Civil Affairs in Haiti

The mission objectives for Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti in were to return President Aristide to power, to maintain law and order, and to create conditions for a smooth transition to UN control. Since Haiti’s dilapidated infrastructure was arguably a driver of political unrest, civil affairs personnel helped repair the electrical grid, clear and repair roads, and improve sanitation. Civil affairs personnel completed and oversaw several hundred infrastructure restoration projects, the majority of which were proposed and carried out by the Haitian people themselves.