As Haiti grapples with escalating gang violence and a fragile security situation, a group of 143 Haitian soldiers have completed basic military training in Mexico, part of a growing bilateral defense partnership aimed at strengthening Haiti’s armed forces. For eight weeks, the recruits, 15 women and 128 men, received instruction in self-defense, firearms handling, and human rights, guided by the Mexican Army. The initiative is seen as a critical step in Haiti’s effort to rebuild its military capacity amid worsening instability. “This investment benefits not only the Armed Forces of Haiti but also Haitian society as a whole,” said Hubert Labbe, Haiti’s ambassador to Mexico. With a weakened police force and limited international support, Haiti is turning to regional allies like Mexico in a bid to regain control and restore public order.