Mexican military instructs 143 Haitian soldiers as Haiti intensifies its battle against criminal gangs
Haitian Soldiers Complete Military Training in Mexico as Part of Peace Stabilization Effort
In a bid to strengthen Haiti's security capabilities, 143 Haitian soldiers have completed an 8-week military training programme, organised by the Mexican army. The training, which covered personal defense, shooting, and human rights education, is part of a larger plan to transform a Kenyan-led multinational force into a larger peace stabilization contingent in Haiti.
The Haitian soldiers, consisting of 15 women and 128 men, expressed their gratitude for the support received during their training. The Haitian ambassador to Mexico, Hubert Labbe, stated that the skills acquired by the graduating class substantially improve the capabilities of the Haitian armed forces.
The escalating violence in Haiti, particularly in its capital, Port-au-Prince, has been a cause for concern. It's estimated that gangs now control around 90% of the city. The criminal activities and violence of these gangs have extended to the countryside in Haiti, following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.
The Haitian government announced in July that it would be sending soldiers for training as part of its efforts to combat the growing violence. The proposed force would have the power to detain gang members in Haiti.
The United States and Panama have urged the U.N. Security Council to authorize a 5,550-member force for Haiti. If approved, the international leadership corps of this force will consist of personnel from countries approved by the UN Security Council.
It's important to note that Haiti's armed forces were disbanded in 1995 following a coup to oust President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. President Moïse reinstated the Haitian armed forces in 2017 after the U.N. ended its peacekeeping operations.
Accilien Jimmy, a Haitian soldier, stated that such support is essential for increasing the operational capacity of the Haitian armed forces. As the soldiers prepare to return to their country, they do so with renewed hope for a safer and more secure Haiti.
This training is a significant step towards restoring the Haitian armed forces and ensuring peace and stability in the troubled nation. The international community will continue to monitor the situation closely and offer support where necessary.
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