El Salvador’s Bukele makes a political gamble with a Haiti gang offensive ahead of an election
Bukele has sent 2,500 troops and attack helicopters to Haiti as rights groups warn the offensive could worsen violence and civilian harm.
- 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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DECRYPTAGE - The leader, known for his brutal methods, sent some 2,500 soldiers to the island that was plagued by the extreme violence of criminal gangs.
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.
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