Guatemala sends 150 military police to combat gangs in Haiti

Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo announced at the U.N. General Assembly that his country will send 150 military police officers to assist Haiti in combating violent gangs. This decision comes amid a challenging situation in Haiti, where a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police is facing personnel and funding shortages. The U.S. has suggested replacing this mission with a U.N. peacekeeping operation due to these ongoing issues. Currently, nearly 400 Kenyan police officers are deployed in Haiti, alongside a small contingent of soldiers and police from Jamaica and Belize. The mission's goal is to address the rampant gang violence that has taken control of approximately 80% of Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti. Earlier this year, these gangs executed coordinated attacks on critical government infrastructure, exacerbating the security crisis in the country. The international community is responding to the dire situation, with several countries, including the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, and Chad, pledging to contribute police and military personnel. However, the timeline for their deployment remains unclear, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The deployment of Guatemalan military police is a significant step in international efforts to stabilize Haiti. As the country grapples with escalating violence and instability, the collaboration of multiple nations is crucial in restoring order and supporting the Haitian government in its fight against gang control.