Chad to send 1500 troops to Haiti amid escalating gang violence

Chad is set to deploy 1,500 soldiers to Haiti as part of a United Nations-backed security force aimed at curbing gang violence in the Caribbean nation. This announcement was made in a letter from the Chadian president to the parliament, outlining the country’s commitment to the mission.

According to the letter, which was read to lawmakers on Monday, two battalions—each comprising 750 troops—will be dispatched starting this month for a one-year deployment. The initiative comes at the request of the United Nations, highlighting Chad’s role in supporting international peacekeeping efforts.

The Chadian president emphasized the country’s dedication, stating, «A contingent of 400 personnel has already been deployed to Haiti as part of this mission, which reflects the honor and strength of Chad’s defense and security forces.»

Last year, the UN Security Council expanded the multinational force led by Kenya—known as the Gang Suppression Force—to 5,500 troops. The mandate was also broadened to include the arrest of suspected gang members, a power the previous force lacked.

The earlier mission, launched in 2023, was initially planned to include 2,500 personnel under Kenyan police leadership. However, it faced significant challenges, including staffing shortages and funding constraints.

Gang violence in Haiti has reached alarming levels, with armed groups controlling up to 90% of Port-au-Prince, the capital, and large portions of the central region. The instability peaked in 2021 when armed men assassinated the country’s former president, Jovenel Moïse, at his residence.

Recent clashes have further escalated the crisis. In the latest incident, the gang Gran Grif launched an attack in the city of Petite-Rivière de l’Artibonite, resulting in at least 30 deaths and numerous disappearances, according to human rights organizations.