Haiti prime minister calls for hope at Easter as new security forces arrive

Haiti Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils‑Aimé is using the observance of Easter to send a message of renewal and hope to the people of Haiti, as a new contingent of the Gang Repression Force arrived to help improve the country’s security situation.

In his Easter message on Sunday, Fils-Aimé acknowledged the challenges facing the nation while encouraging unity and resilience.

“In the trying times our nation is facing, may this Holy Day inspire us to draw from the heart of our values of solidarity and resilience the strength needed to move forward, united and determined,” the prime minister said.

“May light triumph over darkness, and may the warmth of family togetherness bring peace and comfort to all,” he added, extending Easter greetings to Haitians.

The message comes as El Salvador became the latest nation to contribute personnel to the multinational force. Last Saturday, a contingent of 40 Salvadoran officers arrived at Toussaint Louverture International Airport to join the GSF and reinforce the country’s presence in the operation, which is expected to reach 1,500 troops.

The deployment follows the arrival on April 1 of a pre-deployment team of approximately 50 military engineering specialists tasked with preparing facilities and infrastructure ahead of the arrival of forces from Chad.

The GSF operates in close collaboration with the Haitian National Police, the Armed Forces of Haiti, and the Haitian government. The mission also coordinates with international partners, including the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti, the United Nations Support Office in Haiti, and the Organization of American States.

Between April and October, approximately 5,500 uniformed personnel from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean are expected to be deployed to Haiti.

The mission aims to conduct targeted, intelligence-driven operations against armed gangs, secure critical infrastructure and major road networks, and protect civilians while upholding human rights and the rule of law.

Haiti has faced escalating gang violence since the assassination of Jovenel Moïse, when then-President Jovenel Moïse was killed. According to the United Nations, thousands of people, including women and children, have died in attacks carried out by criminal gangs since then.

The United Nations Security Council authorized the deployment of the GSF to replace the Multinational Security Support Mission, which had previously been tasked with assisting Haitian authorities.

Haiti is also preparing to hold elections later this year, with authorities hoping that improved security conditions will help pave the way for a return to political stability.