El Salvador has officially committed to supporting a multinational effort aimed at combating organized crime and armed gangs in Haiti. The agreement, which was signed by the ambassadors of both nations at the Organization of American States (OAS), solidifies El Salvador’s participation in the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM), a UN-backed initiative led by Kenya with 400 officers deployed to help restore peace in the violence-stricken Caribbean country.
In a post on X, Haiti’s ambassador to the OAS, Gandy Thomas, praised El Salvador’s involvement, stating that “this commitment marks a crucial step in the fight against armed violence in Haiti” and emphasizing the value of El Salvador’s proven expertise in dismantling criminal organizations. Thomas also shared images of the signing ceremony, where El Salvador’s ambassador to the OAS, Wendy Jeannette Acevedo Castillo, officially endorsed the agreement.
President Nayib Bukele had initially offered assistance to Haiti in March, amidst an escalating security crisis fueled by gangs and armed groups, which has resulted in over 3,600 deaths this year. Bukele expressed confidence in El Salvador’s ability to assist Haiti, but noted that it would require a United Nations Security Council resolution and the host country’s consent to fully implement.
With the inclusion of El Salvador, several other Caribbean nations, including Antigua and Barbuda, Suriname, Bahamas, Belize, and Jamaica, are also preparing to contribute troops to the MSSM, whose mandate extends until October 2025.