Chad is set to deploy a contingent of 1,500 soldiers to Haiti as part of the United Nations-backed security force tasked with combating escalating gang violence in the Caribbean nation. This announcement follows a formal request from the UN and was conveyed in a letter addressed to Chad’s Parliament by President Mahamat Déby Itno.
Chad’s military commitment to haiti’s security
In a parliamentary address delivered earlier this week, President Mahamat Déby Itno outlined the deployment plan, confirming that two battalions—each comprising 750 troops—will be dispatched this month. These forces will operate under a one-year mandate, as mandated by the UN Security Council.
The President highlighted the proactive role already taken by Chad, stating, «A contingent of 400 soldiers has already been deployed to Haiti as part of this mission, reflecting Chad’s commitment to global peacekeeping and the integrity of its defense forces.»
expanded un mission gains momentum
The UN’s initiative to strengthen security in Haiti began last year when the Security Council authorized the expansion of the multinational force—led by Kenya—to 5,500 troops. This upgraded force now holds broader powers, including the authority to arrest suspected gang members, a capability absent in the previous operation.
The initial mission, launched in 2023 with a projected strength of 2,500 personnel, faced significant setbacks due to insufficient funding and personnel shortages, limiting its effectiveness.
gang violence grips haiti’s capital and beyond
Gang-related violence has crippled Haiti’s infrastructure, with armed groups controlling up to 90% of Port-au-Prince and large swathes of the central region. The crisis escalated dramatically in 2021 with the assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse at his private residence, a brazen act that underscored the lawlessness plaguing the nation.
Recent reports from human rights organizations indicate that at least 30 individuals have been killed and numerous others remain missing following a violent assault by the Gran Grif gang in Petite-Rivière de l’Artibonite, a central Haitian city, last month.
