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In a decisive move to address Haiti’s escalating gang violence, the United Nations Security Council unanimously approved a resolution on Tuesday to authorize a significantly larger international force. The new 5,550-member ‘Gang Suppression Force,’ co-sponsored by the United States and Panama, will replace the current Kenya-led multinational mission, granting it enhanced powers to arrest suspected gang members—a capability the existing force lacks. The vote passed 12-0, with Russia, China, and Pakistan abstaining. U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz hailed the resolution as a beacon of hope for Haiti, emphasizing the urgent need to curb the rampant violence that has destabilized the nation. Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, gangs have seized control of 90% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and expanded their criminal activities into rural areas, including looting, kidnappings, and sexual violence. Haiti has remained without a president since the assassination, further exacerbating its political and economic turmoil. The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince underscored the resolution’s message, declaring an end to impunity for those destabilizing Haiti. Panama’s U.N. Ambassador Eloy Alfaro de Alba expressed optimism that the force would restore security, enabling political reconstruction, elections, and economic revival. However, China’s U.N. Ambassador Fu Cong criticized the resolution, warning it could worsen Haiti’s already dire situation. He also accused the U.S. of failing to fulfill its financial commitments, including $800 million owed to the U.N. peacekeeping budget. Russia’s Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia echoed concerns, labeling the mission as poorly conceived and unlikely to succeed. The resolution, adopted under Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter, authorizes the force for an initial 12-month period. It mandates intelligence-led operations to neutralize gangs, protect critical infrastructure, and support Haitian efforts to combat arms trafficking. The force will consist of 5,500 uniformed personnel and 50 civilians, funded by voluntary contributions. U.S. envoy Waltz urged nations to contribute personnel and resources, while Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was tasked with establishing a U.N. office to provide logistical support. Laurent Saint-Cyr, leader of Haiti’s transitional presidential council, welcomed the resolution, calling it a pivotal step in combating the gangs that have devastated the nation.

In a shocking turn of events, South Africa’s ambassador to France, Emmanuel Nkosinathi Mthethwa, was discovered deceased on Tuesday morning at the base of a luxury hotel in western Paris. The 58-year-old diplomat, widely known as Nathi Mthethwa, had been reported missing the previous evening after his wife received a distressing message from him. In the message, Mthethwa reportedly apologized and hinted at his intention to end his own life, according to Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau. A security guard at the Hyatt hotel found Mthethwa’s body in the inner courtyard early Tuesday, prompting an immediate investigation. Authorities revealed that Mthethwa had reserved a room on the 22nd floor, where the window’s safety mechanism appeared to have been forcibly opened. Investigators found no evidence of a struggle, medication, or illegal substances at the scene. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed profound sorrow over the ambassador’s death, describing it as a tragic loss. In a statement, Ramaphosa extended his heartfelt condolences to Mthethwa’s wife and family. Mthethwa, who had been appointed ambassador to France in December 2023, was tasked with enhancing bilateral relations between South Africa and France. Prior to his diplomatic role, he served as South Africa’s minister of police and minister of sports, arts, and culture.

South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, was discovered deceased near the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Paris, according to French authorities. The 58-year-old diplomat had been reported missing by his wife on Monday evening following a concerning message from him. Mthethwa had reserved a room on the 22nd floor of the hotel, where a security window was found forced open. The Paris prosecutor’s office has initiated an investigation into the unclear circumstances surrounding his death, with a duty magistrate dispatched to the scene. Mthethwa, a prominent member of the African National Congress (ANC), had been serving as ambassador since December 2023. He previously held significant roles in the South African government, including Minister of Police and Minister of Arts and Culture. A close ally of former President Jacob Zuma, Mthethwa was implicated in the state capture inquiry, which investigated allegations of high-level corruption during Zuma’s presidency. South Africa’s Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola praised Mthethwa as a ‘distinguished servant of the nation,’ emphasizing that his loss is deeply felt both nationally and within the international diplomatic community. Lamola confirmed that French authorities are actively investigating the incident.