Par Patrick Prézeau Stephenson
Introduction :
In Haiti, shadows of insecurity loom, casting a dark cloud over its people’s aspirations for stability, progress and prosperity. Amid widespread violence, criminal gangs rule through terror, targeting communities, undermining governance and hindering development efforts. We previously estimated the socio-economic cost of this insecurity at $1.5 billion in 2023. [1]emphasizing the urgency of restoring order and protecting the future of the nation by establishing an army of 10,000 men trained in anti-terrorist and urban guerrilla techniques [2, 3].
I examined the white paper prepared by Hervé Denis for the Haitian army, which is unfortunately insufficient and off topic [4]. If we were charged with formulating a military doctrine for the newly reconstituted Haitian army facing the major challenge of reconquering a capital overrun by terrorist gangs practicing urban guerrilla warfare, the strategy would emphasize multidimensional warfare, intelligence, community engagement and international collaboration. Here is a strategic overview focusing on joint efforts with Kenyan and Haitian police forces: If we were tasked with formulating military doctrine for the newly reconstituted Haitian army facing the major challenge of reconquering a capital overrun by terrorist gangs practicing urban guerrilla strategy would emphasize multidimensional warfare, intelligence, community engagement and international collaboration. Here is a strategic overview focusing on joint efforts with Kenyan and Haitian police forces:
Outline of Military Doctrine: “Operation Resolute Restoration”
Strategic targets :
1. Liberate the Capital: Gradually regain control of the capital, taking care to minimize civilian casualties and preserve infrastructure as much as possible.
2. Restoring Order and Security: Establish a stable environment where citizens feel safe and can return to their daily lives.
3. Dismantle Terrorist Networks: Identify and dismantle terrorist gangs’ command structure, supply lines and financial sources.
4. Building Long-Term Stability: Strengthen local governance, law enforcement and community resilience against future threats.
Key Strategies:
1. Intelligence-Based Operations:
· Establish a Joint Intelligence Operations Center (JOCC) combining military intelligence, Kenyan and Haitian police forces, and other international partners.
· Use advanced surveillance, cyber intelligence and human intelligence to map terrorist networks, understand their tactics and predict their future actions.
2. Urban Counter-Guerrilla Warfare:
· Train specialized urban warfare units proficient in counter-guerrilla tactics, room clearing and close combat.
· Emphasize the importance of agility, flexibility and rapid response to urban guerrilla tactics.
3. Civil-Military Cooperation:
· Engage with local communities to gain their trust and cooperation, crucial for intelligence gathering and identification of terrorist gang members.
· Establish safe areas for civilians, providing them with necessary assistance and protection.
4. Collaboration Internationale :
· Operate in tandem with Kenyan and Haitian police forces, sharing intelligence, resources and expertise.
· Request international support for satellite imagery, technical surveillance and forensic analysis to track and prosecute gang members.
5. Psychological Operations (PsyOps):
· Launch campaigns to undermine terrorist morale and influence civilians to reject the ideology of urban guerrilla warfare.
· Use social media, local radio and leaflet drops to spread messages highlighting the benefits of peace and the consequences of supporting terrorist gang activities.
6. Infrastructure Security and Recovery:
· Secure critical infrastructure and provide immediate restoration of essential services to liberated areas.
· Deploy engineer units to assist in reconstruction efforts, with a focus on quick wins that restore normalcy, such as power, water, and road repairs.
7. Training and Equipment of Police Forces:
· Improve the capabilities of Kenyan and Haitian police forces through training in counterterrorism, forensic investigation and crowd control.
· Provide them with the necessary equipment to maintain public order and continue operations against terrorist elements.
Phased approach:
1. Phase 1 – Stabilisation : Focus on intelligence gathering, securing critical infrastructure, and small-scale targeted operations to disrupt terrorist activities.
2. Phase 2 – Escalade : Intensify intelligence-driven operations, using surprise and overwhelming force to retake key areas.
3. Phase 3 – Consolidation : Secure reconquered areas, begin reconstruction efforts and maintain pressure on remaining terrorist pockets.
4. Phase 4 – Transition : Transfer security operations to police forces, focus on community reconstruction and establish a permanent counter-terrorism response force.
Conclusion
“Operation Resolute Restoration” is a comprehensive approach that leverages intelligence, specialized urban warfare, international collaboration and community engagement to eradicate the terrorist threat and restore peace and stability to the capital. This doctrine emphasizes adaptability, coordination and the importance of winning the hearts and minds of the population, ensuring long-term mission success.
References
[1] Stephenson Prézeau P 2024. The Hidden Cost of Gang Violence in Haiti. https://prezeau.blogspot.com/2024/04/le-cout-cache-de-la-violence-des-gangs.html
[2] Stephenson Prézeau P 2024. Building a 10K Strong Army in Haiti: A Strategic Investment for National Security and Stability . https://prezeau.blogspot.com/2024/04/building-10k-strong-army-in-haiti.html
[3] Dominican Army – Wikipedia
[4] WHITE PAPER ON SECURITY AND DEFENSE…
HaitiLibre.com, https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/Livre_Blanc.pdf
Contact Media Patrick Prézeau Stephenson: Editor [email protected]
But many loads are not heavy. Thanks for sharing the manifesto:
Visit the home page: https://shorturl.at/cozFM
Read online: https://shorturl.at/rBOTZ
Download: https://shorturl.at/zIR29
