Top leadership from Haiti’s Armed Forces (FAd’H) gathered for a high-stakes working session at the country’s Ministry of Defense on December 8, 2026, chaired by Defense Minister Mario Andrésol. The meeting focused on aligning key strategic priorities to modernize Haiti’s military and boost its operational capacity, amid ongoing efforts to stabilize the country’s security landscape.
Four core strategic pillars anchored the discussions, starting with improvements to recruit training. Military leaders reviewed the current progress of personnel undergoing basic and advanced training, and approved upgrades to logistical infrastructure and support systems that serve new recruits, addressing longstanding gaps in resource provision for trainee development.
A second key priority centered on structural optimization of the armed forces. Leaders agreed to strengthen existing institutional mechanisms to streamline program delivery, cut bureaucratic inefficiencies, and boost the overall effectiveness of FAd’H’s core missions across the country.
Third, participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing and solidifying existing strategic international partnerships. International military cooperation has been a key component of Haiti’s efforts to rebuild its security capacity in recent years, and the meeting underscored that this collaboration will remain a central focus of the FAd’H moving forward.
The most notable operational initiative announced during the session is the launch of a major new project: the establishment of a dedicated Special Forces Unit to be based at Base Vertières. This specialized unit is explicitly designed to dramatically enhance Haiti’s military rapid intervention capabilities, a critical upgrade for responding to acute security threats across the country.
In addition to these strategic priorities, the meeting also established new, enhanced coordination protocols between the Ministry of Defense and FAd’H High Command. The new framework is intended to improve monitoring of ongoing operations and create greater institutional synergy between civilian defense leadership and military command.
Finally, Minister Andrésol provided an official update on preparations for a landmark three-day forum focused on the future of Haiti’s armed forces, scheduled to take place August 21 through 23, 2026. The forum is intended to open space for inclusive dialogue and strategic reflection among stakeholders about the long-term trajectory and role of Haiti’s military institution.