El Salvador's Bukele Deploys Troops to Haiti, Touts Military Intervention Amidst Gang Violence

Videos shared by El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele show heavily armed soldiers from his country patrolling streets in Haiti, reportedly met with positive reception from locals. Bukele posted on X, "Gather your gangs so we can go fight with them." These statements coincide with Haitian authorities announcing the discovery of a vehicle used by four Salvadoran aviation technicians who were attacked and disappeared over two weeks prior. The national police released images of the burned truck, found in the Santo neighbourhood of Croix-des-Bouquets, an area outside the capital, Port-au-Prince, that is largely controlled by gangs. The vehicle was found during a joint operation involving the United Nations-backed multinational Gang Suppression Force (GSF) and Salvadoran troops.

The disappearance of the four men on October 18 prompted President Bukele to send over 2,000 troops and military equipment to Haiti. Since taking office in 2019, Bukele has implemented a stringent crime crackdown in El Salvador, resulting in the incarceration of tens of thousands and the imposition of a state of emergency that critics argue has curtailed civil liberties. Bukele also posted a video purportedly showing Salvadoran military helicopters engaging gangs that were attacking GSF soldiers from Chad, asserting, "The gangs no longer have the upper hand." He further stated that Salvadoran forces were present to aid Haitians in their struggle against gangs, adding, "We are right there beside you."

The deployment has sparked questions regarding accountability for the use of force. Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General's office, noted that only about 200 Salvadoran soldiers operate under the GSF's command. He emphasized the importance of all security operations adhering to international human rights and law, ensuring the respect of individuals' rights. Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime assured the public that the foreign forces are operating under Haitian authority, stating, "The international forces did not come to replace the state. They came to support it, to reinforce our capacity." He made these remarks alongside Salvadoran and Haitian commanders.

The leader of the 400 Mawozo gang, Wilson Joseph, also known as Lanmo Sanjou, reportedly contacted the UN Secretary-General seeking dialogue and expressing concern over civilian casualties due to the escalating conflict. Haiti has been without an elected government since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021. Subsequent transitional governments have struggled to organize new elections. The Provisional Electoral Council recently postponed national elections, with the first round now set for July 18, 2027, and the second for October 4, 2027. Voter registration has been slow, hampered by gang-controlled roads and violence that has displaced many Haitians and disrupted aid delivery, leading to severe food insecurity for approximately 5.94 million people.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported an increase in fighting since the Salvadoran technicians' disappearance, impacting civilians in Port-au-Prince. The group noted that 30 people, including women and children, were injured in the eight days following October 18 due to gunfire and drone explosions. The ongoing conflict has restricted civilian movement and access to healthcare. MSF expressed fears that the arrival of additional international security forces could exacerbate the situation, leading to more casualties and displacement.