As part of his mission to inform and raise public awareness on major national issues, Xavier Michon, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Haiti, conducted an interview with Mario Andrésol, Minister of Defense, on the program Wi, Ayiti Nou Kapab, focusing on issues related to national security, state sovereignty, and the conditions necessary for the reconstruction of the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd’H).

During this interview, Minister Mario Andrésol presented his vision for the reconstruction of the FAd’H as a sustainable response to the security crisis currently facing Haiti. A former military officer and former Director General of the Haitian National Police (PNH), he stated that the dissolution of the army in 1995 created a security vacuum that fostered the rise of armed groups and increased the country's dependence on foreign forces.

The Minister also explained the current role of the Haitian Armed Forces (FAd’H) in supporting the Haitian National Police (PNH) operations against armed gangs, while outlining the long-term strategy to transform the army into a true force for territorial reconquest, while the police will focus on maintaining public order.

He also discussed the government's efforts to strengthen the operational capabilities of the FAd’H, including the objective of increasing military personnel from 2,000 to 5,000 soldiers by the end of the year, the rehabilitation of military infrastructure, and the implementation of a national recruitment campaign for soldiers and specialized officers. Through this campaign, the Ministry of Defense also intends to promote selection criteria focused on community engagement, a sense of duty, and social solidarity. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-47580-haiti-flash-the-fad-h-will-launch-a-massive-recruitment-drive-in-all-10-departments.html

Finally, Minister Andrésol emphasized the need to build a modern, professional, and republican army, under the control of civilian authorities and respectful of human rights. He also stressed that the Armed Forces of Haiti must, in the future, play an active role in national development, particularly through infrastructure, reforestation, and agricultural production projects.

HL/ HaitiFree