Haiti’s army seeks recruits to combat gangs; youth eagerly respond

In the heart of Port-au-Prince, a small radio crackled to life, announcing the Haitian military’s call for recruits. It was early morning when 21-year-old Maurenceley Clerge tuned in, hopeful as he listened to details about the opportunity.

Clerge’s aspirations are simple yet profound: he dreams of affording his own place and securing consistent meals. After two weeks of contemplation, he submitted his paperwork and joined hundreds of others under the scorching sun, ready for the chance to enlist.

“This is the moment I’ve been waiting for,” Clerge expressed. Currently living with a friend who also provides him food, he is fueled by a strong desire to serve his country and improve his circumstances.

This sentiment resonates with many young Haitians. As gang violence escalates in a nation already facing extreme poverty, the military offers a unique opportunity for employment. Young men and women are setting aside the daunting risks of abduction, torture, or worse, all in the hope of contributing to a government effort to rebuild the military, reinstated just a few years ago to combat gangs.

Samuel Delmas, a 20-year-old participant in the recruitment process, acknowledged the inherent dangers of military life. “I’ve thought about it a lot, knowing that being a soldier requires immense sacrifice,” he said. Delmas, who is currently studying computer repair, learned about the opportunity through a Facebook group.

His personal experiences with gang violence push him toward service. Just two years ago, his family fled home amid gunfire, taking only what they could carry. “I want to protect citizens who are on the run like I was,” Delmas stated.

The Haitian government has not publicly disclosed the number of recruits it intends to hire. However, documents released by the Defense Ministry indicate that over 3,000 individuals were chosen in mid-August and are now awaiting physical and mental evaluations.

If fully engaged, this recruitment could more than double the military’s force strength, which stood at 2,000 last year. About 60% of Haiti’s nearly 12 million residents live on less than $2 a day, placing this opportunity in stark contrast to their current economic hardships.

Emerson Celadon, a 25-year-old mechanic who has recently been selected to advance in the recruitment process, remarked, “Most young kids are not working.” He highlighted the challenges of supporting a family on limited income. Although specific salary details remain unclear, Celadon mentioned hearing from friends in the military that they earn approximately $300 monthly.

On a recent afternoon, Celadon found himself among hundreds of young men gathered outside a former U.N. base, nervously waiting to take the first of several required tests for military enrollment.

Historically, Haiti’s armed forces carry a troubled legacy. Once synonymous with fear and oppression, soldiers were implicated in severe human rights violations and orchestrated multiple coups throughout the latter half of the 20th century. The military was disbanded in 1995 after the last coup that ousted former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, leaving behind a country vulnerable to the rise of gangs.

Michael Deibert, an author on Haitian affairs, remarked that disbanding the military was one of the nation’s most disastrous decisions. The vacuum of power left by the military’s dissolution allowed gangs to establish their influence, which Haiti’s police have struggled to control.

In more recent times, following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, the military has had a limited role in addressing gang violence. Yet, former Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s announcement in March 2023 to mobilize all security forces has shifted focus back to the armed forces, which are now training personnel with assistance from experts in Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina.

Gen. Derby Guerrier recently took command of the armed forces, urging his troops to come together to restore order in Haiti. The ongoing gang violence poses monumental challenges, with reports indicating over 3,200 killings in the first five months of the year and more than half a million people displaced from their homes.

In light of these challenges, Prime Minister Garry Conille pledged to modernize the military, incorporating advanced communication and surveillance technologies, while also improving living conditions for soldiers and their families. “A soldier whose family is safe and well taken care of is more determined and focused,” Conille stated.

The military is expected to collaborate with Haitian police and support from an international mission led by Kenya, which has dispatched officers to assist in controlling the violence. Additional police and military personnel from Benin, Chad, and Jamaica are anticipated to join the efforts in the coming months.

Celadon, the mechanic, dreams of contributing to a brighter future for Haiti, longing for a time when the streets are safe, and all citizens have access to work. “I want to see Haiti return to what it once was: a place where everyone can move freely and live without fear,” he concluded.

Source: AP News