PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — In a rare public address, Haiti’s Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé commented on the situation in his country as concerns mount regarding the safety of foreign personnel. His remarks came shortly after the disappearance of four Salvadoran aviation technicians last month, which has led El Salvador to deploy more than 2,000 troops to assist amidst rising violence by gangs in the region.
Fils-Aimé emphasized that while foreign troops are present, the government of Haiti retains full responsibility for directing their operations. “Haiti is responsible for the direction of foreign forces in his country,” he stated. The prime minister’s response highlights the intricate dynamics of international assistance in the face of domestic strife.
The arrival of Salvadoran military personnel follows El Salvador’s heightened scrutiny and concern for its citizens’ safety in Haiti, where gang-related violence has escalated significantly. This deployment is aimed at safeguarding the Salvadoran technicians and supporting the Haitian government in restoring order.
As foreign troops work alongside local authorities, the Prime Minister conveyed that the ongoing issues stem from powerful gangs that have taken hold of various regions. He urged a coordinated response to combat these challenges, asserting the need for collaboration between foreign forces and local governance to achieve stability.
Looking ahead, the Salvadoran government has not shared a specific timeline for the troop deployment, as the situation remains fluid. Authorities will continue to assess security conditions while ensuring the protection of both foreign and local personnel involved in relief and recovery efforts.
