Liberville, November 4, 2026 - In a bid to bolster its military capabilities, Haiti has turned to Benin for assistance in training its soldiers to counter the growing threat of gang violence. According to Radio France Internationale, Haiti's military has been rebuilding since 2018, but still faces a shortage of well-trained officers. The country's western region remains a hotspot for violence, with gangs exerting significant control.
Haiti's Chief of Staff, Lieutenant-General Derby Guerrier, has been exploring international cooperation to address the issue. He and his delegation are currently in Benin for a week-long visit, which includes tours of several military garrisons and academies. The visit began with a ceremony at Benin's General Staff headquarters in Cotonou, where Guerrier was received with military honors.
During his visit, Lieutenant-General Guerrier highlighted the challenges facing Haiti's military, including a lack of trained officers. He noted that the country's military reconstruction is still incomplete and emphasized the need for international support. Guerrier expressed his country's historical ties with Benin, stating that the two nations share a common heritage.
Benin's Chief of Staff, General Fructueux Gbaguidi, responded positively to Haiti's request for military training. He stated that Benin is willing to provide training for Haitian soldiers, from basic training to officer-level education. Gbaguidi also emphasized the strong historical links between the two countries, noting that Haiti and Benin are separated only by the ocean.
In addition to seeking military training, Haiti has also requested that Benin contribute troops to a multinational security force aimed at stabilizing Port-au-Prince, which has been plagued by gang violence. However, Gbaguidi cautioned that this decision would require approval from Benin's head of state.
The security situation in Haiti remains dire, with gangs blocking roads and recently kidnapping four Salvadoran military personnel. Lieutenant-General Guerrier described the situation as difficult and emphasized the need for international support.
Benin has previously expressed solidarity with Haiti, pledging to contribute 2,000 troops to a future multinational security force. This is not the first time Benin has sent troops to Port-au-Prince, as historical ties between the two countries date back centuries.
Key points
- Haiti's military is seeking Benin's assistance in training soldiers to combat gang violence.
- Benin has pledged to provide military training to Haitian soldiers.
- Haiti has also requested Benin's participation in a multinational security force to stabilize Port-au-Prince.
