Chad is set to replace Kenyan forces in Haiti as part of an international mission to combat rising gang violence, with full deployment expected by October.
The Republic of the Dominican Republic's Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez announced that the UN-backed international force to assist the Haitian police against armed gangs is expected to be fully operational by October. This announcement comes as Haiti continues to struggle with escalating violence and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people. Alvarez stated after a meeting with US embassy officials that Chadian troops are currently being trained in the United States to gradually replace the Kenyan police forces that are currently leading the operation.
Alvarez clarified that the withdrawal of Kenyan forces will not be immediate but will occur in phases to allow the incoming troops to familiarize themselves with the mission's nature. The deployment of the new force, which will officially be named the "Gang Suppression Force," is scheduled to begin in early April, with the goal of reaching full strength of 5,500 personnel by October. Previous statements from the UN suggested that full deployment was anticipated in the summer or fall, with the initial mandate for this force set to expire in September 2026, although there is potential for an extension by the Security Council.
The introduction of the new force aims to provide relief and support in Haiti, a nation plagued by ongoing insecurity and violence, highlighting the international community's efforts to stabilize the situation. It marks a shift in strategy as Chad takes on this role following the perceived failures of the Kenyan-led mission, raising questions about the effectiveness and sustainability of foreign interventions in Haiti's complex socio-political landscape.
