Chad to Deploy 1,500 Troops to Haiti

Chad will deploy 1,500 soldiers to Haiti as part of a United Nations-backed security mission to help Haitian authorities curb escalating gang violence, President Mahamat Idriss Deby said on Monday.

The president said the contribution would consist of two battalions of 750 personnel each, bringing the total deployment to 1,500 troops. He noted that about 400 Chadian soldiers are already on the ground in Haiti.

“The state will contribute to this force with two battalions of 750 personnel each, for a total of 1,500 men.” 

Chad had previously announced the deployment of 750 personnel under the mission, but said the commitment has now been expanded with an additional battalion.

Deby said the country’s participation reflected its long-standing involvement in international peacekeeping operations, including regional counterterrorism efforts against Boko Haram and its role in the G5 Sahel alliance.

According to the United Nations, gangs that control most of the capital, Port-au-Prince, have expanded their operations beyond the city in the past year.

The Gang Suppression Force, which Chad is joining, is a multinational security initiative designed to support Haitian police in confronting armed groups.

The mission aims to reach a strength of about 5,500 personnel and replaced a previous Kenya-led deployment launched in 2023.