January 8, 2025
On January 4, 2025, a contingent of 77 Guatemalan police-military personnel arrived in Haiti, marking a new phase in bolstering the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. These soldiers are joining efforts with the Haitian National Police (HNP) and international forces already on the ground to restore order in a country grappling with unprecedented armed violence. Their arrival is part of the full deployment of 150 Guatemalan military personnel, following an initial group of 75 that landed on January 3, 2025, at Toussaint Louverture International Airport.
The Guatemalan reinforcements join 400 Kenyan police officers deployed since June 2024, along with contingents from Jamaica and Belize. Their mission is to support the HNP in combating armed gangs that control nearly 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and terrorize the population. The Guatemalan soldiers will participate directly in gang dismantlement operations, while the 8 Salvadoran soldiers who arrived earlier will focus on medical evacuations and providing aid to the injured.
The arrival of these reinforcements comes at a critical moment for Haiti, where gang violence has reached alarming levels. Armed attacks are increasing in the metropolitan area, particularly in Pétion-Ville, where security forces are engaged in fierce battles against heavily armed gangs. These gangs are seeking to expand their control over strategic areas, directly threatening the safety of vital infrastructure and civilians.
The international community has welcomed this mobilization as a tangible sign of solidarity with Haiti. However, significant challenges remain, particularly regarding funding and coordination. To achieve the mission’s objectives, increased support in resources and equipment will be essential. Haitians, meanwhile, hope these reinforcements will finally bring peace and stability back to their country.