In a significant escalation of international support, an additional contingent of over 75 Guatemalan troops has landed in Port-au-Prince on Saturday, aiming to bolster Haiti’s beleaguered law enforcement against escalating gang-related turmoil. This latest deployment follows the arrival of an initial group the previous day, bringing the total number of Guatemalan soldiers in the capital to more than 150, according to AFP sources.
These Latin American forces are now part of a broader multinational coalition spearheaded by Kenya, which commenced operations in June. The expanding force currently comprises approximately 400 officers, predominantly from Kenya, alongside personnel from Jamaica, Belize, and El Salvador. This number represents a fraction of the projected 2,500 personnel intended to be stationed in Haiti.
Despite their increased presence, the multinational unit faces significant challenges due to limited resources as they strive to dismantle the entrenched and heavily armed gangs responsible for a surge in violent crimes, including homicides, sexual violence, and kidnappings for ransom. The United Nations reports that these criminal organizations exert control over nearly 85 percent of Port-au-Prince, with violent incidents persisting unabated since the international forces began their mission.
Recent months have seen a troubling uptick in violent activities across various districts of the capital. Notably, on December 24, a gang attack during the reopening of a local hospital resulted in the deaths of two journalists and a police officer. Earlier in December, an orchestrated assault targeting practitioners of voodoo led to over 200 fatalities, as per UN assessments. Additionally, persistent gunfire in November forced the closure of Port-au-Prince’s airport to all commercial flights, further isolating the nation amidst its crisis.
In response to the ongoing security challenges, Haiti’s transitional government has appealed to the United Nations to elevate the Kenyan-led mission to a comprehensive peacekeeping operation. This proposal, advocated by the United States, seeks to secure broader international support and resources. However, the initiative faces resistance from China and Russia, both of whom hold veto power within the UN Security Council, complicating efforts to expand the mission’s mandate.
As Haiti grapples with deep-seated instability, the international community remains divided on the best path forward to restore peace and order in the troubled Caribbean nation.
