Chad to Deploy 800 Troops to Haiti as Kenya Withdraws Support. Port-au-Prince, Haiti — 2026-03-21 Lead Paragraph: Chad is poised to send approximately 800 police officers to Haiti to bolster the United Nations-backed Gang Suppression Force (GSF), as the Kenyan-led mission winds down.
The GSF was established in response to the escalating gang violence that has gripped the Caribbean nation, following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.
This new deployment aims to help restore stability to the capital, Port — au-Prince, which is currently under the control of gangs.
The GSF, which currently includes personnel from Jamaica, Guatemala, and El Salvador, has been working in concert with Haitian security forces to tackle the pervasive gang activity. It has the authority to arrest and detain suspected gang members.
Despite the formation of the GSF, progress has been slow, with the force only expected to reach its full capacity of over 5,500 personnel by October.
The Kenyan deployment, which began in 2024, has faced significant challenges, including the loss of three Kenyan officers who were killed during their mission.
The withdrawal of Kenyan forces marks a strategic shift in the international community’s approach to addressing the crisis in Haiti.
The arrival of Chadian forces is seen as a crucial step in strengthening the GSF’s presence and capabilities. Chadian officials spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity about the impending deployment, highlighting the international community’s commitment to stabilizing Haiti. Haiti has been addressing a surge in violent crime and gang warfare, with an estimated 90 percent of the capital, Port-au-Prince, under gang control.
The deployment of additional international forces is hoped to bring a measure of calm and security to the beleaguered nation.
The situation in Haiti remains fluid, and the effectiveness of the new deployment is yet to be determined.
As the international community steps up its efforts, the path to stability and security for the Caribbean nation is still unfolding.
Further details are expected as the situation develops.
