Haitian army set to make controversial return after two decades

Haiti has been without military forces since 1995, when former president Jean-Bertrand Aristide disbanded the army after returning to power following a coup, leaving the national police responsible for security.

The army's comeback has been a divisive topic in a country still suffering from a catastrophic earthquake and a fierce hurricane in recent years, with critics and activists concerned that armed forces would meddle in politics and rob essential resources from education and health care.

Haitian President Jovenel Moise on Thursday named former army colonel Jodel Lesage as acting commander-in-chief, moving troops closer to full operation. The appointment still needs to be approved by Haiti's senate.

On Saturday, Moise welcomed the army's anticipated return with a parade featuring dozens of camouflaged soldiers toting rifles in the northern coastal city of Cap-Haitien, calling on Haitians to recall the Battle of Vertieres won against French colonialists exactly 214 years ago.

"The army is our mother," he said. "When your mother is sick and wears dirty clothes, you do not kill her. You take her to the hospital. So let us join forces to provide needed care to our mother."

After Haiti's independence, the military mounted dozens of coups and its forces were accused of rampant human rights abuses.

Moise acknowledged that history, but vowed that the new military would be different.

The United Nations has called for increased support for the Haitian National Police (HNP) with about 15,000 members.

A UN-backed mission to aid Haiti's justice system and law enforcement arrived in October, replacing a much larger peacekeeping mission that had focused on stability efforts since 2004.

"Having demonstrated its ability to maintain stability and guard against security threats, the HNP has emerged as one of the most trusted governmental institutions in Haiti," UN spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement last month.

Haitian defense minister Herve Denis told Reuters the army will begin with 500 soldiers in engineering, medical and aviation corps, but is still working to fill its ranks.

A recruiting process was well underway by last July, attracting many young men in a country that is the poorest in the Americas.

Denis said the government plans to ultimately expand to 5,000 troops working to protect Haitian borders, fight terrorism, curb illegal trade and aid Haitians affected by natural disasters.

Government opponents fear the Moise administration could use the military to crack down on foes despite the president's claims that troops will steer clear of politics.

"I don't believe the Moise regime really wants to reinstate the army, but instead set up a political militia to persecute political opponents," said Andre Michel, spokesman for an opposition coalition that has called for Moise's resignation.