Haitian Military Recruits Young People Amid Gang Violence

In Haiti, a military recruitment drive has attracted thousands of young citizens eager for employment amidst rampant gang violence and extreme poverty. Many, like 21-year-old Maurenceley Clerge, view this as a rare opportunity to improve their lives, despite the risks of potential abduction or violence. The government aims to rebuild a once-discredited military to combat these gangs, having reinstated the force in recent years. Samuel Delmas, another applicant, expressed a desire to protect citizens after his family had to flee their home due to gunfire. While the government has not disclosed the total number of recruits sought, documents suggest that over 3,000 individuals were selected in August and are now awaiting evaluations. Prime Minister Garry Conille has pledged to modernize the armed forces as part of a broader effort to restore peace in the nation.