In addition to training, Haiti has already deployed 150 soldiers to Mexico. This decision follows the footsteps of a nation beset by rampant gang violence and widespread disorder. On Thursday, the soldiers departed Port-au-Prince. They’ll participate in a three-month training curriculum focused on increasing their capacities to restore community safety. Despite overwhelming difficulties, the Haitian government is starting to take significant steps towards rebuilding public institutions. This new effort will be crucial as they look ahead to the 2024 elections.
The reality on the ground in Haiti continues to worsen, with armed incursions forcing another 15,000 people from their homes just last month. Yet gang violence has remained a chronic plague, causing thousands of deaths and injuries in recent years. Today, gangs control more than 80 percent of Port-au-Prince. This endemic violence has forced nearly 1.3 million people to flee within the country, an internally displaced population that extends across the country.
Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé emphasized that the deployment of troops for training in Mexico is a crucial step toward restoring order. He suggested that the program is a reflection of the administration’s commitment to returning power to the states. It is focused on keeping all of our citizens safe.
“It illustrates the government’s firm determination to restore republican order, reinstate state authority throughout the country, and ensure the protection of every citizen.” – Haiti’s government
This training program is an important part of a broader multinational security support mission (MSS). The United States takes on most of the funding for this initiative too. Even in this context, last year marked a significant moment when hundreds of Kenyan police officers arrived in Haiti. They became partners in an effort to professionalize and strengthen the security forces.
Gun violence remains an everyday reality, puncturing the illusion of normalcy. Tragically, it has taken the lives of at least two Kenyan police officers deployed to Haiti. The international community is doing its best to help Haiti right now. Yet past attempts to restore infrastructure equity and security have faltered, yielding half-measures and disappointing outcomes.
In all, 700 Haitian soldiers will take part in the Mexican training program. Once finished, they’ll come back with sharpened tools to more efficiently address the root problems that lead to gang-related retaliation. Mexico’s security forces have unique expertise when it comes to operating against organized crime. This unique expertise, particularly as it pertains to combatting international drug cartels, would be of tremendous benefit to Haitian troops.
