Haiti Libre:

Sunday, on the sidelines of his support for candidates of his party (PHTK), in the region of Palmes, President Martelly declared “the country is ready to reform its army” and announced that the recruitment of the Defence Force of Haiti (Force de Défense d’Haïti) (formerly Armed Forces of Haiti FAd’H) will start from the month of October.

He also indicated to have gave instructions to Wilson Laleau, the Minister of Economy and Finance for funds be allocated in the 2015-2016 budget to start the process “From October, we will recruit young people who will integrate this defense body to take over the country,” to ensure, according to the Head of State, a better control of our borders, our sea and air space and prepare the departure of UN forces ensuring the protection of the entire national territory.

Recall that it was a promise made during his electoral campaign. From the beginning of his mandate he made a tour to meet with representatives of the International Community which had on this occasion expressed their disagreements, fearing possible coups in Haiti. Following this opposition, the President Martelly decided to transform the old FAd’H in Defense Corps of Haiti.

In May 2014, he traveled to Washington to meet with the Inter-American Defence Junta, a unit of the Organization of American States (OAS) to discuss a new formula for the formation of a Defence Corps in Haiti. Following this meeting, four workshops were held for the development of a White Paper on Security and Defence of Haiti .

On June 25, the White Paper which defines the modalities to achieve the establishment of a Defense Corps in Haiti was presented and submitted to the President Martelly .