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Haiti’s Defense Minister, Jean Marc Berthier Antoine, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring state authority and security across the country during his address at the 16th Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas (CMDA) held in Argentina. His remarks highlighted the urgent challenges Haiti faces and outlined the government’s efforts to modernize its military forces.
Antoine stressed the need for decisive action to address Haiti’s ongoing security issues and reaffirmed the Haitian government’s determination to reestablish order. He noted that efforts to strengthen the Haitian Armed Forces (FAD’H) are central to this plan, with a focus on respecting human rights and promoting inclusivity.
Modernizing the armed forces
In his speech, Antoine emphasized the government’s efforts to modernize the FAD’H and create an institution capable of responding to current threats while upholding democratic principles. One key area of progress, according to the minister, has been the increased integration of women into the military, a step that underscores the government’s commitment to gender equality within the armed forces.
Regional priorities: AI and cybersecurity
Beyond Haiti’s domestic concerns, Antoine’s address at the CMDA touched on broader regional issues, including the role of emerging technologies in defense. According to a statement from the Ministry of Defense, topics like artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and cyberdefense were discussed during the conference, with participants acknowledging the growing importance of these fields in national security.
Antoine expressed Haiti’s support for regional cooperation on these issues, noting the potential of AI to transform intelligence gathering and analysis, as well as the urgent need to bolster defenses against cyber threats.
Collaborative approach
The 16th CMDA brought together defense leaders from across the Americas to discuss shared challenges and strategies for enhancing security. Antoine emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing both Haiti’s internal security issues and regional concerns, reinforcing the need for partnerships in a rapidly evolving global security environment.
