UN veteran Jack Christofides appointed Special Representative for Haiti Gang Suppression Force
The group said the official has demonstrated outstanding leadership in some of the world's most complex peace and security environments.
The international coalition of nations appointed to oversee the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) in Haiti has appointed United Nations veteran Jack Christofides as Special Representative for the force.
In a statement signed by the Force Commander Godfrey Otunga, the coalition, referred to as the Standing Group of Partners, said Christofides brings experience in political affairs, peace-building, and operational leadership, which will be instrumental in guiding the GSF's efforts to address Haiti's security crisis and lay the groundwork for sustainable peace.
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“The Standing Group of Partners for the Gang Suppression Force in Haiti (comprising the United States, Canada, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica, The Bahamas, and Kenyan Force Commander Godfrey Otunga) is pleased to announce the selection of Jack Christofides as the Special Representative for the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) in Haiti,” the statement said.
The group said the official has demonstrated outstanding leadership in some of the world's most complex peace and security environments.
It noted his most recent role as Director of the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, Northern Africa Division, in New York.
He also served as Deputy Head of Mission and Director of Political & Civil Affairs for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) between 2020 and 2023, where he played a key role in advancing stability and political dialogue in a challenging context.
His previous roles include Director of the Africa II Division in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and Director of Policy, Evaluation, and Training in the Departments of Peacekeeping Operations and Field Support.
“The Standing Group of Partners remains committed to supporting a Haitian-led, internationally supported solution to the country's security crisis, and the GSF is central to this effort. The GSF will be supported by the UN Support Office in Haiti. We look forward to his leadership to support the Haitian people in their pursuit of security, stability, and democratic governance,” the statement adds.
The group provides strategic direction, oversight, and political decision-making for the mission and for reporting to the UN Security Council.
The GSF, was established by UN Security Council resolution 2793 with the support of the United Nations and international partners to deter, isolate and neutralise gang members that have been recking havoc in the carribean nation as well as restore state authority and public order, secure critical infrastructure, and support the Haitian people as they work toward a return to elected governance and long-term stability.
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