By Zoila Palma: Haiti’s Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé has defended the presence of foreign security forces in the country, declaring that their role is to support, not replace, the Haitian state, as questions grow over El Salvador’s deployment of more than 2,000 troops to help combat gang violence.
According to AP, Fils-Aimé made his first public remarks on the issue today following the disappearance of four Salvadoran aviation technicians in an October 18 attack.
Speaking alongside Haitian security officials and an El Salvadoran army colonel involved in the UN-backed gang suppression force, Fils-Aimé thanked President Nayib Bukele for supporting Haiti’s fight against armed groups.
He said the government remains responsible for directing foreign forces and emphasized that restoring security and organizing elections are national priorities.
Gangs have expanded their control since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse and now dominate large areas of Port-au-Prince, while extending their violence into rural communities.
However, the operations of the Salvadoran troops have come under increasing scrutiny.
The United Nations recently indicated that most of El Salvador’s personnel in Haiti are not operating under the framework of the UN-backed gang suppression force.
Questions have also been raised about their command structure, rules of engagement and agreements with Haitian authorities. Experts warn that a lack of transparency could create accountability concerns, particularly in densely populated areas where civilians are caught between armed groups and security forces.
Fils-Aimé said Haiti has launched security operations in areas including Kenscoff, Gressier and Artibonite, while noting that more than 1,000 new police officers have graduated from training.
His administration hopes to recruit an additional 4,000 police officers and 15,000 soldiers to strengthen national security.
The UN has reported that more than 5,700 people were killed or injured across Haiti between January and mid-September, highlighting the scale of the ongoing crisis.
The post International News: Bukele’s troops in Haiti under scrutiny as Prime Minister defends foreign intervention appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Haiti’s Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé has defended the presence of foreign security forces in the country, declaring that their role is to support, not replace, the Haitian state, as questions grow over El Salvador’s deployment of more than 2,000 troops to help combat gang violence. According to AP, Fils-Aimé made his
The post International News: Bukele’s troops in Haiti under scrutiny as Prime Minister defends foreign intervention appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
