UN deploys first Chadian troops to Haiti

Port-au-Prince.- The United Nations has begun deploying international troops to Haiti under its newly established Gang Suppression Force (GSF), with the arrival of the first contingent from Chad marking a key step in efforts to curb escalating gang violence across the country.

According to the UN, the 5,500-member force—created in 2025—replaces the previous Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, which failed to contain the rapid expansion of armed groups. The GSF is led by Special Representative Jack Christofides, who is already in Haiti overseeing operations. Despite the significance of the deployment, the arrival of Chadian troops on April 1 occurred without an official ceremony or formal announcement from Haitian authorities.

Rising in violence

The mission begins amid a worsening security crisis, with armed gangs expanding their control beyond Port-au-Prince into regions such as Centre and Artibonite. Between March 2025 and January 2026, more than 5,500 people were killed and over 2,600 injured in violence involving gangs, security forces, private entities, and civilian self-defense groups. In Artibonite, Haitian National Police launched a major operation alongside international forces following a massacre that left at least 70 people dead, reportedly carried out by the gang Grand Grif.

Amid growing regional concern, the Dominican Republic is coordinating with the United Nations to support the GSF through logistical assistance, including transit for personnel and equipment, medical services, and the potential establishment of a support office. Authorities stressed that the country’s role will remain limited to support functions, although local reports indicate that thousands of troops have been deployed along the border to reinforce security in response to the ongoing crisis.