Mexican Army Concludes Training for 143 Haitian Soldiers Amid Rising Gang Violence

Training Concludes in Mexico

A contingent of 143 Haitian soldiers, comprising 15 women and 128 men, concluded an intensive eight-week military training program provided by the Mexican army on Friday, September 19, 2025. The training took place at a military camp in San Miguel de los Jagüeyes, located in the state of Mexico. This initiative is part of a bilateral agreement designed to strengthen Haiti's armed forces as the Caribbean nation grapples with severe gang violence.

Addressing Haiti's Security Crisis

The training program focused on essential military skills, including personal defense, shooting proficiency, and adherence to human rights principles. The Haitian government announced in July that it was sending soldiers for training as part of a broader plan to enhance its security capabilities. Haiti faces a deepening crisis, with gangs estimated to control approximately 90% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.

Haitian Ambassador to Mexico, Hubert Labbe, emphasized the significance of the training, stating, 'The skills acquired by the graduating class substantially improve the capabilities of the Haitian armed forces, allowing them to better serve and protect the Haitian people.' A Haitian soldier, Accilien Jimmy, also expressed gratitude, noting, 'This type of support is essential for the Haitian armed forces to be able to increase their operational capacity and provide security and peace to our nation.'

Bilateral Cooperation and Future Plans

Lieutenant Colonel Juan Manuel Campos Rodríguez, director of the army's training center, addressed the graduating soldiers, remarking, 'Starting today, you return to your nation with military knowledge and physical and spiritual strength to loyally serve your people and your democratically elected authority.' This recent training is part of a larger commitment between Mexico and Haiti, under which a total of 700 Haitian soldiers are slated to receive training in Mexico. Since 2018, Mexico has contributed to the training of 912 Haitian servicemen.

Haiti's armed forces were disbanded in 1995 after a coup and were subsequently reinstated in 2017 by then-President Moïse. The current efforts to rebuild and professionalize the military are seen as crucial in restoring state authority and combating the widespread criminal activities that have destabilized the country.