The redeployment follows statements from Dominican Republic Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez, who confirmed that Chadian forces, currently training in the United States, will begin arriving in Haiti from April. This marks the start of a phased transition of responsibilities.
Alvarez emphasized that the restructuring aims to strengthen Haiti’s capacity to counter powerful armed gangs. The revamped GSF is intended to enhance operational efficiency and empower the local security apparatus, while international forces maintain oversight and support.
Under the new arrangement, Kenyan officers will be withdrawn gradually. Their mission, which began under an earlier framework, is winding down as the new contingent is systematically introduced, ensuring continuity of security operations during the transition.
On Tuesday evening, 215 Kenyan police officers returned to Nairobi. The contingent was received at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by Inspector General Douglas Kanja, Interior PS Raymond Omollo, and senior government security officials, celebrating their safe homecoming.
The Ministry of Interior confirmed that the returning officers were part of the second Kenyan contingent deployed under the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission. Their return symbolizes a key milestone in Kenya’s ongoing support to the international mission.
The UN has announced plans to fully deploy the restructured force by October. The Security Council intends to expand the mission to approximately 5,500 personnel, equipping them with enhanced authority, including powers to arrest suspected gang members.
UN Human Rights Expert William O’Neill warned that the coming months will be critical. Despite the dire security situation, he noted there is still a window to stabilize Haiti if decisive, coordinated international action is taken without delay.
The transition of duties to Chadian troops signals a renewed international push to restore law and order in Haiti. While gangs remain a serious threat, the UN and participating nations remain hopeful that improved strategy and manpower will contain the crisis.