The government of Chad has announced plans to deploy 1,500 personnel to Haiti as part of a United Nations-backed security mission aimed at stabilising the Caribbean nation.
According to a letter from Chad’s presidential office sent to lawmakers and circulated on Monday, the deployment forms part of a broader multinational effort to build a 5,500-strong security force by the summer.
The letter stated that Chad will send two battalions of 750 personnel each for a 12-month period starting in April.
About 400 Chadian personnel are already in Haiti, following an earlier deployment on April 1 alongside a newly appointed leader of the mission.
The security operation was restructured late last year to address worsening instability in Haiti, where armed gangs have expanded control over large parts of the capital and surrounding areas.
The multinational force currently includes around 1,000 personnel, mostly from Kenya, alongside smaller contingents from several Central American and Caribbean countries.
Originally planned as a 2,500-strong volunteer force, the mission was later expanded to 5,500 troops due to growing security challenges. However, recruitment and deployment have lagged behind targets, with some units beginning to withdraw.
Officials from Mongolia and Sri Lanka reportedly held meetings with Haitian police last week, although no confirmation was given on troop contributions.
The expanded involvement of Chad marks a significant step in efforts to strengthen the mission’s capacity, as international partners attempt to restore order in a country facing severe political and security instability.
Observers say the success of the operation will depend on sustained international commitment, adequate troop levels and effective coordination among contributing countries.
