‘I am so happy with their arrival’: Salvadoran soldiers bring a glimmer of hope to Haiti – even though they have no mandate

Since late October, over 2,000 Salvadoran soldiers have been operating in Haiti without a UN mandate, aiming to combat gang violence. Many Haitians express hope for safety, despite protests against foreign military presence. The Salvadoran troops were initially sent to locate missing technicians but have since engaged in confrontations with local gangs. The situation in Haiti has deteriorated significantly, with rampant gang violence leading to thousands of deaths this year alone. Residents like Marie Angèle Haitis and Jocelyn long for security, even if it comes from foreign forces. However, the historical sensitivity surrounding foreign military interventions raises concerns about their effectiveness and potential consequences.