The UN Security Council has decided to extend the arms embargo on Haiti for an additional year, a measure established to contain the surge of violence caused by armed gangs. This decision, taken unanimously during the session on October 17, 2025, is accompanied by new sanctions against two Haitian leaders accused of supporting the criminal activities paralyzing the country. This resolution highlights the urgency of curbing illicit arms trafficking and the central role of local actors in the persistent destabilization of Haitian territory.
Faced with the rise of armed groups, who arm themselves and thrive amid corruption and security failures, the UN reaffirms its commitment through a strict policy of asset freezes, travel bans, and a complete embargo on arms transfers, while allowing national law enforcement and the international police mission to continue operating. These measures aim to strengthen peace and security, but their effectiveness is severely tested by the gangs’ ability to circumvent restrictions through highly organized networks, notably via cross-border trafficking with the Dominican Republic and the United States.
In this context, the names of Dimitri Herard, former head of presidential security involved in support networks for gangs, and Kempes Sanon, leader of the Argentins gang, have been added to the list of sanctioned individuals, reflecting an increased willingness to target influential figures in organized crime. The sanctions regime now includes nine individuals and two groups, among them Jimmy Chérizier, head of the Alliance Viv Ansanm, known for his leadership within armed factions.
The situation remains concerning because, despite these restrictions, armed groups continue to equip themselves with an “increasing quantity” of assault rifles, with firepower that allows them to offer determined resistance to security forces, worsening the preexisting political and social instability. The embargo must therefore coexist with deep reform policies and sustained engagement from local and international actors to hope to significantly reduce the violence weakening Haiti.
To understand in detail the implications of this extension, the concrete impact of the embargo, and the issues related to targeted sanctions, it is essential to analyze the regional context, the mechanics of arms trafficking, and the dynamics of armed gangs now controlling a large portion of Haitian territory.
- 🔹 Extended embargo: One additional year to stop the flow of illicit arms to Haiti.
- 🔹 Targeted sanctions: Addition of two major personalities supporting armed gangs.
- 🔹 Increasing violence: Gangs continue acquiring sophisticated weapons.
- 🔹 Role of the UN: Maintaining international control through strict measures and enhanced surveillance.
- 🔹 Implementation challenges: Corruption and complicity facilitating cross-border arms trafficking.
The UN Security Council and the arms embargo in Haiti: issues and extension
Since 2022, Haiti has faced a security crisis of unprecedented scale, driven by the rise of armed gangs controlling several neighborhoods and regions. To try to break the vicious cycle of violence, the UN Security Council established a strict embargo on the supply of weapons and military equipment destined for the country. This measure aims to limit the arms supply to illegal groups who previously had facilitated access to ammunition through clandestine networks.
Resolution 2794, adopted unanimously on October 17, 2025, renews this regime for an additional year, marking a crucial step in the UN strategy. This new mandate follows an assessment according to which, despite efforts deployed, weapons continue to flow, maintaining a strong offensive capacity among gangs. The Council points out that certain arms flows benefit from accomplices within the Haitian security forces and neighboring institutions, making total eradication of these traffics complex.
Components of the embargo regime and their application
The embargo covers the ban on transfers of conventional weapons, ammunition, military equipment, and devices that could be used for violent repression. However, major exceptions are made: Haitian security forces as well as the United Nations Mission for Justice Support (MINUJUSTH) have controlled access to this equipment to guarantee their operational capacity.
Implementation remains delicate, with enforcement considered “very limited” by the UN-mandated group of experts. They observed that between October 2024 and February 2025, increasing quantities of assault rifles were seized from gangs, confirming a worrisome deterioration. This situation reveals that the embargo alone is not enough to contain the phenomenon of misgovernance and corruption, while also indicating a well-organized crime benefiting from institutional chaos.
Complementary actions: sanctions and restrictive measures
In addition to the arms embargo, the Council has maintained and expanded targeted sanctions against individuals and entities threatening peace and stability in Haiti. This policy is implemented through asset freezes, international travel bans, and various controls aimed at cutting resources to supporters of armed groups. These measures intend to weaken the logistical and financial networks behind gangs, thus depriving their leaders of operational leeway.
| Type of measure ✋ | Description 📋 | Excluded beneficiaries 🚫 |
|---|---|---|
| Arms embargo | Total ban on arms and military equipment transfers | Haitian security forces, MINUJUSTH |
| Asset freezes | Blocking accounts and assets of sanctioned individuals and groups | Civilian populations |
| Travel bans | Prevention of international travel for suspects | Humanitarian personnel |
More information on the UN sanctions renewal
Arms trafficking: a major challenge in Haiti’s destabilization
The phenomenon of arms trafficking lies at the heart of the Haitian security crisis, directly contributing to the perpetuation of violence and the expansion of gang territorial control. Despite restrictions imposed by the UN, transnational arms flows continue to reach Haiti’s black market thanks to several sophisticated criminal mechanisms.
Sources and routes of arms trafficking
According to the UN expert group’s report, the United States constitutes one of the main sources of arms supply. Some of this material illegally enters the country through unofficial channels. Additionally, organized diversions of arms stocks belonging to Haitian security forces, as well as the neighboring Dominican Republic, occur, facilitated by corruption within the police and customs.
Criminal gangs exploit these loopholes to arm themselves, often exchanging weapons for money, protection, or other resources, within a well-established network where internal complicities play a central role. These conditions make control and tracking of arms difficult and explain the notable resistance to international efforts to pacify the country.
Consequences and security challenges
The growing availability of sophisticated weapons increases the lethality of clashes between gangs and against security forces, creating a hard-to-break cycle of violence. This climate exacerbates population displacements, slows economic development, and undermines trust in institutions. Security forces, already weakened by lack of equipment and training, often find themselves overwhelmed by a parallel army equipped with appropriate means.
- 🔸 Corruption embedded in the security system
- 🔸 Cross-border flows between Haiti and the Dominican Republic
- 🔸 Connections between gangs and political circles
- 🔸 Continuous supply despite the embargo
- 🔸 Increase in the firepower of armed groups
Learn more about arms flows in Haiti
Sanctioned Haitian leaders: targeting influential actors in the violent escalation
In addition to the embargo, the UN Security Council expanded its list of targeted sanctions by adding two key figures of the Haitian criminal landscape. These measures aim to isolate major actors responsible for supporting armed gangs and limit their ability to influence the political and security situation.
Introduction of the newly sanctioned individuals
Dimitri Herard served as head of presidential security under Jovenel Moïse, the president assassinated in 2021. He is accused of playing a decisive role in the logistical organization of gangs, encouraging their armament and operations. His presence on the sanctions list marks the UN and the United States’ determination to combat internal complicities undermining peace.
Kempes Sanon, meanwhile, leads the Argentins gang – also known as Bel Air – a powerful armed group at the heart of Port-au-Prince. His inclusion on the list underscores the importance of directly targeting gang leaders orchestrating violence on the ground, daily impacting civilian populations.
These sanctions entail:
- ❌ Freezing of financial assets
- ❌ Travel bans within Haiti and abroad
- ❌ Enhanced international surveillance
| Name 🌟 | Role | Reason for sanctions |
|---|---|---|
| Dimitri Herard | Former head of presidential security | Logistical support to armed gangs |
| Kempes Sanon | Leader of the Argentins gang (Bel Air) | Leader of a violent armed group |
Details on the sanctions against Haitian leaders
Jimmy Chérizier and the armed gangs: a parallel power in Haiti’s destabilization
Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier, an emblematic figure of the armed gangs, remains the undisputed leader of the Alliance Viv Ansanm, a powerful coalition controlling a large part of the capital and other regions. His influence far exceeds the criminal sphere, extending into politics and further weakening Haitian governance.
Origins and influence of Jimmy Chérizier
Former police officer, Jimmy Chérizier has effectively used his experience to build his grip on several neighborhoods, combining radical violence, intimidation, and social networks to ensure his notoriety. His nickname “Barbecue” derives from his bloody reputation accompanying attacks against his enemies and civilian populations, fueling omnipresent terror.
Impact on society and security
The activities of the Alliance Viv Ansanm, under Chérizier’s leadership, severely undermine local and international efforts to restore order. This organization is often accused of arms trafficking, kidnappings, and multiple abuses paralyzing Haiti’s economic and social life. The presence of such a parallel power significantly slows down any initiative aimed at reinstating the rule of law.
- ⚠️ Domination of key neighborhoods of Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas
- ⚠️ Financial networks linked to illegal activities
- ⚠️ Violent opposition to authorities
- ⚠️ Systematic use of terror to maintain control
Detailed analysis of armed gangs and Jimmy Chérizier
Perspectives and challenges for Haiti in the face of UN sanctions and embargo
While the embargo and sanctions stand as key tools of international policy to support Haiti’s stabilization, many obstacles remain on the path to lasting peace. These measures must be accompanied by a coherent strategy taking into account local realities, institution rebuilding, and the need for sustained engagement from Haitian leaders and the international community.
Major challenges to overcome
- 📌 The persistence of corruption within security forces and political institutions
- 📌 Impunity enjoyed by certain criminal and political actors
- 📌 Weakness of judicial and security infrastructures
- 📌 Complexity of alliances between gangs and local political actors
- 📌 Urgent need to restore trust in governance
Prospects for development
For sanctions and the embargo to produce tangible effects, rigorous and coordinated implementation is indispensable. This includes strengthened collaboration with Haitian authorities, combating corruption, support for institutional development, as well as backing local law enforcement.
Active involvement of regional and international partners, combined with sustained diplomatic pressure, could create an environment where armed gangs gradually lose their capacity to act. At the same time, the push for social and economic reforms proves necessary to address the root causes of violence, especially poverty and exclusion.
| Key Objectives 🚀 | Necessary Actions 🔧 | Expected Outcome 🌈 |
|---|---|---|
| Strengthening security | Training and equipping law enforcement | Significant reduction in violence |
| Combatting corruption | Institutional reforms and independent audits | Improved governance |
| Eradicating arms trafficking | Border controls and regional cooperation | Progressive disarmament of gangs |
Consult the prospects for Haiti’s development
What are the main reasons for the extension of the arms embargo in Haiti?
The Security Council extended the embargo to curb the acquisition of weapons by gangs, who continue to destabilize the country despite existing sanctions.
Who are the two new sanctioned Haitian leaders?
Dimitri Herard, former head of presidential security, and Kempes Sanon, leader of the Argentins gang, were added to the sanctions list for their role supporting armed gangs.
What impact does arms trafficking have on the security crisis in Haiti?
Arms trafficking fuels gang violence, allowing an increase in their firepower and making control by security forces difficult.
How does the UN apply sanctions in this context?
The UN combines the arms embargo with targeted asset freezes and travel bans to weaken criminal networks and their supporters.
What are the prospects for stabilizing Haiti?
Stabilization requires strengthened international cooperation, effective fighting against corruption, and internal reforms to rebuild institutions.