President Jovenel Moise on Tuesday installed the general Staff of the Armed Forces of Haiti, a symbolic step in the contry's reformation of a military demobilised 23 years ago.
"This is not an emotional or a partisan act, aimed at pleasing one political camp or group, this is an act of state, one that is patriotic and inclusive," Moise said at an installation ceremony.
"Today, Haiti's armed forces are a powerful tool in crisis and disaster management for a country that is constantly confronted by natural catastrophes," said Defense Minister Hervé Denis. Additional soldiers were recruited beginning in summer 2017, but the process has stalled after hundreds between the ages of 18 and 25 signed up.
Haiti hopes eventually to field an army of 3,000-5,000 soldiers.
The funding of the military raised eyebrows both at home and abroad, given that the defense ministry's entire budget stands at 6.3 million euros (US$7.8 million).