in Port Sonde. Thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes, according to a Security Council report.
Rodrigue told the Security Council that over the past three weeks, Haitian police and multinational forces have launched sustained operations against gangs, particularly in Port-au-Prince, but concrete results have been slow to emerge.
