The United Nations Security Council has endorsed Kenya’s proposal to lead Multinational Security mission in Haiti, in response to the Caribbean nation’s prime minister’s request for help to restore order.

Haiti has been plagued by gang violence for decades but the wave of violence rose after the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. The Secretary General of the United Nations António Guterres has said that “major use of force is needed” to disarm the gangs and restore order.

While giving the approval, the UN Security Council resolution authorized the mission for one year with a review after nine months. The new force will conduct joint security operations and have arrest powers in cooperation with Haitian police, according to the resolution.

It will also aim to create an environment for elections. Haiti has not held elections since 2016. Haitian Foreign Minister Jean Victor Geneus called the decision “a ray of hope for people who have been suffering for a long time.”