Chad to send 1500 troops to haiti amid gang violence crisis

Chad is set to deploy 1,500 troops to Haiti as part of a United Nations-backed security mission aimed at combating rampant gang violence in the Caribbean nation. This decision follows a formal announcement by President Mahamat Déby Itno in a letter addressed to parliament.

According to the president’s statement, two battalions—each consisting of 750 soldiers—will be dispatched starting this month for a one-year deployment, fulfilling a request from the United Nations. “A contingent of 400 troops has already been deployed to Haiti as part of this mission, showcasing Chad’s commitment to global peacekeeping efforts,” the president noted.

Last year, the UN Security Council expanded the mandate of the multinational force led by Kenya, now known as the Gang Suppression Force, increasing its personnel to 5,500 troops. The force has also been granted broader powers, including the authority to arrest suspected gang members—a significant upgrade from its predecessor.

The initial mission, launched in 2023 with 2,500 personnel under Kenyan police leadership, faced severe challenges due to funding shortages and personnel shortages, hindering its effectiveness.

Gang violence in Haiti has escalated dramatically, with armed groups now controlling up to 90% of Port-au-Prince, the capital, and large swathes of the central region. The situation worsened in 2021 when armed assailants assassinated former President Jovenel Moïse in his residence.

In the latest incident, the Gran Grif gang launched a deadly attack on Petite-Rivière de l’Artibonite, a central Haitian city, resulting in at least 30 fatalities and numerous disappearances, according to human rights organizations.