Chad to Deploy 1,500 Troops to Haiti for UN-Backed Anti-Gang Mission

Chad has announced plans to deploy 1,500 personnel to Haiti as part of a UN-backed multinational security mission aimed at helping Haitian police combat escalating gang violence. The move comes as the force struggles with funding and manpower shortages, while insecurity continues to worsen, displacing over 1.4 million people and delaying elections in the country.

Chad has announced plans to deploy 1,500 personnel to Haiti as part of a UN-backed multinational security force aimed at helping restore order in the violence-hit country, according to a letter from its presidential office sent to lawmakers.
The deployment will be carried out in two batches of 750 personnel each, to serve for 12 months starting in April. About 400 Chadian personnel are already in Haiti, having joined the mission earlier this month alongside a newly appointed commander of the force.
The security mission is intended to grow to about 5,500 personnel by the summer, though progress has been slow. Initially planned as a 2,500-strong force, the target was later expanded, but current numbers remain below expectations. The mission includes contributions from several countries, with Kenya providing most of the earlier police deployment alongside smaller contingents from Central America and the Caribbean.
The multinational force was first authorized by the United Nations Security Council in October 2023 to support Haitian police in combating armed gangs. However, the operation has faced persistent challenges, including funding shortages, limited manpower, and logistical difficulties, which have reduced its effectiveness on the ground.
Despite these setbacks, some countries have continued to contribute personnel. Officials from Mongolia and Sri Lanka recently held discussions with Haitian police, although they did not confirm troop numbers. Meanwhile, some participating forces have already begun withdrawing, further complicating efforts to stabilize the mission.
The security situation in Haiti has continued to deteriorate sharply. The number of displaced people has risen dramatically to more than 1.4 million, compared with about 133,600 previously, as armed groups expand their control beyond the capital into surrounding rural areas. Much of the violence is attributed to gang coalitions such as Viv Ansanm, which have tightened their grip on key territories.
The ongoing instability has also disrupted political processes, with elections repeatedly delayed due to insecurity. Haiti’s last national election was held about a decade ago, leaving the country in prolonged political uncertainty while violence and humanitarian needs continue to grow.