A group of security forces from Guatemala and El Salvador have landed in Haiti to bolster a multinational mission aimed at addressing the country's pervasive gang violence, as announced by the Haitian National Police.
The arrival of 75 Guatemalan and eight Salvadoran troops was met with a warm reception at the international airport in Port-au-Prince, where they were greeted by a delegation of high-ranking officials, including Haiti's Transitional Presidential Council leader Leslie Voltaire, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, and US Ambassador to Haiti Dennis Hankins.
These troops will be integrated into the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, a collaborative effort supported by the US and the United Nations to assist the Haitian police in restoring security on the island amidst ongoing confrontations with violent gangs.
Normil Rameau, the acting director general of the National Police, emphasized the importance of a strong partnership between law enforcement and the Haitian populace as the most effective approach to achieving lasting peace and security.
Haiti has been grappling with escalating gang violence following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, compounded by natural disasters and a worsening hunger crisis.
The UN Security Council approved the establishment of the MSS in 2023 in response to Haiti's appeals for international assistance. The United States pledged substantial financial and logistical support to the mission.
Despite challenges, including delays in the deployment of Kenyan police officers who form a significant part of the mission, efforts to combat violence persist. Recent incidents, such as the targeting of US Embassy vehicles by gangs, underscore the ongoing security threats in Haiti.
Godfrey Otunge, the commander of the Kenyan troops within the MSS, expressed gratitude for the collaboration with Guatemalan and Salvadoran soldiers, highlighting the importance of their alliance with the Haitian government in addressing security concerns.
