The Organization of American States and the European Union have launched a €10 million (US$11.6 million) initiative to construct five Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Port-au-Prince as part of efforts to strengthen the Haitian National Police in its fight against armed gangs.
The initiative was unveiled on the sidelines of the 56th OAS General Assembly, being held in Panama City from June 22 to 24. It was launched by Haiti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Raina Forbin, alongside OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin, Deputy Director General for the Americas at the European External Action Service Delphine Pronk, and Panama’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Hoyos.
Jointly organized by the EU and the OAS under the theme “Safer Societies: EU-OAS Cooperation to Combat Firearms Trafficking,” the project aims to strengthen the operational capacity of the Haitian National Police. The five bases are expected to be completed by mid-2027.
Speaking on behalf of the Haitian government, Forbin welcomed the initiative, saying it aligns with Haiti’s national security priorities. She said the new bases would increase the presence of security forces in high-risk areas and help consolidate territories that have been recaptured from armed gangs.
In a pre-recorded message, Haitian National Police Director General Vladimir Paraison provided an update on the country’s security situation and outlined progress made by national security forces in restoring order and regaining control of gang-affected communities.
Ramdin reaffirmed the OAS’s commitment to supporting Haiti’s stabilization and institutional strengthening efforts.
“At a time when Haiti is facing profound and complex challenges, this partnership between the OAS and the European Union is an important step in the right direction,” he said. “It demonstrates the confidence placed in Haitian institutions and in the resilience of the Haitian people, as well as our shared determination to support a safer, more stable, and hopeful future for Haiti.”
He also emphasized the urgent need for the full deployment of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF).
Pronk highlighted the European Union’s commitment to helping create a safe and secure operational environment in Haiti, saying the construction of the five Forward Operating Bases represents a concrete contribution to the country’s security efforts at a critical time.
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