The following articles appear on the website of Agence de presse haitienne. Last October, researcher Robert Muggah and his colleagues reported to a conference in Ottawa an astonishing rate of opposition of 96% (!) among Haitians surveyed to the Martelly/Connille et al plan to re-found the Armed Forces of Haiti. Read the report of that survey here.
Michel Martelly's paramilitaries are not heeding in the slightest the concerns expressed by U.S., Canadian, UN and other foreign officials about the re-founding of an army. Of course, the concerns evidently belong to the 'wink, wink' world of foreign declarations of 'concern' in the performance of the Martelly regime, namely, hot air for public purposes purposes.--Website editors.
Former military intend to defend the bases they occupy...
Feb 9, 2012--Former soldiers of the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd'H), disbanded in 1995, are beginning to lose patience and have occupied for some time now several former military bases to remind to the President Martelly of his campaign promises to remobilize the army of Haiti.
The Senator Francisco Delacruz [Central Plateau] also reports that former soldiers with their weapons have also restored their base to Cerca-la-source...
While recognizing that these demobilized soldiers have the right to demand the remobilization of the army, Senator Youri Latortue urges these soldiers who are currently in bases or training camps in Carrefour to return home and to turn in the weapons they have in their possession. Otherwise, "The State will take the necessary action and restore order." Senator Latortue reminds them that Haiti needs a modern army to protect its borders and to support its development, but that "this should not and can not be done, in disorder or illegality."
Taking the side of the former military, the former Sergeant David Dormé, Spokesperson of the Coalition of Demobilized Soldiers (CONAMID), says, "...we are a constitutional institution, a legal force, just as is the National Police of Haiti..." stressing that this is a coordinated movement, but that "...our movement of recovery of our former bases is not being dictated by anyone. There is no one behind this ... but our patience is limited, we cannot wait forever..." adding that demobilized soldiers are determined to protect their bases [if one attempts to dislodge them]. "We're not afraid and we will not succumb to pressure."
Historian Georges Michel, Member of the State Commission on "the organization of the military component of the public force" working on the project of establishing a new Haitian security force in support of the Haitian National Police says the army will not be reconstructed from the bottom but from the top, describing as illegal any attempts to occupy the former bases of FAd'H. He warns these former military that authorities will not tolerate this mess. According to him, the current movement is doomed to fail and will go nowhere.
Thierry Mayard-Paul asks the demobilized military to remain calm (sic)
Feb 10, 2012--Thierry Mayard-Paul, the Minister of the Interior, Local Authorities and National Defense, has invited the demobilized soldiers who have taken over the training camps of Carrefour and the Central Plateau to remain calm and go home. "The government has not authorized anyone to take over these spaces" he declared.
The Minister recalled that the country needs a modern force, trained and structured to protect its borders and to support its development, but that this force will be structured in order, discipline and according to legal and constitutional norms.
Aware that the rehabilitation of this new force in the country is very complex and requires a rational, progressive and profound approach, Mr. Mayard-Paul asks the servants of the Nation to be patient. He recommends to them to wait for the final report of the commission mandated to legitimize further action and create the necessary structures to facilitate their integration into the system.
For his part, the Prime Minister, Dr. Garry Conille, on a government mission to Washington and informed of the situation, spoke during an interview on "Voice of America" and said, "Our message is simple and clear, it is imperative that they lay down their arms quickly. We will not enter into negotiations, no discussions while they have weapons in their possession and take by force the public institutions of the country."
Recalling that President Martelly has established a Commission responsible for "the organization of the military component of the public force" he urged waiting for its report and hoped that all sectors of society speak out and give their visions of the future national security force.
Strong reaction by Deputy Bourjolly on former members of FAd'H
Feb 10, 2012--Following the various occupations of training camps and military bases by individuals who are former member of the former Army Forces of Haiti (FAd'H), the legislative deputy Emmanuel Fritz Gerald Bourjolly, Vice President of the Commissionof Justice and Public Security, has reacted strongly.
" [...] we agreed, the President of the Republic, the National Assembly, deputies and senators for the return of the armed forces of Haiti, but not under these conditions and we do not agree that a group of people on behalf of demobilized soldiers take up arms in the street, shoot, and put people in a climate of insecurity and create a climate of terror.
"We say NO! We do not agree with what is happening and ask the Supreme Council of the National Police, composed of the Pime Minister, the Interior Minister, the Minister of Justice and the Director General of Police, to take all necessary steps, all necessary measures to stop all those who are in the street carrying illegal weapons and to restore order and peace, as soon as possible. MINUSTAH must be present, it is supposed to be a mission for stabilization and peace. Mr. Mario Andrésol (National Police) must request the services of the MINUSTAH to put order into disorder.
"... [the former soldiers demobilized] who waiting for recruitment must wait in order and discipline. Then they will know who is authorized or not to bear arms. Even if they were authorized, the armed forces of Haiti can not take the street without permission or without special provision [...]
"I don't think those creating disorder really want the return of the Armed Forces of Haiti, they are more on the side of those who do not agree with the return of FADH."(sic)