Weekly Report August 19 to August 26

Restoration of State Authority: PNH and MSS Secure the Téléco Site in Kenscoff

The Haitian National Police (PNH), in coordination with the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), successfully regained control of the strategic Téléco site in Kenscoff following a large-scale joint operation carried out in the early hours of Monday morning. The site had been under occupation by an armed group affiliated with the network of the individual known as “Izo2.”

According to official reports, specialized units of the PNH and MSS conducted a carefully coordinated nighttime offensive between 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., systematically dislodging entrenched gang elements. The security forces neutralized several attackers, seized a cache of weapons, ammunition, and tactical equipment, and restored state presence over the installation. Videos circulating on social media depicting bodies lying in the streets have corroborated the intensity of the clashes.

The joint forces also dismantled barricades and traps that had been erected to obstruct access to the area. By the conclusion of operations at approximately 2:00 p.m., traffic circulation and access to local communities had been restored. The methodical sweep extended beyond the immediate site, with teams conducting door-to-door searches to eliminate remaining armed resistance. Several individuals attempting to evade capture were apprehended, while six gang members were confirmed killed in nearby brush areas. Authorities additionally reported the recovery of three long guns now secured in PNH custody.

Kenscoff Mayor Massillon commended the local population for its cooperation, which he described as an essential factor in the success of the mission. Both PNH Director General Vladimir Paraison and MSS Force Commander Godfrey Otunge emphasized that this operation constitutes a decisive step in the broader campaign to dismantle criminal networks and re-establish state authority in the upper reaches of the metropolitan region. They stressed that the era of impunity for armed groups is drawing to a close and announced that further targeted operations are already in preparation.

The leadership of the PNH and MSS expressed deep appreciation for the resilience of residents in Kenscoff and Téléco, pledging sustained protection and renewed efforts to consolidate peace and stability. The operation represents not only a tactical victory but also a symbolic reaffirmation of the state’s capacity to reclaim and secure vital national infrastructure.

Kenscoff: Commissioner Gautier Steps Up Security Operations

For the past three days, Commissioner Lyvenson Gautier has been leading large-scale security operations in Kenscoff. The effort is backed by specialized units including the BLVV, the BRI, and the Kenscoff Municipal Brigade (BRICK), as well as additional reinforcements, some of them described locally as foreign mercenaries.

The operations are aimed at countering the influence of heavily armed gangs whose activities have disrupted daily life in the region. According to officials, the strategy is designed to restore state control in high-risk areas, stabilize communities under pressure, and create safer conditions for residents.

Authorities emphasize that the measures form part of a broader plan to curb organized criminal violence and reinforce public confidence in the ability of security forces to protect the population.

Displaced Families Return Under Gang Truce, Risk Becoming Unwitting Human Shields

Displaced residents from Port-au-Prince slums, including Solino, Delmas 30, Nazon, and Carrefour de l’Aéroport, began returning to their neighborhoods on August 24, 2025, after receiving a fragile promise of safety from Jimmy Chérizier, alias “Barbecue,” leader of the Viv Ansanm coalition. These neighborhoods had been long abandoned and looted, leaving families with little but a memory of home.

Encouraged by Chérizier’s fragile assurance, families organized a march from camps in Bourdon to the deserted Carrefour de l’Aéroport, attempting to reclaim their homes despite the risks. However, observers report that such overtures from gang leaders often follow a recurring and dangerous pattern.

Reports from rights groups and the press indicate that gangs have used civilians as shields, explicitly or implicitly, to insulate themselves from military or police confrontations. In such scenarios, Chérizier and his coalition urge residents to let them pass without resistance. In practice, however, fighting often erupts, resulting in civilian casualties and renewed displacement. Overwhelmed and desperate to return home, families may then accept the gang’s truce, only to be drawn once again into a cycle of violence and fear. This manipulation underscores how displacement in Haiti has increasingly become a tactic of territorial control rather than a byproduct of insecurity.

This pattern is not isolated. Humanitarian analysts have documented how gangs capitalize on displacement, convincing the desperate to return, reasserting control through intimidation, and maintaining dominance over neighborhoods caught between forced exile and coerced compliance.

Moreover, Viv Ansanm’s broader record demonstrates systematic exploitation of civilians. The coalition, led by Chérizier, has orchestrated violent campaigns that displaced tens of thousands, engaging in coordinated attacks on infrastructure and mass killings to maintain power.

For victims displaced by poverty and violence, the promise of “peace” offered by gang leaders like Chérizier may represent a perilous false dawn, a strategy that exploits hope to cement coercive control.

IOM Reports 26 New Displacement Sites in Haiti as Gang Violence Intensifies

The number of sites sheltering internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Haiti has risen sharply over the past two months due to armed clashes, according to the latest report from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), published in August 2025.

Between June and July, the total number of displacement sites increased from 246 to 272, representing 26 new locations. Most of these were established in Belladère, where 20 new sites are now hosting 1,743 people. The Centre department, particularly affected by recent violence, saw the number of sites rise from 86 to 104, an 18-site increase, with IDP populations in the region growing by 29 percent from 7,760 to 10,048 people.

Despite the rise in the number of sites, the overall IDP population in the country declined by 2.4 percent. This was largely due to the closure of three sites in the capital that had accommodated more than 6,500 people, following relocation programs coordinated by government institutions.

The West department continues to host the highest concentration of displaced persons, followed by the Centre and Artibonite. Port-au-Prince alone shelters 68 percent of all IDPs living in sites, with 142,292 people spread across 54 locations. While most displacement sites are located in provincial areas, overcrowding is far more severe in the capital, where each site hosts an average of 1,980 people compared to 113 in the provinces. Nationally, the IOM estimates that 209,940 people are living in IDP sites, of whom 190,069 are concentrated in the capital.

The IOM also highlighted a sharp increase in schools hosting displaced populations, rising from 84 to 102 between June and July. More than 81,000 IDPs are currently housed in schools, including nearly 72,000 in 32 schools across the capital and 6,713 in 54 schools in the Centre department. With the academic year scheduled to begin in just one month, uncertainty remains over whether these institutions will be able to resume classes, raising the risk of another year of disrupted education.

FAA Considers Extending Suspension of U.S. Flights to Port-au-Prince Beyond September 2025

The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) may extend by at least three months the suspension of commercial flights from the United States to Port-au-Prince, originally set to expire on September 8, 2025. This possibility was announced by Réginald Guignard, Director General of the Office National de l’Aviation Civile (OFNAC), during an interview with Radio Métropole on Monday.

The statement comes in the wake of an attack carried out by heavily armed members of the coalition “Viv Ansanm,” which has been designated a terrorist organization. The assailants targeted a strategic OFNAC site in Kenscoff on the outskirts of the capital. “The persistence of insecurity may justify maintaining the measure beyond its current deadline,” Mr. Guignard warned, highlighting the growing challenges posed by gang violence.

The suspension was first imposed on November 11, 2024, after several incidents in which aircraft belonging to Spirit Airlines, JetBlue, and American Airlines came under fire near Toussaint Louverture International Airport. The decision effectively halted all U.S. commercial air traffic to Port-au-Prince, significantly disrupting the country’s connectivity.

In a note published over the weekend, OFNAC condemned the attack on its Téléco facility in Kenscoff, which houses antennas critical to aeronautical communications, including those with Cap-Haïtien airport. Mr. Guignard clarified that no precise assessment could yet be made because of the continued presence of armed groups in the area but reassured that “relay systems are ensuring continuity of communications.”

Violence in Kenscoff had already erupted in February 2025, resulting in several casualties, including one soldier and two agents of the Protected Areas Security Brigade. Since then, Viv Ansanm has escalated its operations, displacing thousands of residents according to the International Organization for Migration. The United Nations estimates that gangs now control nearly 85 percent of the capital, further obstructing access to strategic infrastructure.

An extension of the FAA suspension would deepen Haiti’s isolation, with Port-au-Prince airport remaining closed to U.S. commercial carriers. Currently, the only direct connection to the United States is operated by Sunrise Airways, linking Cap-Haïtien to Miami. This forces many travelers to undertake dangerous overland journeys or rely on private helicopter services costing as much as 2,500 U.S. dollars. While other airlines have announced intentions to enter the market, no concrete steps have been taken to restore passenger service.

Mr. Guignard urged authorities to intensify efforts to secure critical infrastructure, particularly OFNAC facilities. He cautioned that without tangible measures, the country’s isolation may be prolonged, and the crisis further aggravated, while reaffirming OFNAC’s commitment to maintaining the safety and continuity of aviation operations to the greatest extent possible.

Jimmy Chérizier’s Latest Video Reveals Shifting Strategy of the Viv Ansanm Coalition

In a video released on Monday, gang leader Jimmy Chérizier, widely known as “Barbecue,” expressed dissatisfaction with state authorities and the Haitian National Police (PNH), criticizing what he described as deliberate efforts to prevent displaced residents from returning to their homes. His remarks shed light on evolving tactics within the Viv Ansanm coalition, designated a terrorist organization, and underscore its attempts to reframe its public image amid intensifying security operations. Chérizier made clear that Viv Ansanm is closely monitoring online discussions and reacting in real time to content circulating on social networks. He referenced posts published both yesterday and today, indicating the coalition’s heightened sensitivity to public narratives and its active efforts to influence the information space. This monitoring underscores the group’s recognition that perception management is a critical element of their ongoing campaign. The video also highlighted Viv Ansanm’s attempt to reposition itself as more than an armed coalition. By portraying itself as a political movement, the group appears to be seeking legitimacy and popular support, attempting to win the hearts and minds of communities that have borne the brunt of violence and displacement. Analysts suggest this strategy reflects a calculated effort to shift away from being viewed solely as a criminal enterprise and toward projecting the image of a political actor. Observers further note that Viv Ansanm’s decision to allow residents to return to previously contested areas is motivated less by humanitarian considerations than by strategic calculations. By reintroducing civilians into these zones, the group seeks to create a human buffer against potential coordinated operations by the PNH and the Multinational Task Force. This tactic reveals a growing concern within the coalition about the changing balance of power, as security forces intensify joint actions across the metropolitan region. Chérizier’s latest statements illustrate both the adaptability and the vulnerabilities of Viv Ansanm. While the coalition remains entrenched in several strongholds, its leadership appears increasingly aware of shifting dynamics on the ground. The attempt to simultaneously control territory, reshape its public image, and insulate itself from direct confrontation underscores the pressure it faces from ongoing security operations.

One of Haiti’s Most Notorious Gang Leader: Uncertainty Over the Fate of “Izo 5 Segond” Amid U.S. Charges

The mystery surrounding Johnson André, alias “Izo 5 Segond,” leader of the Village-de-Dieu gang in Port-au-Prince, deepened this week as new questions arose about his fate. Once a constant presence in propaganda videos and social media messages, Izo has vanished from public view, fueling speculation that he may have been gravely injured or killed in recent drone strikes. His disappearance comes as U.S. authorities have intensified legal action against him, formally charging him for the kidnapping of an American citizen in 2023.

A criminal complaint unsealed in the District of Columbia charges André with orchestrating the armed abduction of a U.S. citizen on March 18, 2023. According to U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the Miami Field Office, André directed his gang to identify and kidnap victims for ransom.

Court documents describe how armed men under his command forced the victim into a vehicle at gunpoint and held him captive in Village-de-Dieu for nine days. During this period, the victim was beaten and burned with hot plastic. André personally visited the captive and engaged in ransom negotiations with the victim’s family. The victim was released on March 27, 2023, after a ransom payment and the delivery of other valuables.

The complaint highlights that the 5 Segond gang has long financed its operations through kidnappings, robberies, and weapons trafficking, using ransom payments to fund salaries, purchase firearms, and acquire ammunition from both U.S. and international sources. If convicted, André faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

In December 2023, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned André under Executive Order 13818 for serious human rights abuses tied to his leadership of the gang. Despite these sanctions and criminal charges, he remains at large.

While the United States continues to pursue legal action, inside Haiti a different narrative is unfolding. Reports from Haitian and international media indicate that suicide drone strikes may have directly targeted Izo’s residence in Village-de-Dieu earlier this summer, leaving him severely injured. Witnesses described burns and an urgent transfer to a clandestine care facility, though no official confirmation has been provided.

This is not the first time his survival has been questioned. In spring 2025, media outlets reported that drone attacks had injured several gang leaders, including Izo and his ally Ti Lapli. Haitian authorities, however, have refrained from either confirming or denying these claims, underscoring the difficulty of verifying information in an environment dominated by violence and misinformation.

Since then, Izo’s once-frequent public communications have ceased entirely. His digital presence, already reduced after YouTube shut down his channel in 2023 for inciting violence, has now disappeared. Analysts suggest two possibilities: that he has been incapacitated or killed, or that he has deliberately chosen silence as a strategy to obscure his movements and preserve his gang’s operational capacity.

The uncertainty surrounding Izo carries broader implications. His disappearance illustrates both the potential effectiveness of evolving security tactics, including drone strikes, and the structural weaknesses of gangs that rely heavily on charismatic leaders to project power and sustain cohesion.

If Izo has indeed been incapacitated or killed, the Village-de-Dieu network may face fragmentation and weakened influence. If instead he is in hiding, his silence may be a calculated maneuver to avoid detection while maintaining control from the shadows.

In either case, the convergence of U.S. criminal charges, international sanctions, and the possibility of his physical incapacitation has placed unprecedented pressure on one of Haiti’s most notorious gang leaders. Until verifiable evidence of his status emerges, speculation will continue, reinforcing both the uncertainty and the enduring notoriety of “Izo 5 Segond.”

United States Convictions on Arms Trafficking Underscore Commitment to Supporting Stability in Haiti

The U.S. Embassy in Haiti announced Monday the conviction of a third individual linked to firearms trafficking and the financing of armed groups, bringing the total to three convictions in August. These cases demonstrate the strong and ongoing efforts of U.S. authorities to combat arms smuggling and organized crime that impact Haiti and the wider region.

The most recent conviction involves Jean Wiltene Eugene, who was sentenced to 30 months in prison and fined $20,000 for attempting to smuggle at least nine firearms into Haiti. U.S. prosecutors revealed that Eugene concealed the weapons inside two vehicles before shipment.

Earlier this month, Bazille Richardson, also known as “Fredo,” a U.S. citizen, was convicted for transferring funds from Texas to Haitian gang leader Jimmy Chérizier, alias “Barbecue.” According to investigators, the money was intended to finance weapons purchases and pay gang members in violation of U.S. sanctions.

In a separate case, Michael Adrian Nieto, a former U.S. police officer, was sentenced to three years in federal prison for acquiring and distributing more than 58 firearms destined for criminal networks in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico.

The U.S. Embassy welcomed the convictions, noting that they reflect Washington’s steadfast commitment to addressing arms trafficking and cutting off financial flows to criminal organizations. By disrupting these networks, U.S. law enforcement agencies are reinforcing international efforts to restore peace and stability in Haiti.

American officials emphasized that the convictions send a clear signal that the United States will continue to investigate and prosecute those involved in trafficking weapons or financing gang activity. These actions highlight the strong cooperation between U.S. institutions and international partners in the fight against transnational crime.

The embassy reaffirmed that the United States remains determined to support the Haitian people by ensuring that individuals who attempt to arm or fund violent groups face justice.

Gros-Morne Under Siege: Kokorat San Ras Gang Intensifies Attacks in Artibonite

The town of Gros-Morne was the scene of another violent assault on Sunday, August 24, when armed men identified as members of the Kokorat San Ras gang launched a deadly attack in the town center. According to initial reports, at least six people were killed, while local entrepreneur Widner Gédéon, owner of Radio Union, was shot and abducted by the attackers. His health condition remains uncertain, and a ransom has reportedly been demanded for his release.

Witnesses described waves of heavy gunfire beginning around 2 p.m. in several key streets, including Palais, Centre, Salomon, and Bogne. Interim executive officer Hibert Cénéac confirmed at least five deaths, though residents suggest the toll may be closer to ten. The attack left the community in shock, less than 24 hours after Ader Jacques, the new departmental police director of Artibonite, officially took office.

This latest assault underscores a growing campaign of violence in Gros-Morne and surrounding communes attributed to Kokorat San Ras and allied gangs. On August 6, the same gang reportedly killed two residents and seriously wounded another during an attack. Earlier this year, on May 31, 2025, businessman Élie Limage was kidnapped from his home; although his family paid a ransom, his body was found weeks later. In January 2025, a coordinated assault by Kokorat San Ras and allied groups left at least ten dead in Gros-Morne. In mid-June 2024, Kokorat San Ras and other armed groups struck both Gros-Morne and Terre-Neuve, killing at least eleven people, abducting others, and expanding their territorial control.

The Kokorat San Ras gang, led by Ferdens Tilus, alias “Meyer,” is a member of the Viv Ansanm coalition and cooperates with other Artibonite-based gangs, including Gran Grif. Known for brutal tactics such as extortion, arson, and targeted assassinations, the gang has set up checkpoints on National Road 1, demanding payments from motorists and further restricting mobility in the region. The violence has severely disrupted agricultural activity in Artibonite, long regarded as Haiti’s “breadbasket,” while also displacing families and forcing residents to flee. Humanitarian organizations warn that the cycle of attacks, combined with the limited presence of state security forces, is aggravating an already dire humanitarian situation.

Local leaders have repeatedly called for a more robust and permanent security presence. Mayor Hubert Cénéac argued that temporary reinforcements are insufficient, urging authorities to deploy additional police forces with adequate equipment, including armored vehicles, and to adopt offensive strategies against gangs rather than a purely defensive posture. “The reinforcements are not spending enough time in the town, which allows gangs to strike again,” the mayor stated. “We need permanent police presence, increased patrols, and proactive operations to dislodge the criminals and restore safety.”

The attack of August 24 highlights both the resilience of Kokorat San Ras and the urgent need for stronger security measures in Haiti’s Artibonite department. As the gang continues to expand its territorial reach and terrorize rural communities, the absence of decisive state action risks further undermining stability in one of the country’s most important agricultural regions.

Commissioner Jacques Ader Takes Command as New Police Director in Artibonite

On Saturday, August 23, 2025, Divisional Commissioner Jacques Ader was officially installed as the new Departmental Director of Police in Artibonite (DDA), succeeding Jean Frenel Beauvoir, who held the position for less than a month.

According to PNH Deputy Spokesperson Lionel Lazarre, this leadership change is part of the broader strategic reforms initiated by Acting Director General of the Haitian National Police, Jonas André Vladimir Paraison.

In his address, Commissioner Ader reaffirmed the directives of the Acting Director General, stressing that the primary mission of the police remains the protection of the population. He called on residents to strengthen collaboration with law enforcement in the fight against insecurity and urged members of armed groups to lay down their weapons.

The installation ceremony, initially scheduled for Friday, August 22, was postponed to the following day. This marks Commissioner Ader’s second tenure as head of the DDA. During his previous appointment in 2021, he earned recognition for his decisive role in neutralizing Odma Louissaint, leader of the criminal organization “Gran Grif.” His return to the post has been welcomed by both security and institutional circles, raising expectations for renewed progress in stabilizing the department.

United States Signals Plan to Expand and Restructure Multinational Security Mission in Haiti

On August 20, 2025, U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Kimberly J. Penland informed the Organization of American States (OAS) that Washington intends to double the size of the foreign forces deployed in Haiti. According to reporting by The Kenya Times, the United States is considering the possibility of another country, rather than Kenya, taking the lead in the expanded mission.

Penland told OAS member states that the United States is preparing a resolution for submission to the United Nations Security Council aimed at “adequately resourcing” Haiti’s fight against organized gangs and restoring territorial control. She noted that the initiative would reflect a framework similar to one previously outlined by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “If the Security Council pursues this model, we will also seek strong regional participation to provide strategic leadership for the force,” Penland said, while declining to give further details.

At a separate press conference on August 20, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Henry Wooster echoed the message, stating that Washington is committed to enhancing the capacity of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM). “We want it to have all the assets, the authorities, the personnel, and the equipment necessary to accomplish what needs to be done,” Wooster said. “After a year of deployment, these corrections and readjustments must be made to ensure the mission is aligned with the magnitude of the challenge it faces.” He emphasized that Kenyan forces have fulfilled the tasks assigned to them but acknowledged the need for greater resources and broader support.

Kenya deployed its first contingent of 400 police officers to Haiti in June 2024, followed by an additional 144 officers in February 2025, bringing the total to 744. Despite these deployments, the MSSM has not yet reached full operational capacity. Gangs, meanwhile, continue to expand their influence across the country. The proposed U.S.-backed resolution, coupled with OAS’s Road map, marks an effort to recalibrate the mission and rally stronger international and regional engagement in support of Haiti’s security and stabilization.

OAS Unveils $2.6 Billion Roadmap for Haiti with $1.3 Billion Security Focus

The Organization of American States (OAS) on August 20, 2025, presented a $2.6 billion roadmap designed to address Haiti’s worsening crisis, with security at its core. The plan, introduced by OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin before the Permanent Council, doubles previous funding commitments and allocates $1.3 billion specifically to confront armed groups that now control much of Port-au-Prince.

The three-year framework, titled “Towards a Haitian Roadmap for Stability and Peace with Regional and International Support,” links urgent security operations with longer-term political, economic, and institutional reforms. It will run from 2025 to 2028, beginning with a 30-day launch phase followed by a review process.

“The goal is not simply to provide aid, but to lay the foundation for something lasting and sustainable,” Ramdin said, emphasizing that the roadmap is Haitian-led but coordinated through the OAS, CARICOM, and the United Nations.

The revised plan nearly doubles the initial $1.37 billion proposal, dividing funds across six categories: $1.3 billion for security, $908.2 million for humanitarian aid, $104.1 million for elections and institutional legitimacy, $256.1 million for sustainable development, $8 million for governance reforms, and $10 million for organizational management.

Member states broadly welcomed the plan as a sign of regional solidarity, but concerns were raised. The United States cautioned that even with increased resources, the security budget might remain insufficient. Argentina questioned funding sources and the OAS’s ability to coordinate such a complex initiative.

Haiti’s delegation endorsed the proposal but underscored the importance of national leadership. Jean Josué Pierre, Haiti’s deputy representative to the OAS, stressed that the plan must reflect Haitian priorities to ensure it produces results. “The voices of 12 million men and women are demanding one thing: security,” he said.

The roadmap comes as Haiti faces one of the gravest crises in its history. More than 3,000 people were killed in the first half of 2025, gangs control nearly 90 percent of the capital, 1.3 million people have been displaced, and 4.7 million face acute food insecurity. Health services are collapsing, with fewer than a quarter of clinics in critical zones still operational.

“Security is the foundation for hope, learning, and growth,” Ramdin said. “Without it, everything else collapses.”

The proposal remains in draft form, with a third version expected soon. Ramdin has called for a donors’ conference and announced that the plan will include a monitoring dashboard to track progress and contributions. “No plan will ever be perfect,” he told the council, “but Haiti cannot wait. Action is needed now.”

United States Commits $835 Million to Strengthen Security Mission in Haiti

The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to Haiti’s stability by providing $835 million in financial and in-kind support to the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM). U.S. Ambassador Henry Wooster clarified that this figure is in addition to $248 million already directed to the Haitian National Police (PNH) since 2021.

In remarks to journalists, Ambassador Wooster underscored Washington’s determination to ensure the mission is effective and sustainable. He highlighted the importance of adapting the MSSM to evolving challenges in order to strengthen its impact. “We want to find a model that truly works,” he noted.

This new commitment builds on significant U.S. investments made in recent years. In 2024, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced more than $350 million in U.S. support for the mission. Overall, since 2021, U.S. contributions to Haiti’s security have exceeded $1 billion.

Ambassador Wooster also emphasized the importance of international partnership. “Funding for the UN Support Office must be shared among all UN Member States. We urge each of them to continue this effort,” he said, stressing that shared responsibility will be key to achieving long-term stability in Haiti.

The United States continues to be Haiti’s leading partner in security assistance, working in close coordination with the United Nations, the OAS, and other international allies. This substantial financial commitment underscores Washington’s ongoing dedication to supporting the Haitian people, reinforcing security institutions, and advancing efforts to restore peace and stability.

Kenya-Led Multinational Mission in Haiti Faces Transition Toward Potential UN Peacekeeping Framework

The Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti is approaching a decisive moment as its current mandate expires in October 2025. Persistent funding shortfalls, inadequate equipment, and delays in full troop deployment have hindered its capacity to reduce gang influence across the country. U.S.-backed proposals before the United Nations Security Council aim to transition the MSS into a UN-financed peacekeeping operation, a move that could resolve resource constraints and provide a sustainable framework for restoring public order.

Mission spokesperson Jack Ombaka told the press that “greater clarity is expected in October, when the MSS mandate will either be renewed or adapted under a new model. The key will be to ensure that this model is properly funded, consistently resourced, and capable of effectively responding to evolving needs on the ground.”

The United States has indicated that it will introduce a draft resolution supporting Secretary-General António Guterres’ recommendation to finance the mission through the UN peacekeeping budget. Since its authorization in October 2023, the MSS has faced structural challenges. Its estimated $600 million annual cost has been funded primarily by Washington, which contributed $300 million under the Biden administration and $40 million under the Trump administration. In contrast, the UN-managed trust fund has raised only $112.5 million, largely from Canada.

Despite these investments, the mission remains understrength. Kenya pledged 1,000 officers, of which 800 are currently deployed, with the remainder awaiting armored vehicles and heavy equipment. Other contributing nations have not yet finalized their deployments. The mission has struggled to establish forward operating bases and has yet to secure control of territory or apprehend high-level gang leaders. Armed groups continue to hold key neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince, including Solino, Delmas 30, Pacot, and Kenscoff, as well as towns in Artibonite such as Mirebalais, Saut-d’Eau, and La Chapelle. Attacks in these areas have resulted in casualties among multinational personnel.

U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the Organization of American States (OAS), Kimberly Penland, reaffirmed Washington’s commitment during an August 20 council meeting, commending Kenya’s leadership while stressing the urgency of structural reform. “The threat posed by gangs seeking to overthrow the state must be countered,” Penland stated, adding that Kenya’s contribution had “helped prevent the total collapse of the Haitian state.”

At the same meeting, OAS Secretary-General Albert Ramdin presented a $2.6 billion roadmap for Haiti, allocating $1.3 billion to security with the remainder directed toward governance, elections, humanitarian assistance, and development. The roadmap aims to integrate emergency stabilization measures with longer-term reforms to rebuild state institutions.

Meanwhile, the Haitian government has increasingly turned to foreign private security contractors to address gaps in national capacity. In August, Erik Prince, founder of Blackwater Worldwide and head of Vectus Global, disclosed a 10-year contract with Haiti covering border security, revenue collection, and anti-gang operations. Reports in the press indicate that personnel linked to his firm have been active since March 2025, providing drone surveillance in coordination with government forces.

The arrangement has sparked calls for transparency from civil society. The Center for Analysis and Research in Human Rights (CARDH) warned that reliance on private contractors risks undermining sovereignty if not properly coordinated. In a letter to Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, CARDH urged the government to disclose contract details, ensure compliance with constitutional provisions, and integrate such efforts within a comprehensive national security strategy.

As October approaches, the MSS stands at a crossroads. Decisions taken at the UN Security Council and within Haiti’s transitional government will determine whether the mission is renewed, restructured, or transitioned into a formal peacekeeping framework.

Japan Pledges US$10 Million to Support Haiti Security Mission

The government of Japan has announced a contribution of US$10 million to the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) in Haiti, reinforcing its commitment to regional peace and stability.

The pledge was made following a meeting in the Dominican Republic between Administrative Minister of the Presidency José Ignacio Paliza and Yoshimasa Hayashi, Chief of Staff of the Japanese government. Both officials emphasized the importance of a united international response to address Haiti’s escalating crisis.

Minister Paliza reaffirmed the Dominican Republic’s commitment to working with the global community to restore peace, noting that Haiti’s challenges directly impact the entire island of Hispaniola.

Former Senator Nenel Cassy Released After 18 Days in Custody

Former senator for Nippes, Nenel Cassy, was released on August 19, 2025, following a hearing before Government Commissioner Frantz Monclair at the Court of First Instance in Port-au-Prince. According to one of his attorneys, Frantzso Jean Jacques, the head of the Public Prosecutor’s Office decided to dismiss the case.

Cassy had been arrested on August 2 in Pétion-Ville by agents of the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police. He had been wanted since February 2025 on accusations of conspiracy against state security, financing criminal groups, complicity in murder, and criminal association.

The former parliamentarian remains subject to international sanctions from Canada, the United States, and the Dominican Republic for alleged ties to armed gangs. These measures include a travel ban, the freezing of assets, and restrictions applied to certain members of his family.

Cassy’s name had also surfaced in earlier investigations. In 2021, the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC) issued a report citing irregularities in the management of public funds, particularly the absence of supporting documents related to his senatorial office.

U.S. Embassy Honors Fallen Police Officers and Reaffirms Support for the HNP

In a statement released on its official Facebook page, Chargé d’Affaires Wooster, on behalf of the U.S. Embassy, paid tribute to the courage and dedication of the police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

“These officers serve at the front line of the fight against armed gangs and contribute directly to improving security across the country,” the statement emphasized.

The Embassy reiterated the United States’ unwavering support for the Haitian National Police and its specialized units, which play a critical role in countering criminal groups that undermine national stability. It further noted that the sacrifice of the fallen officers will be remembered, and their commitment to protecting the population stands as an enduring example of service.