Guatemala and El Salvador have dispatched military personnel to Haiti to integrate into a United Nations-backed initiative aiming to curb the ongoing issue of gang violence plaguing the nation. This deployment forms part of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, which received formal authorization from the UN Security Council in 2023. This mission, designed to last for a year, seeks to restore order amidst escalating civil unrest and violence that have persisted for several years.
The MSS mission, led by Kenyan forces, initially welcomed 75 soldiers from Guatemala and eight from El Salvador, as confirmed by an announcement from the Haitian National Police. A subsequent group of 75 Guatemalan soldiers is also anticipated to join the operation soon, enhancing the overall deployment across the region. This strategic military endeavor is geared towards reinforcing the Haitian government’s efforts to reestablish public order.
The security crisis in Haiti has prompted alarm within international communities, particularly after an investigation by the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Their joint report highlighted a massacre in Port-au-Prince, with a staggering 207 executions carried out by a criminal gang. Reports suggest that over 5,350 people were killed in 2024 alone, positioning the gang violence as an immediate threat to national stability.
In addition to on-the-ground military support, the Security Council has urged member states and regional organizations to bolster the mission with necessary equipment and logistical resources. The Council renewed the mission’s mandate in September 2024, emphasizing the need for a collaborative effort to effectively tackle the security challenges faced by Haitians.
UN Human Rights Expert for Haiti, William O’Neill, recently issued a warning about the detrimental impact of gangs that are deliberately targeting healthcare systems in the country. He stressed the urgency of safeguarding these critical services to ensure the Haitian population’s right to medical care is upheld amidst the turmoil.
The Interim Director-General of the Haitian National Police, Normil Rameau, highlighted the importance of cooperation between law enforcement and civilians. He reiterated that such collaboration is pivotal in achieving sustainable peace throughout Haiti. More insight on the mission’s objectives and impact can be found in the report from JURIST.