Haiti: 800 Chadian troops deployed to combat gangs
According to a report published on 24 March by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, at least 5,519 people were killed and 2,608 injured between 1 March 2025 and 15 January 2026 in Haiti. The capital, Port-au-Prince, and much of the country remain under the control of gangs, whose influence has grown since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021.
The majority of the victims are linked to operations carried out against gangs by the security forces, as well as by vigilante groups and private military companies, some of which use drones and aerial fire. The UN refers to acts of violence that could be described as “targeted killings”.
To support the fight against gangs, Chad is set to deploy around 800 soldiers, who have undergone prior training in urban combat. An initial contingent of 50 engineering troops (electricians, plumbers, carpenters) will leave in the coming days to prepare for the establishment of a base. By the end of April, a further 350 soldiers will be sent, with the remainder of the contingent due to arrive in June.
This operation forms part of the Gang Repression Force (GRF), a multinational mission authorised by the UN Security Council at the end of 2025. The GRF is tasked with conducting direct offensive operations against the armed groups that control almost all of Port-au-Prince. The mission is scheduled to last one year, whilst the exact duration of the Chadian presence will depend on the deployment schedule and operational requirements.
This contingent will gradually replace the 1,000 Kenyan troops deployed in 2024. During their presence, the gangs have made no concessions on the ground. The uniforms may change, but uncertainty regarding the country’s future persists.
