El Salvador’s Bukele makes a political gamble with a Haiti gang offensive ahead of an election
The operation began after four Salvadoran technicians went missing, and Bukele has framed it as a rescue mission while courting support ahead of February elections.
- On Tuesday, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele shared a video of forces bombing a gang leader's home in Haiti, claiming the mission aims to eradicate gangs following the mid-October disappearance of four Salvadoran technicians.
- Bukele previously gained international fame by detaining more than 1% of El Salvador's population in a gang crackdown and is now attempting to export this controversial security model to Haiti.
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio distanced the U.S. from the offensive on Monday, stating the U.S. is "not actively involved," while Amnesty International urged governments to disclose the agreement and comply with human rights law.
- Ahead of February presidential elections, analysts suggest the operation helps Bukele construct an image of success, though critics warn the "quick, symbolic" approach poses huge risks for civilians caught in the crossfire.
- Security experts like Diego Da Rin, Haiti analyst for International Crisis Group, doubt the mission will succeed, citing Haiti's well-armed gangs and political ties that differ significantly from El Salvador's domestic gang situation.
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The Conversation
GazetteXtraEl Salvador is exporting the ‘Bukele model’ to Haiti – but the gang offensive is a gamble for both nations
Haiti’s war on gangs is increasingly relying on a patchwork of foreign troops and private militias, making accountability more complicated.
Bukele’s narrative has gone from rescuing the four Salvadoran technicians to eradicating Haitian gangs. Analysts point to a political electoral background, the risk of further violence and the difference in scenarios in El Salvador and Haiti.
With his offensive in Haiti, Bukele seeks to position himself as 'the savior' in the face of the gang crisis in the neighboring country.
He caressed for years the idea of extending his controversial campaign against crime abroad.
The Toronto Star
El Salvador’s Bukele makes a political gamble with a Haiti gang offensive ahead of an election
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Salvadoran troops bombard a gangster’s home from helicopters over the Haitian countryside. Civilians cheer on marching camouflage-clad soldiers. Armored cars drive through the Caribbean nation’s gang-ravaged streets.
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