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In response to recent speculation surrounding foreign security personnel in Haiti, the Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJSP) issued a statement on November 4, 2024, clarifying that members of the security firm Studebaker Group are in the country solely for a training and mentorship program with the Haitian National Police (PNH). This program aims to enhance the tactical skills of Haitian police officers under the direct supervision of the PNH’s General Directorate.
Rumors circulated widely on social media and were amplified by foreign media, raising public concern over the potential presence of mercenaries in Haiti. Acting Prime Minister Garry Conille addressed the speculation directly, emphasizing that the Studebaker Group personnel cannot be classified as mercenaries. Instead, he described them as tactical trainers working within an official framework to bolster the police force’s capacity to maintain public order effectively.
A Strategic Focus on Skill Development
The MJSP statement detailed that the partnership with Studebaker Group is specifically structured around skill transfer and strategic mentoring. According to the ministry, the program aims to equip Haitian officers with tactical and operational skills that align with international law enforcement standards, fostering a more robust police force capable of responding to the country’s security challenges.
This initiative includes both technical training and professional development, a combination that officials believe will improve the PNH’s service to the Haitian community. The Studebaker team is supervised by PNH leadership, ensuring that the training aligns with national objectives and adheres to local oversight requirements.
Government Response to Public Concerns
The Haitian government’s swift response reflects an effort to reassure the public and address international media scrutiny over the presence of foreign security personnel. The Presidential Transition Council recently requested that Prime Minister Conille clarify the status of these individuals, underscoring the government’s commitment to transparency regarding national security matters.
The MJSP stressed that the collaboration focuses strictly on consultation and mentorship, countering any notion that Studebaker personnel are engaged in active security operations or independent interventions. Their role is confined to coaching Haitian officers, enhancing their technical expertise and operational confidence within a controlled, institutional setting.
Strengthening National Security Through International Cooperation
By partnering with the multinational security firm, Haiti aims to elevate its national security framework while building the self-sufficiency of its police force. This collaboration, part of a broader strategy to professionalize the PNH, reflects a shift towards skill-based solutions that enhance Haiti’s law enforcement capabilities without relying on foreign intervention in active policing.
The MJSP’s statement aims to clarify any misunderstandings and reinforce the Haitian government’s stance on maintaining national sovereignty while benefiting from targeted international support.
