Security forces from Guatemala and El Salvador arrived in Haiti on Friday to strengthen the multinational mission aimed at addressing the escalating gang violence in the country, as confirmed by the Haitian National Police.
A video released by the police showed high-ranking officials, including the leader of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council, Leslie Voltaire, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, and the United States Ambassador to Haiti, Dennis Hankins, welcoming the 75 Guatemalan and eight Salvadoran officers at Port-au-Prince’s international airport.
The newly arrived forces will join the Multinational Security Support mission, a US- and UN-backed operation working alongside the Haitian police to restore order and stability in the nation.
Haiti has been overwhelmed by increasing gang violence since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, along with natural disasters and a growing hunger crisis.
The acting Director General of the Haitian National Police, Normil Rameau, emphasized that the collaboration between the police and the Haitian people remains crucial in restoring security and fostering lasting peace.
He noted, “A ‘marriage’ of the police with the people of Haiti remains the most effective way to facilitate the total restoration of security and the establishment of lasting peace.”
The United Nations Security Council authorized the launch of the MSS mission in 2023 following multiple requests for international assistance from Haiti’s government.
With the backing of the United States, the mission has received substantial funding and resources, totaling hundreds of millions of dollars.
However, the mission has faced challenges, including delayed deployments of Kenyan police officers who eventually arrived in June of the previous year, but not without facing months without pay.
Despite the international presence, violence continues to ravage the country. For instance, in November, US civil aviation authorities halted all flights to Haiti after bullets struck three jets from US-based airlines over Port-au-Prince.
Additionally, gangs fired at US Embassy vehicles in October, prompting the evacuation of 20 embassy staffers.
During Friday’s arrival, the commander of the Kenyan forces in the MSS, Godfrey Otunge, warmly greeted the Guatemalan and Salvadoran troops, acknowledging their crucial role.
“We don’t take it for granted. We have a prime minister who is also our friend,” Otunge said, according to the police video.
