Haitian President-elect looks to grow armed forces

Haitian President-elect Michael Martelly announced on 5 May that he intends to stand up a modern and efficient army as soon as his administration begins on 14 May.

The Haitian armed forces were dissolved in 1995.

Since 2004 the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) has provided external and internal security for Haiti. Some 50 countries contribute to the MINUSTAH operation, which stands at about 12,318 uniformed personnel: 8,740 troops and 3,578 police. The force has a budget of approximately USD850 million.

Military contributors include Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, France, Guatemala, Japan, Jordan, Nepal, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka, the United States and Uruguay.

Martelly, speaking during a visit to neighbouring Dominican Republic, also announced that he envisages the Haitian armed forces taking over security operations by 2015.

Ecuador begins military training for new Haitian Army

An initial group of eight Haitian recruits arrived in Ecuador in early October to begin a four-year course at Ecuador's Eloy Alfaro Military Academy in Quito, and another 10 arrived to attend the Ecuadorian Army's Poly-Technical School (ESPE), also in Quito.

A further 30 recruits are scheduled to arrive in Ecuador in January 2013 for training.

Ecuador signed an agreement with Haiti in September to assist in rebuilding the latters military. According to Haiti's Defence Minister, Jean Rodolphe Joazile, the new force will supplement the National Police and will initially comprise 1,500 troops.

The troops are to assume national defence, internal security, and disaster relief roles when the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) leaves the country.