The gangs no longer have the upper hand,
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has posted videos of heavily armed soldiers from his country patrolling streets in Haiti and being greeted by locals. The move is part of a military intervention aimed at helping Haitian authorities regain control from gangs.
The intervention comes after four Salvadoran aviation technicians were attacked by gangs more than two weeks ago, prompting Bukele to dispatch over 2,000 troops to the Caribbean nation. The presence of the troops has raised concerns among some about who is responsible for the use of force in the country.
According to the UN, only about 200 of the Salvadoran soldiers fall under the jurisdiction of the UN-backed multinational Gang Suppression Force. The UN has stressed the importance of respecting international human rights law and protecting civilians during security operations. Meanwhile, Haiti’s Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime has assured the public that the foreign forces are operating under Haitian authority.
The situation in Haiti remains dire, with gangs controlling much of the capital and violence forcing many Haitians from their homes. The delivery of food and other aid has been interrupted, leaving millions facing acute hunger. The addition of international forces is expected to exacerbate the situation, with Doctors Without Borders warning of increased violence and displacement.
The leader of one gang, the 400 Mawozo, has called for dialogue with the UN, expressing concern about the killing of civilians. The international community is watching the situation closely, with many questioning the effectiveness of military intervention in addressing the root causes of Haiti’s instability. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Bukele’s gamble will pay off or lead to further instability in the region.
