The deployment of Chadian forces to Haiti marks a significant escalation in international efforts to contain the country’s worsening gang crisis, following the restructuring of a UN-backed mission into a more militarized force.
Under a United Nations Security Council resolution adopted in late 2025, the Multinational Security Support mission has been transformed into the “Gang Suppression Force,” with an expanded mandate that includes combat operations alongside Haitian security forces.
The shift reflects the growing intensity of violence, as the mission seeks to restore control in areas heavily affected by gang activity.
Chadian forces are now taking on a leading operational role amid changes in contributions from other countries. President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno has confirmed the deployment of two battalions, totaling around 1,500 troops, for a one-year mission.
An initial contingent arrived in early April, including engineers and specialized police tasked with preparing infrastructure and operational conditions for a larger deployment.
The force aims to reach approximately 5,500 personnel in the coming months, though this depends on sustained funding and international support.
The deployment comes as Haiti faces a severe humanitarian crisis, with internal displacement exceeding 1.4 million people and armed groups controlling most of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
More than half the population is experiencing acute food insecurity, while violence has spread to areas previously considered relatively stable.
Despite the reinforced mandate, the mission faces major challenges, including limited funding and a prolonged political vacuum, with no national elections held in years.
Armed groups have also adapted their tactics, increasingly using improvised explosive devices and drones, complicating operations for international forces.
Analysts warn that military action alone will not be sufficient, emphasizing the need for political solutions and governance reforms to address the root causes of the crisis.
