In a crucial step towards restoring order in Haiti, security forces from Guatemala and El Salvador have arrived in the capital, Port-au-Prince, to join the international mission aimed at combating the rampant gang violence that has plagued the Caribbean nation. The first contingent of 75 Guatemalan military police arrived on Friday, followed by another 75 on Saturday. Additionally, eight Salvadoran soldiers were deployed to support the United Nations-backed Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, which is being led by Kenya.
The arrival of these Central American troops follows months of escalating violence in Haiti, where armed gangs control large portions of the capital, leading the Haitian government to declare a state of emergency. The gang violence has intensified in recent months, prompting international intervention. The situation remains dire, with the Haitian National Police overwhelmed and thousands fleeing their homes due to widespread massacres and territorial expansion by criminal groups.
The mission, which has been delayed for months, is seen as essential to stabilizing the country. The forces from Guatemala and El Salvador will join the 400 Kenyan police officers already deployed to Haiti, contributing to a force that is set to grow to 2,500 officers from various countries. Despite these efforts, the mission has faced challenges in curbing the violence, with gangs continuing to control vital areas and the country’s prisons, from which over 3,700 inmates were freed in March 2024.
Haiti’s interim government, including Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime and President Leslie Voltaire, has welcomed the foreign troops, who are expected to bolster efforts to restore security and prevent further territorial gains by gangs.
In addition to the military deployments, El Salvador has pledged medical evacuation support, with three helicopters to assist Haitian forces in navigating the country’s difficult terrain. However, the mission faces significant hurdles, including the recent closure of the main airport due to gang activity, further delaying reinforcements.
As the violence continues to escalate, the international community’s commitment to stabilizing Haiti becomes increasingly urgent.
