On Friday, January 3, and Saturday, January 4, 2024, Haiti witnessed a significant moment as long-awaited troops from Guatemala and El Salvador landed at Toussaint Louverture International Airport aboard U.S. Army aircraft. These new contingents are joining Kenya, Jamaica, Bahamas and Belize who are already on the theatre.
The arrival was marked by a formal reception attended by key dignitaries, including the President of the Presidential Transitional Council (TPC), H.E. Leslie Voltaire; Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé; U.S. Ambassador to Haiti, H.E. Denis Hankins; Haiti’s National Police Director-General Normil Rameau; and MSS Force Commander - Godfrey Otunge. The event also drew local Haitians and journalists eager to welcome the new troops.
H.E. Voltaire expressed heartfelt gratitude to the governments of Guatemala and El Salvador for their solidarity and for sending their finest troops to support Haiti. He praised the ongoing efforts of the MSS mission, emphasizing its collaboration with the Haitian National Police (HNP) as vital to restoring order. Voltaire firmly stated that gangs would no longer have a foothold in Haiti, underscoring the government’s commitment to restoring normalcy and reopening public offices to serve the nation effectively.
Prime Minister Alix Didier expressed his gratitude to all the contributing countries, reaffirming the Haitian government’s trust in the MSS and its commitment to providing everything necessary for the mission’s success. He specifically thanked the governments of Guatemala and El Salvador for their unwavering support and solidarity with Haiti.
Addressing the media, Force Commander Otunge warmly welcomed the new troops and extended sincere thanks to Guatemala and El Salvador for their unwavering support. He described their contribution as a testament to their solidarity with the Haitian people. Otunge put criminal gangs on notice, pointing out that 2025 was going to be tough for the gangs. He gave them only two options: surrender, disarm, and face justice, or confront the MSS in decisive operations as the mission enters a critical phase. He highlighted the strengthened partnership with the HNP and assured that MSS support will become even more robust. Otunge also thanked the international community for their continued provision of equipment and resources and urged countries yet to deploy forces to do so promptly, as the mission enters a critical phase that requires more personnel, resources and funding.
The arrival of the new troops sparked a mix of excitement and curiosity among locals. While some questioned the role of female soldiers, many were unaware that these highly trained combatants are prepared to confront gangs directly and help bring peace to Haiti. The Guatemalan and Salvadoran troops, equipped with diverse skills, knowledge, and expertise, will significantly enhance the MSS mission’s operational effectiveness.
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