Weekly Report June 10 to June 17

UN Sounds Alarm Over Escalating Violence and Humanitarian Crisis in Haiti

Between January and May 2025, violence in Haiti claimed the lives of 2,680 people, including 54 children, according to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). More than 950 individuals were injured and 316 kidnapped for ransom, while over 1.3 million people have been displaced in an effort to escape gang control. UN High Commissioner Volker Türk expressed grave concern, stating that while the statistics are alarming, they fail to capture the full extent of suffering endured by Haitians each day. He highlighted the growing influence of gangs beyond Port-au-Prince and warned of the violence’s spillover effects on neighboring regions.

The crisis has intensified in places like Mirebalais, where gangs have attacked police stations, private property, and released over 515 prisoners. In Bas-Artibonite, violent clashes between self-defense groups and armed gangs have worsened. On May 20, armed criminals murdered 25 people in the region, some of whom were killed with machetes inside a church and others burned alive in the street. Ten days later, in the Port-au-Prince neighborhood of Pernier, a family was massacred by three allied gangs in apparent retaliation for recent police operations. The victims included four young girls aged between two and fourteen.

Concerns also extend to the conduct of Haiti’s security forces. Since January, police operations have resulted in the deaths of 1,448 individuals, with at least 65 allegedly executed without due process. Volker Türk stressed that the use of lethal force must comply with international law, emphasizing principles such as necessity, proportionality, and accountability. He called for an end to impunity, urged the creation of specialized judicial units to address serious crimes, and demanded an immediate halt to forced repatriations of Haitians. He also appealed to the international community to bolster support for the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) and to strictly enforce the UN arms embargo, warning that coordinated international action is urgently needed to prevent further collapse.

Port-au-Prince Container Traffic Disrupted by Gang Activity, Operations Resume

Caribbean Port Services (CPS), the main operator of the Port of Port-au-Prince, was forced to suspend operations due to pressure from gang leader Micanor, who controls the Wharf Jérémie area. The disruption began on Saturday, June 7, 2025, and resulted in a complete halt to container movement from the port. The incident follows a series of violent events in the area, including the kidnapping of ship crew members in October 2024 and the execution of over 200 civilians near the port later that year. Tensions and gunfire over the weekend further prevented personnel and trucks from safely accessing the facility. An importer confirmed the interruption, stating the cause remained unclear.

Operations at CPS resumed on Saturday, January 11, 2025, according to the Director General of the National Port Authority, who emphasized the importance of maintaining port functionality despite ongoing security challenges. He noted that the port’s location on the coastline cannot be changed and stressed the need for sustained security measures. The authority is working to ensure continued movement of goods and services through the country's primary shipping hub.

Frinel Joseph Highlights Internal Challenges Within Transitional Presidential Council

Presidential Advisor Frinel Joseph has formally addressed operational challenges within the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), citing internal divisions among voting members as a major obstacle. In a letter to his fellow Council members, Joseph stated that the CPT has not convened a Council of Ministers meeting in over three months, attributing the delay to unresolved disputes over public administration and diplomatic appointments. He emphasized the need for the Council to focus on its core responsibilities under the April 3 agreement, which include restoring security, supporting democratic processes, and guiding the country through its transition period.

Joseph also noted that observer members of the CPT have contributed at key points to help the body reach decisions during previous impasses. However, he pointed out that several of their recommendations, including the implementation of a code of ethics and calls for improved transparency, were not adopted. Joseph highlighted the importance of public communication regarding financial matters, particularly in response to unverified information circulating on social media and in the press. He proposed issuing a clarification to promote transparency but noted that the recommendation was not acted upon.

Concerns were also raised regarding the adoption of a rotating presidency within the CPT. Joseph argued that the measure introduced complications in leadership continuity and did not align with the original framework agreed upon in April 2024. He recommended specific actions to help the Council regain cohesion, including organizing a retreat to address internal disputes, holding consultations with key national stakeholders, improving communication with the public, and issuing a decree to support the electoral process.

The CPT’s challenges have also been highlighted in recent public statements by other Council members. CPT Coordinator Fritz Alphonse Jean criticized recent diplomatic appointments and cited structural concerns as a reason for the Council’s inactivity. In response, Presidential Advisor Smith Augustin raised concerns about leadership and governance within the Council. These developments come at a time of heightened public expectations, as the CPT nears the final eight months of its mandate, with mounting pressure to deliver results amid ongoing political and security instability.

Coordinated Gang Attacks Strike Kenscoff and Mirebalais Amid Ongoing Security Operations

On Wednesday, June 11, the town of Kenscoff came under attack from armed criminal groups. The assailants, reportedly originating from the town of Cavri, infiltrated the Viard 2 neighborhood, where they looted and set fire to a home. Mayor Massillon Jean called for stronger efforts to secure territories reclaimed by law enforcement in order to prevent the return of criminal groups affiliated with the “Viv Ansanm” coalition. He noted that the attackers were able to carry out the incursion due to insufficient military consolidation in the area.

In a separate incident, criminal groups from Canaan and Croix-des-Bouquets targeted the town of Mirebalais in the Centre department, setting the municipal market on fire on Monday, June 9, and causing significant material damage. At the same time, police units including BOID and SWAT, supported by brigades, have been actively conducting operations in Delmas 30, Christ-Roi, Solino, and Fort National, where several gang members were reportedly killed. Security operations are also ongoing in areas controlled by the "Kraze Baryè" gang. Additionally, the Prime Minister’s task force launched drones armed with explosives on Sunday and Monday nights in downtown Port-au-Prince as part of broader counter-gang efforts.

Haiti's Displaced Children Face Growing Crisis Amid Escalating Violence

Nearly one in six children in Haiti is now internally displaced due to the country’s escalating armed violence, according to a statement from Save the Children released on June 11. The organization reports a 24 percent increase in displaced populations over the past six months, with nearly 700,000 children currently living without stable shelter. The overall number of displaced individuals has reached approximately 1.3 million, marking a historic high linked to ongoing insecurity. Since the state of emergency was declared in March 2024, the situation has worsened significantly, with armed groups seizing control of key roads and occupying towns such as Mirebalais in the Centre department.

Save the Children warns that the widespread displacement has left children particularly vulnerable to recruitment by armed groups, exposure to violence, and various forms of exploitation and abuse. Many families are currently living in overcrowded schools repurposed as makeshift shelters, where access to clean water, food, and essential services is severely limited. Chantal Sylvie Imbeault, the organization’s Country Director in Haiti, described the crisis as a nightmare for children, citing the growing risks of sexual violence and psychological trauma. She urged the global community to recognize the severity of the crisis and take immediate action to protect vulnerable children.

In response to the deepening humanitarian emergency, Save the Children has called for urgent measures to de-escalate violence and ensure unrestricted humanitarian access. The organization is providing direct financial aid to displaced families in Port-au-Prince to support rehousing efforts and facilitate school reopenings. Additionally, it is offering cash assistance to host families in Grand'Anse, the South, and the Northeast, while working with local partners to deliver educational services and psychosocial support in the West, Grand'Anse, and South departments. The organization continues to appeal for increased international funding to meet the urgent needs of Haiti’s most at-risk children.

Gang Leader Vitelhomme Innocent Escapes Again as Police Union Blames Poor Coordination and Mercenary Reliance

A police operation conducted on Sunday, June 8, in the Torcel-Pernier area targeting the fugitive gang leader Vitelhomme Innocent ended in failure. Despite being one of Haiti's most wanted men and carrying a $2 million bounty from the United States, Vitelhomme managed to evade capture once again. The SPNH-17 police union issued a strong statement criticizing the lack of coordination and logistical support during the operation, holding the government and the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) responsible for operational shortcomings. The operation came shortly after CPT President Fritz Alphonse Jean made an official visit to the Haitian National Police headquarters.

SPNH-17 highlighted the failure to deploy key resources in a timely manner, particularly the kamikaze drones managed by the Prime Minister’s special task force. A viral drone video showed gang members fleeing in vehicles and on foot across the hills and the Grise River. According to the union, the task force was not included in the initial planning and was only contacted during the operation, too late to intervene effectively. The union also reiterated earlier concerns about the use of foreign mercenaries to operate the drones, questioning the government's continued reliance on private contractors rather than strengthening internal police capabilities. SPNH-17 renewed its call for the urgent release of the promised security budget to equip national forces with vehicles, ammunition, protective gear, and sustained technical support.

Arrest of Viv Ansanm Operatives Highlights Cross-Border Threat and Drone Procurement Efforts

The Haitian National Police confirmed the arrest of three alleged members of the "Viv Ansanm" criminal coalition, designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the United States. The arrests were carried out by Dominican authorities as the suspects attempted to purchase drones and related equipment intended to support the coalition’s operations in Haiti. Speaking on June 12 during the 30th anniversary celebration of the Haitian National Police, Director General Rameau Normil praised the collaborative efforts of Haitian and Dominican intelligence services. He revealed that the arrested individuals were planning to acquire kamikaze drones to further the coalition’s violent agenda.

Following their extradition to Haiti and interrogation at the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police (DCPJ), authorities confirmed that Viv Ansanm continues to actively pursue its efforts to arm itself. Director General Normil warned that these criminal groups remain highly active and adaptable, urging the population to support the police under the framework of the “Marriage of the Police and the Public,” a policy initiative aimed at reinforcing community-police cooperation to combat insecurity and deter criminal actions.

The arrest comes in the context of ongoing operations targeting key figures of the Viv Ansanm coalition, including Jimmy Chérizier, alias Barbecue, who was nearly captured in a major drone-supported offensive in March 2025. Since then, Barbecue has vowed to acquire kamikaze drones of his own, claiming his network has the financial resources to do so. For the past four months, targeted drone strikes have continued against gang strongholds in areas such as Village-de-Dieu and Grand Ravin, resulting in over one hundred deaths and injuries among gang members, according to human rights observers. The use of the Dominican Republic as a procurement and transit zone by Haitian gangs underscores the urgent need for continued regional intelligence collaboration to contain this growing threat.

Suicide Drone Strikes Target Ti Lapli Gang in Grand-Ravine Amid Ongoing Security Concerns

On the night of Tuesday, June 10, the Haitian National Police (PNH) launched a new airstrike against the "Ti Lapli" gang in the Grand-Ravine neighborhood, deploying suicide drones against key positions held by the armed group. Among the targets was the Maranatha school, which had been repurposed as a gang base for several months. Although no official casualty figures have been released for this latest operation, security sources have linked it to a broader campaign, including a May 4 raid in the same area that reportedly left at least 17 dead and over 40 seriously wounded.

Human rights leader Pierre Espérance, executive director of the National Human Rights Defense Network (RNDDH), welcomed the operation, calling it a significant move against impunity in gang-dominated zones. He cautioned, however, that isolated strikes are not enough and that sustained, coordinated action will be essential to retake control of these territories. While the offensive demonstrates increased pressure on armed groups, major gang leaders such as Ti Lapli remain at large, prompting questions about the long-term impact of this strategy. The United Nations has also voiced concern about the use of suicide drones, urging Haitian authorities to adhere to international humanitarian standards and protect civilian rights.

Despite these ongoing efforts, many neighborhoods across Port-au-Prince remain under the grip of criminal groups, perpetuating fear and displacement. The drone strikes in Grand-Ravine have triggered a new wave of internal displacement, with residents fleeing to nearby Fontamara, a district controlled by another gang leader, Kris La. As the violence continues, growing segments of the population are expressing doubt about whether these military-style tactics will bring lasting security and stability to the country.

Haitian National Police Marks 30 Years Amid Crisis and Urgent Calls for Reform

The Haitian National Police (PNH) commemorated its 30th anniversary on June 12 with solemn ceremonies in Port-au-Prince and across the country, highlighting the institution's endurance during one of the most challenging periods in its history. Established in 1995 to replace the disbanded military, the PNH remains Haiti’s primary security force. Yet, the celebration came against a backdrop of deadly gang violence, operational setbacks, and national insecurity. In the past year alone, 33 police officers have been killed and 18 stations destroyed, as armed groups tightened their grip on major urban areas. During the ceremony at the Police Academy, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and Director General Rameau Normil paid tribute to the sacrifices of officers and called for collective action to confront gang violence. Despite the honors, the atmosphere reflected a somber recognition of the police force's strained capacity and mounting casualties.

With fewer than 13,500 active-duty officers serving a population of more than 11 million, the PNH struggles to maintain a consistent presence across Haiti’s 570 municipalities. More than two dozen neighborhoods remain under gang control, and officers in volatile zones often lack essential equipment, reliable vehicles, and proper facilities. In some cases, they are forced to live inside stations or with family members due to security threats. The National Human Rights Defense Network (RNDDH) and other organizations have raised concerns over the government’s “war budget,” stating that while symbolic, it falls short in providing tangible support for investment in police infrastructure and equipment. Reports show that only 3 percent of the national budget is allocated toward strengthening the police force’s operational capabilities, while the majority goes to personnel expenses.

Despite its critical role, the PNH continues to operate with limited tools and diminished morale. However, it remains the backbone of Haiti’s security structure. In Cap-Haïtien, where the 30th anniversary was marked by community events and a mass attended by local officials, the tone was one of cautious optimism. Police spokespersons emphasized public trust as a key factor in their ongoing resilience. Government officials and civil society leaders are calling for urgent reforms, greater investment, and respect for officers on the front lines. As the country faces a deepening security crisis, the future of the PNH is seen not only as a matter of national defense but as a cornerstone of Haiti’s survival.

Armed Group Leader Krisla Calls for Protest in Fontamara and Carrefour

The gang leader of Ti Bwa, Chery Christ-Rois, also known as Krisla, has called on residents of Fontamara and the wider Carrefour commune to join a protest scheduled for Friday, June 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The demonstration aims to denounce the worsening situation in the country, including insecurity, unemployment, poverty, and alleged extrajudicial killings associated with operations such as "Bwa Kalé."

Krisla is inviting individuals aged 18 and older to participate in the protest and has urged schools in the area to suspend classes for the day.

Armed Gangs Loot Mirebalais University Hospital as Security Forces Focus on Péligre Dam

In an effort to restart operations at the Péligre hydroelectric power plant, which was shut down by local residents demanding action against gangs from the "Viv Ansanm" coalition, the government deployed specialized units of the Haitian National Police (PNH) and soldiers from the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd’H) to the site. However, no preventive measures were taken to protect the Mirebalais University Hospital (HUM), a foreign-funded facility valued at over 16 million US dollars.

On Friday, reports from local media confirmed that armed members of the Viv Ansanm coalition began looting the HUM building. The hospital, one of the largest in Haiti, has been non-operational since early April 2025 due to escalating gang violence. Despite confirmed sightings of armed individuals near the site in recent days, no security forces were deployed to safeguard the facility. Sophisticated medical equipment and supplies are now being removed from the premises and transported to unknown destinations, as heavily armed groups maintain control over Mirebalais and surrounding areas, with law enforcement absent.

Construction of the Mirebalais University Hospital began in 2010 and took several years to complete. The facility was built at a cost of more than 16 million US dollars and is equipped with 320 beds, six operating rooms, an outpatient clinic, twelve consultation rooms, a laboratory, a pharmacy, administrative offices, a malnutrition treatment unit, and an HIV clinic. The ongoing looting of this vital healthcare center highlights the severe deterioration of security in central Haiti.

OAS to Prioritize Haitian Crisis at Upcoming General Assembly in Antigua and Barbuda

The 54th General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) will convene from June 25 to 27, 2025, in Antigua and Barbuda. Among the top priorities on the agenda is the escalating crisis in Haiti, which continues to draw urgent regional and international concern.

The OAS officially confirmed the assembly’s dates and location on its verified X account, emphasizing that the gathering will also cover key regional issues such as institutional mandates, mental health, financial sustainability, and the legacy of Pope Francis. However, the humanitarian and security crisis in Haiti is expected to dominate a significant portion of the deliberations.

The meetings will be held on the campus of the American University of Antigua. The choice of topics reflects the gravity of the regional context, particularly in Haiti, where violence has surged dramatically. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, at least 2,680 people were killed in Haiti between January and May 2025 alone.

The upcoming General Assembly is being positioned as a strategic platform for strengthening multilateral cooperation on governance, peace, and regional solidarity across the Americas.

Haitian Police Officers and Patients Airlifted to Cuba for Specialized Medical Treatment

On June 14, 2025, a group of Haitian police officers and other patients in need of specialized medical care were airlifted to Cuba in a mission coordinated by the Office of Work Accident, Sickness and Maternity Insurance (OFATMA) in collaboration with Cuban authorities.

The medical evacuation included approximately fifteen individuals covered under OFATMA’s insurance program. Among them were police officers, journalists, and other beneficiaries requiring treatment not currently available in Haiti. In several cases, patients were authorized to travel with relatives to provide emotional and logistical support throughout the treatment process.

According to OFATMA, the operation was the result of several weeks of planning by a dedicated internal committee responsible for evaluating medical records, organizing travel logistics, and overseeing the execution of the mission. An OFATMA team accompanied the patients during departure and will monitor their safe arrival and care in Cuba.

Additional medical flights are planned in the coming days as part of a broader cross-border healthcare initiative. This effort is being carried out with the support of Cuban medical authorities and the logistics company Good Morney.

APSA Urges National Unity and Demands Resignation of the Transitional Presidential Council

The political organization Angajman Patriyotik pou Sove Ayiti (APSA) has issued a strong statement calling for the resignation of the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT), citing deep concerns over ongoing internal tensions and the council’s failure to deliver on its core responsibilities.

According to APSA, the transitional institutions entrusted with stabilizing the country during a critical period have instead become embroiled in personal rivalries. The organization criticized the CPT for neglecting its primary mandates, which include restoring public security, calming the socio-political climate, overseeing a constitutional referendum, and laying the groundwork for credible democratic elections.

"The leaders are putting their personal interests above the nation’s urgent needs," the APSA statement declares. "If you cannot unite the sectors to guide the country out of crisis, then it is time to step aside before irreversible damage is done."

The group is also calling for a broad mobilization of patriotic forces to rally around national unity and genuine reform. "Haiti cannot stay in this state. It must move forward," the organization emphasized.

APSA’s declaration comes amid intensifying insecurity and mounting frustration over the perceived lack of leadership and tangible solutions from the transitional government.

Robert S. Wooster Arrives in Haiti as New U.S. Chargé d'Affaires

The United States Embassy in Haiti has officially announced the arrival of Robert S. Wooster as the new Chargé d'Affaires. The announcement was made through a press release shared on the embassy’s official Facebook page.

A seasoned career diplomat, Wooster brings extensive experience in international relations, having served in France, Iraq, Pakistan, Georgia, and most recently as the U.S. Ambassador to Jordan. In Haiti, he will oversee the coordination of U.S. foreign policy initiatives, with an emphasis on supporting efforts to restore stability during a time of deepening crisis.

His arrival marks the retirement of Dennis B. Hankins, who had served in Haiti since 2023. The embassy recognized Hankins' four decades of diplomatic service and commended his commitment. In his farewell message, Hankins expressed his gratitude to the Haitian people, reflecting on the warmth, hospitality, and cultural richness he has experienced since his first assignment in Haiti in 1991.

Wooster’s mission begins at a critical juncture. As Haiti struggles with escalating insecurity, his arrival coincides with the U.S. administration’s recent decision—under President Donald Trump—to place Haiti on a list of twelve countries facing new entry restrictions. The move has already sparked significant public reaction both in Haiti and abroad.

Security Events June 10 to June 17, 2025

June 10, 2025

• Armed clashes reported between gangs and armed residents in Carrefour Feuilles.

• Population blocked Delmas 32, conducting searches and controlling passage.

• Gang activity ongoing in Delmas 32 with police presence.

• Armed gang members sighted in Santo 17 and 25.

• Heavy gunfire was reported in Delmas 30 during clashes with police.

• Clashes between gang members and police in Christ Roi.

• Ongoing gang conflict in Rue Fleur Ducheine.

• Police operating in Rue Fleur Ducheine area.

  
  

June 11, 2025

• Intense gunfire in Rue Fleur Ducheine and Avenue Christophe; police present.

• Ongoing gang activity in Carrefour Feuilles.

• Delmas 33 was blocked by MTPTC employees protesting unpaid wages.

• Armed clashes reported in Christ Roi.

• Gang activity observed in Kenscoff.

• Joint operation between police and armed civilians in Christ Roi, Nazon, and Delmas 30.

• Delmas 32 remains blocked by both police and residents.

• Gang activity continues in Delmas 19.

• Clashes in Torcelle between police and gangs.

  
  

June 12, 2025

• Armed confrontation in Avenue Christophe between gangs and local population.

  
  

June 13, 2025

• Multiple armed confrontations across Carrefour Feuilles, Avenue Christophe, Rue Nicolas, and Ruelle Alerte.

• Demonstration in front of Verrettes Town Hall demanding the mayor's resignation and improved security.

• Sustained gang-police clashes in Carrefour Feuilles and Rue Fleur Ducheine.

  
  

June 14, 2025

• Continued heavy clashes between gangs and police in Carrefour Feuilles.

• Armed confrontation in Rue Chavannes.

• Armed gang presence in Guetot and Pont-Benoît, Artibonite.

• Armed gang movement from Carrefour Marassa to Santo 17.

• Armed activity between Carrefour Beudet and Morne Cabrit on RN3.

• Gang presence observed in Champs de Mars.

• Heavy firefights in Carrefour Devarye and downtown Mirebalais.

• Sustained gunfire in Rue Fleur Ducheine and throughout Mirebalais center.

  
  

June 15, 2025

• Gun battles in Carrefour Devarye and central Mirebalais.

• Armed gang operations continue in Mirebalais.

• Gunfire reported in Rue Fleur Ducheine.

  
  

June 16, 2025

• Gunfire in Carrefour Feuilles and surrounding areas including Marché Salomon and Portail Léogâne.

• Armed gang presence in Mirebalais and Delmas 30.

• Ongoing armed conflict in Carrefour Peligre near Mirebalais.

• Armed checkpoints established at Carrefour Beudet and Carrefour Thomaseau on RN3.

• Shootouts in Delmas 19, Delmas 30, Pont de Tabarre, Simon Pelé, and Rue Fleur Ducheine.

• Repeated clashes in Carrefour Feuilles.

• Gang activity reported at Delmas 41.

  
  

June 17, 2025

• Intense and ongoing gunfire in Carrefour Feuilles.

• Armed checkpoints remain active in Village Despinos and Carrefour Thomaseau on RN3 towards Mirebalais.