WASHINGTON 

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced Wednesday the appointment of Carlos G. Ruiz Massieu as his new special representative for Haiti and head of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH).

"Mr. Ruiz Massieu brings to this position over 30 years of experience in public service and diplomacy, both in bilateral and multilateral contexts," the UN said in a statement.

He will succeed Maria Isabel Salvador.

A career diplomat, Ruiz Massieu served in different positions in the Mexican government prior to joining the UN, including at the permanent mission of Mexico to the UN

Ruiz Massieu said he is "grateful" for the trust of Guterres in appointing him as special envoy starting Aug. 1.

Haiti has faced years of gang violence and political turmoil, which escalated after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021.

A Kenyan-led force authorized by the UN has failed to push back the gangs. An estimated 90% of the capital Port-au-Prince is now under the control of criminal groups.

The UN said about 5.5 million Haitians required humanitarian assistance in 2024, up from 5.2 million the previous year.