The United States has expressed gratitude to Chad for its deployment of nearly 350 soldiers to Haiti. The Chadian military personnel left N'Djamena on September 18 and joined the Multinational Security Force, which is working alongside Haitian forces to combat armed groups. The US State Department's Bureau of African Affairs said in a statement that Washington appreciates N'Djamena's contribution to the mission and looks forward to continuing its cooperation with Chadian authorities on security issues in Haiti.
The new Chadian contingent is part of a larger international effort to stabilize Haiti, which has been plagued by gang violence. The Multinational Security Force, authorized by UN Security Council Resolution 2793, officially began operations on June 1, 2026. As of July 8, the force had 1,083 military personnel, according to data from the UN Secretary-General. The arrival of the Chadian soldiers is expected to boost the force's capabilities and enhance its operations against armed groups.
Haiti has faced significant challenges in recent years, including a surge in gang violence. The assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021 created a power vacuum that allowed gangs to expand their control. The UN reports that gangs have taken advantage of institutional weaknesses and political crises to increase their territorial presence. In 2024, the main gangs in Port-au-Prince, G9 and G-Pèp, formed a coalition called Viv Ansanm, which launched coordinated attacks on prisons, public buildings, and the international airport.
The violence has had a devastating impact on Haiti, with the UN estimating that gangs control around 90% of the capital. Between April and June 2026, the UN Integrated Office in Haiti reported 1,408 deaths and 656 injuries in gang-related violence. On August 28, the UN reported that gangs had expanded their operations outside of Port-au-Prince, with an attack in Kenscoff killing at least 47 people.
Despite these challenges, there have been some positive developments. During a visit in June, the UN Secretary-General reported that some areas in the center of the capital had been retaken, and the Council of Ministers had returned to the National Palace after more than three years. The deployment of the Chadian soldiers is expected to further bolster these efforts and help to restore stability to Haiti.
The US has welcomed Chad's contribution to the Multinational Security Force, saying it appreciates the country's leadership on this issue. The two countries have a history of cooperation on security issues, and the US has expressed its commitment to continuing this partnership. The deployment of the Chadian soldiers is a significant development in the international effort to stabilize Haiti and combat gang violence.
The situation in Haiti remains complex and challenging, with ongoing gang violence and humanitarian concerns. However, the deployment of the Chadian soldiers and the continued efforts of the Multinational Security Force offer hope for a more stable future. The international community will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold and how they impact the lives of Haitians.
Key points
- The US has thanked Chad for deploying nearly 350 soldiers to Haiti to bolster the Multinational Security Force.
- The deployment of the Chadian soldiers is expected to boost the force's capabilities and enhance its operations against armed groups.
- Haiti continues to face significant challenges, including a surge in gang violence and humanitarian concerns.
