News
Haiti to work with Brazil, Ecuador to build new army
International aid donors and human rights activists also say they fear the return of the institution could be divisive and divert resources from more pressing challenges of rebuilding after a 2010 earthquake killed more than 200,000 people.
The outgoing U.S. ambassador to Haiti, Kenneth Merten, said recently that Washington had no plans to help fund the army but would not interfere with Haiti’s right to set it up.
Martelly, acknowledged that some countries have been reluctant to contribute but maintained that a military force was necessary to replace U.N. troops when they leave.
“What we want to create is a force that will help with development, natural disasters, protecting our borders and supporting in security issues when the police are overwhelmed,” Martelly told Reuters.
“We are talking to other partners that had concerns, particularly because of past practices of the Haiti military that were involved in human rights abuses and coups,” he added.
Martelly said the current U.N. stabilization mission can be considered a success only when it departs Haiti, leaving behind a peaceful and stable environment.
Haiti’s Defense Minister Rodolphe Joazile said Haiti’s plan did not signify any sidelining of international efforts to reinforce its civilian police.
