Haiti's Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé stated Tuesday that Haiti is responsible for the direction of foreign forces operating within the country, marking his first public remarks since four Salvadoran aviation technicians went missing last month. The disappearance prompted El Salvador to deploy more than 2,000 troops to Haiti, intensifying scrutiny over their operations.
"The international force is not here to replace the state," Fils-Aimé said, flanked by military officials. "They’re here to support us." He emphasized that the troops are meant to assist Haiti in its battle against powerful gangs.
Fils-Aimé thanked El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, noting his understanding of the fight against gangs, drawing parallels to El Salvador's own security challenges. However, a source familiar with operations in Haiti revealed that prior to an October 18 attack on Salvadoran technicians, El Salvador had not signed an agreement with the U.N., nor did it have a protection agreement with Haiti's government or a memorandum of understanding with the Dominican Republic for medical evacuations.
Damian Merlo, a lobbyist for El Salvador's government, asserted that the country's forces are coordinating closely with the U.N.-backed gang suppression force and Fils-Aimé's office. He declined to elaborate on command structures or rules of engagement, stating that only the gangs operate outside international law.
Initially, the approximately 200 Salvadoran personnel in Haiti were primarily involved in medical assistance. The exact role and whereabouts of the recently deployed troops remain unclear.
Fils-Aimé outlined Haiti's priorities as reestablishing security and holding elections. He stated that security operations have commenced in areas such as Kenscoff, Gressier, and l’Artibonite, regions that have recently experienced severe gang violence. He expressed confidence that increased reinforcements would be a significant deterrent to gangs.
The prime minister's statements followed a U.N. announcement that most of El Salvador's personnel in Haiti are not operating under the framework of the U.N.-backed force, with U.N. officials stressing adherence to international law and the respect for human rights during security operations.
Experts have raised concerns about the lack of transparency regarding the terms of engagement, command structure, and duration of the Salvadoran troops' deployment. Romain Le Cour, head of the Haiti Observatory at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, warned that a lack of clarity could set a damaging precedent for multilateral missions and lead to accountability issues if operations go awry.
Le Cour described Haiti's security landscape as fragmented, with multiple entities operating independently, comparing it to "an orchestra without a conductor."
The prime minister's press conference occurred the day after a prominent Haitian gang leader reportedly contacted the U.N. secretary-general requesting dialogue and mediation, citing concerns that the arrival of Salvadoran troops could escalate violence. The U.N. stated that receiving communications from individuals, including those under U.N. sanctions, does not imply recognition or endorsement.