Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly said Canada strongly condemns a new surge in gang violence in Haiti.

In recent weeks, gang violence has increased in the Caribbean country and the UN says gangs now control 85 percent of the capital Port-au-Prince.

Kenya is leading a multinational security mission to restore order after gangs ousted the former prime minister with targeted attacks earlier this year.

Canada has contributed $86 million since February to support this effort.

A transitional council runs the country, with the aim of holding elections next year.

Haiti’s ambassador to the UN told the Security Council on Monday that increased support was urgently needed for secure elections to take place, telling the UN that Haiti was now seeking to transform its security mission into a full-fledged peacekeeping force.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published October 24, 2024.