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El Salvador ratified an agreement establishing protections and operating terms for its military personnel assigned to a UN-backed security mission in Haiti, securing 57 out of 60 votes from its legislative assembly. The contingent, initially focused on medical evacuations, will support broader efforts to stabilize areas affected by gang-related violence and displacement.
The agreement grants Salvadoran personnel immunity from local judicial proceedings and tax obligations, enabling them to operate effectively in Haiti without typical restrictions. “This agreement protects mission personnel by providing legal immunity, allowing them to function without operational limitations,” said Raúl Chamagua, a legislator from the ruling Nuevas Ideas party.
As part of this framework, the mission respects Haiti’s sovereignty, with assurances that Salvadoran personnel will operate in collaboration with Haiti’s police forces and adhere to both local and international laws.
Commitment Rooted in Regional Solidarity
President Nayib Bukele initially proposed Salvadoran assistance to Haiti earlier in 2024, drawing on his administration’s own experiences managing gang violence domestically. While El Salvador’s approach has been met with varied opinions internationally, the government hopes its insights will contribute positively to Haiti’s security efforts.
Haitian Foreign Minister Dominique Dupuy welcomed this support in a recent interview, noting El Salvador’s participation as both a symbolic and practical commitment from a neighboring Latin American nation. “Their decision to join us signifies meaningful regional solidarity as we work collectively to stabilize areas impacted by violence,” Dupuy remarked.
