Chad is set to replace Kenyan police in Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force, according to Dominican Republic’s foreign minister, Roberto Alvarez, who confirmed the transition during a meeting with U.S. embassy officials on Tuesday. Alvarez stated that Chadian forces are currently being trained in the United States, while the Kenyan contingent, which deployed under the earlier Multinational Security Support mission, will gradually withdraw. The transition is expected to be phased to allow the new forces to acclimate and reach full operational capacity by October 2025.

Deployment Timeline and Capacity

According to Alvarez, the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) is scheduled to begin deployments from April 2025, with the mission aiming to reach its full capacity of 5,500 personnel by October. This aligns with earlier statements from UN officials, who had previously estimated that the force could be fully deployed by summer or autumn this year. The GSF’s initial 12-month mandate expires at the end of September 2026, but the UN Security Council may consider extending it, depending on the progress of the mission.

The GSF was established as a larger and more strong successor to the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. However, since its approval in September 2023, no significant deployments have occurred. Currently, the GSF is composed largely of Kenyan police, with smaller contributions from a few countries in Central America and the Caribbean. The previous mission faced challenges due to a lack of troops, funding, and equipment, which limited its effectiveness in combating the escalating violence in Haiti.

The GSF and MSS missions rely on voluntary contributions from UN member states, which has led to delays in deployment. In October 2023, Chad announced its willingness to contribute troops and police to the MSS, though it did not specify the number or timeline. At the same time, Benin and Bangladesh also pledged support, but none have deployed yet. Alvarez’s announcement signals a potential shift in the composition of the mission, with Chadian forces set to take over the role previously held by Kenyan police.

Challenges in the Mission

The Gang Suppression Force was introduced to address the growing instability in Haiti, where thousands have been killed and over a million people displaced in clashes between security forces and armed gangs. These gangs are largely armed with weapons trafficked from the United States, exacerbating the security crisis. The mission aims to support Haiti’s police in curbing gang violence and restoring order, but its effectiveness has been hampered by inconsistent international support and logistical challenges.

Kenya’s involvement in the MSS mission has been a key component of the international response to the crisis in Haiti. However, with the mandate set to expire at the end of September 2026, the transition to the GSF is critical. Alvarez emphasized that the withdrawal of Kenyan forces will be gradual, allowing time for Chadian troops to arrive and establish their operations. This transition is expected to take place over several months, with the full deployment of the GSF by October 2025.

Kenya has already begun pulling out of the mission, with its current mandate ending in mid-2025. The country has faced criticism for its limited impact on the ground, with some analysts suggesting that the mission has not adequately addressed the root causes of the security crisis in Haiti. The shift to the GSF, however, may bring new resources and strategies to the mission, potentially improving its effectiveness in the long term.

International Support and Future Implications

The involvement of Chad in the GSF highlights the growing international interest in addressing the crisis in Haiti. Chadian forces have a reputation for being well-equipped and trained, which could enhance the mission’s operational capabilities. However, the success of the GSF will depend on the continued support of other member states and the availability of resources such as funding, equipment, and logistics.

Alvarez also noted that the GSF’s success will be closely monitored by the UN Security Council, which may decide to extend the mission’s mandate beyond its initial 12-month period. The decision to renew the mandate will likely depend on the mission’s progress in reducing gang violence and stabilizing the security situation in Haiti.

The transition from the Kenyan-led MSS to the GSF marks a significant shift in the international approach to the crisis in Haiti. While the mission has faced challenges in the past, the new composition may offer a more sustained and effective response to the ongoing instability. The involvement of Chadian forces is expected to bring a new level of coordination and expertise to the mission, potentially improving its ability to address the complex security challenges in the region.

As the GSF begins its deployments in April 2025, the international community will be watching closely to see whether the mission can achieve its goals. The success of the GSF will have far-reaching implications for the stability of Haiti and the broader Caribbean region, where gang violence continues to pose a significant threat to public safety and economic development.