Weekly Report June 17 to June 24

MSS Mission Haiti Assessment

Halo Solutions Firm S.A. carried out this review using policy analysis and available data. Since June 2024, when the United Nations Security Council approved the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission to Haiti, the MSS has aimed to help the Haitian National Police (PNH) push back armed gangs and rebuild local security. With its current mandate ending in October 2025, many questions remain about how effective the MSS has been and whether it can stick around longer.

Haiti’s security situation has worsened significantly since 2018. Gangs have taken over large parts of the country, and basic services have suffered. In response, UNSC Resolution 2699 authorized a regionally led force to train PNH officers, secure key areas, and support the HNP. Although the mission planned for 2500 personnel, only about 1000 officers (from Kenya, El Salvador, Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, and others) are on the ground as of mid-2025.

On paper, the MSS has recorded some successes. The PNH police academy in Delmas 2 reopened, and 739 new cadets have graduated. MSS patrols helped clear gangs from specific neighborhoods and opened corridors for humanitarian aid. Yet, on the streets of Port au Prince and beyond, local residents say they rarely see MSS officers. Two Kenyan police officers were even killed during a joint patrol in Savien, which has raised concerns about the mission’s readiness and visibility.

Funding remains a major hurdle. The MSS operates entirely on voluntary contributions rather than a UN assessed budget. In early 2025, the United States froze 13.3 million dollars—about 20 percent of the mission’s annual budget pending a policy review. Other potential donors, like EU nations and Gulf states, have not stepped up with new funding. As a result, shortfalls could reach 25 million dollars by September 2025, threatening fuel supplies, vehicle maintenance, and local staff salaries.

Operational challenges also limit impact. With fewer officers than planned, the MSS struggles to keep gangs at bay around the clock. Reports from Carrefour, Cite Soleil, La Chapelle, and Mirebalais describe gangs reemerging whenever MSS patrols pull back. Many people feel the mission exists more in press statements than in the neighborhoods where violence is worst.

Coordination issues further complicate matters. MSS planning often happens separately from Haitian PNH leadership, NGOs, and UN agencies. Local police may receive orders without input from MSS commanders, and humanitarian organizations face delays securing escorts for aid convoys. This confusion slows down joint efforts and undermines trust on all sides.

Despite these hurdles, the UN Security Council has renewed the MSS mandate twice, and regional bodies like the Organization of American States have voiced support, though without committing extra funds. Proposals to turn MSS into a full UN peacekeeping operation have surfaced in meetings but face likely opposition from Security Council veto powers.

Looking ahead, there is a strong chance (around seventy-five percent) that MSS will receive at least a six-month extension past October 2025. The alternatives are limited: withdrawing now would leave a security vacuum, while no other peacekeeping mission is ready to step in. However, without fresh money and clearer coordination, MSS risks remaining a stopgap rather than a lasting solution.

To boost the mission’s impact and lay a foundation for Haiti’s long term stability, Halo Solutions Firm S.A. recommends launching a pooled funding mechanism inviting major donors such as EU Canada and Japan to a joint trust fund to cover MSS costs for multiple years improving coordination by establishing a Civil Military Operations Center where MSS, PNH, UN agencies and NGOs plan together daily mapping a clear transition working with Haitian leaders to set benchmarks for handing security duties back to the PNH over time and revisiting the mandate if funding and coordination improve considering a phased shift to a UN assessed peacekeeping operation after mid-2026.

Without these steps, the MSS may struggle to make a real difference on Haiti’s streets. With them, it has a chance to help rebuild police capacity, secure neighborhoods, and support a safer future for all Haitians.

Bellamy, A. J., and Williams, P. D., (2010), Understanding Peacekeeping, Polity

Durch, W. J., (2006), Twenty First Century Peace Operations, US Institute of Peace Press

Dupuy, A., (2018), The Uses of Haiti, McGill Queens University Press

Fatton, R., (2007), Haitis Predatory Republic, Lynne Rienner Publishers

Holt, V. K., and Berkman, T. C., (2006), The Impossible Mandate, International Peace Academy

MacQueen, N., (2004), “Regional Peacekeeping Operations,” in Contemporary Security Policy, 25(2), 1, 23 United Nations Security Council, (2023), Resolution 2699

Viv Ansanm Gang Assaults La Chapelle

La Chapelle on June 22, 2025, saw a coordinated attack by heavily armed members of the Viv Ansanm gang in the town center of this commune in the Saint Marc district of Artibonite. The assailants opened fire into the air, triggering mass panic among residents.

Numerous homes and businesses were looted and ransacked, prompting several families to flee toward surrounding areas. The local police station was set ablaze, further undermining public security.

Residents report feeling abandoned by the Haitian National Police after repeated calls for intervention went unanswered. Both Viv Ansanm and the Gran Grif gang continue to operate without restraint, extending their criminal reach into rural communes.

This incident underscores the authorities’ inability to curb the advance of armed groups despite official promises to restore order. In the absence of effective policing, citizens remain vulnerable to further violence.

La Chapelle is bordered by Verrettes to the north, Saut-d’Eau to the south, Mirebalais to the east and Saint Marc to the west.

Dominican Republic Kicks Off Second Phase of Border Wall Construction

The Dominican Republic has commenced the second phase of its border wall project with Haiti; a security initiative launched in 2021 to curb irregular migration along the northern frontier. Officials placed the foundation stone for a new stretch of the 13-kilometer barrier in Dajabón province. When complete, the fence will extend 170 kilometers, covering half of the 340-kilometer border shared with Haiti.

Presiding over the ceremony, Minister of the Presidency José Ignacio Paliza and the Minister of Defence emphasized that the structure features a reinforced concrete base topped by a metal barrier and barbed wire. For President Luis Abinader’s administration, the wall serves a dual purpose: enhancing border security and embodying national sovereignty. “This perimeter fence is more than infrastructure, it is a symbol of our sovereignty,” Paliza declared. “No wall is stronger than the unity of the Dominican people.”

“Gran Grif,” Gang Unleashes Deadly Attack on Petite-Rivière de l’Artibonite

On Saturday, June 21, 2025, the “Gran Grif” gang once again terrorized Petite-Rivière de l’Artibonite, killing at least two people, wounding several others, and abducting civilians, including minors in the midst of exam preparations.

According to early testimonies, most of the victims were small traders on their way to the local market. The assault took place just yards from the town’s police station, yet no rapid response followed.

Residents report that several hostages suffered torture, including burns and electrocution, with some of the worst abuses inflicted on children. In a climate of fear and despair, the community is urgently calling on authorities to take decisive action.

“Has the time not come to free our department? How many more lives must be lost?” asked one indignant resident, denouncing the State’s abandonment of the region.

As insecurity deepens, inhabitants, left to fend for themselves, demand immediate measures to dismantle the “Gran Grif” gang and end the impunity enjoyed by armed groups.

France Delivers Four Tons of Equipment and Training to Strengthen Security Forces

The Embassy of France in Haiti announced the delivery of four tons of equipment to the Haitian National Police (HNP) as part of enhanced logistical and operational support. This shipment, which arrived at Toussaint Louverture International Airport, is designated for specialized intervention and law enforcement units in the capital.

Alongside the equipment delivery, RAID, an elite tactical unit of the French National Police whose name stands for Recherche, Assistance, Intervention, Dissuasion (Research Assistance Intervention Deterrence), will conduct a training session for forty Haitian officers. RAID is renowned for its expertise in counterterrorism, hostage rescue, and high-risk operations, and its instructors will focus the program on operational command and advanced intervention techniques.

French cooperation also extends to the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd’H) and the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS). These efforts aim to bolster Haiti’s overall security architecture and help the State gradually reestablish control over its territory.

Despite this significant contribution, the HNP currently fields fewer than 10,000 operational officers for a nation of more than 11 million people and continues to face equipment shortages and overwhelming demand. While international support is vital, the ultimate responsibility for restoring order and sovereignty rests with the Haitian State.

French Ambassador Visits Kenscoff to Pledge Support in Fight Against Gangs

The French Ambassador to Haiti, Antoine Michon, made an official visit to Kenscoff on Sunday to express his solidarity with local authorities battling the armed gangs that have plagued the commune for months.

Welcomed by interim executive agent Massillon Jean, Ambassador Michon praised the measures taken to enhance security and maintain peace in the region. He hailed the mayor as a “symbol of resistance” against the violence perpetrated by the criminal coalition Viv Ansanm.

During the visit, the ambassador toured key sites including the police station, Teleco facilities, and the city center. Massillon Jean outlined ongoing initiatives such as track rehabilitation, street light installation, and public space cleanup operations.

In a ceremonial gesture, the mayor presented Ambassador Michon with the keys to the city. The diplomat reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting stabilization efforts in Kenscoff and emphasized the vital importance of cooperation with local leaders.

Haitian National Police Reports Neutralizations in Mirebalais and Port-au-Prince Region

The Haitian National Police presented the results of its recent operations in Mirebalais and the metropolitan area of Port au Prince. In total, several gang members were neutralized and ten firearms, including assault rifles, along with two drones and various specialized equipment was seized.

Inspector Michel-Ange Louis-Jeune, the PNH spokesperson, reported that seven of the ten firearms were confiscated in Mirebalais, where specialized units such as the SWAT Team, the BRI, and the BOID conducted targeted interventions across multiple locations. During these operations, six individuals were neutralized, and authorities recovered six assault rifles, one revolver, six magazines, five mobile phones, and additional equipment. Preliminary police assessments indicate that the weapons originate from Israel, Romania, and Turkey.

Regarding the armored vehicle disabled by armed bandits in the area, Inspector Louis-Jeune explained that it suffered a technical failure. He affirmed that “we learn lessons in the field to better protect our equipment.”

Ongoing operations in Torcel, Pernier, and Kenscoff, areas under strong gang influence, have also yielded results. In Pernier and Torcel, notably in the stronghold of gang leader Vitelhomme Innocent, a June 17 operation at the Zaphir hotel and other occupied sites resulted in the seizure of two drones, five communication radios, and uniforms belonging to specialized PNH units. In Kenscoff’s Furcy district, officers recovered two additional firearms and cleared armed individuals from the École nationale de Soukay and Delodge. Despite these successes, Inspector Louis-Jeune acknowledged that several zones within the commune remain threatened by gangs.

When questioned about the use of drones in police operations, the spokesperson emphasized that the PNH collaborates with all security stakeholders to fulfill its mission. He stressed that while dislodging gangs is critical, consolidation of liberated areas requires the involvement of both state and community actors. “Effective interinstitutional coordination is essential to fill security gaps and prevent armed groups from returning,” he concluded.

CARICOM Returns to Seek Dialogue as Haiti’s Transition Falters

CARICOM has resumed efforts to bring Haitian leaders back to the negotiating table amid a deepening security crisis and a political stalemate. With the Transitional Presidential Council’s mandate set to expire on February 7, 2026, there remain no credible proposals for constitutional reform, no plans for a referendum, and no election timetable, underscoring the urgency of renewed dialogue.

Several high-level gatherings loom on the regional calendar: the OAS General Assembly in Antigua and Barbuda, CARICOM’s Heads of Government Conference in Jamaica, and the July 15 deadline for the UN to decide on BINUH’s future mandate. Public statements from U.S. figures such as former President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, or the new Chargé d’Affaires Henry Wooster could further shift Haiti’s fragile dynamics, making these meetings critical opportunities to sound the alarm and explore alternative pathways.

Faced with dwindling time, Haitian authorities must restore cohesion, convene a Council of Ministers, and chart a viable path forward. Simultaneously, CARICOM must secure meaningful engagement from stakeholders across government, civil society, and the private sector.

CPT President Justifies Engagement of Private Security Firm to Bolster HNP

Fritz Alphonse Jean, President of the Transitional Presidential Council, confirmed that the government engaged a private security firm to support the Haitian National Police. He declined to confirm reports that the contract is valued at forty-four million dollars, explaining that the contract was not discussed in the Council of Ministers. It’s the CSPN and the Prime Minister who are handling this matter.

In an interview with journalists, Jean defended the decision, citing the surge in violence and transnational crime. “Our law enforcement cannot face these challenges alone. That is why we sought national and international support so the security forces can move forward,” he stated. When pressed on the contract’s worth, he replied, “I cannot answer that question,” and reiterated that the matter falls under the strategy handled by the CSPN and the Prime Minister.

Jean emphasized that public funds are being used for technological enhancements and additional personnel to assist the HNP. “These are tools that belong to the State, not to any individual,” he said, urging government caution to ensure accountability. He also noted that he is unaware of any objections from the international community regarding the deployment of drones in police operations.

The New York Times first reported that Erik Prince, founder of Blackwater Worldwide and a prominent Trump supporter, is working with the Haitian government on drone-enabled operations against gangs. According to the report, Mr. Prince’s contractors have been active since March and may deploy up to 150 personnel over the summer, although no high-value targets have yet been publicly confirmed as neutralized or captured.

UN Experts Report Sharp Decline in Haiti’s Security and Rise in Gang Capability

The Security Council Committee established under resolution 2653 (2022) convened informal consultations to review the work program and interim report of the Group of Experts, as mandated by paragraph 10 of resolution 2752 (2024). Since its mandate renewal on October 18 2024, the Group has conducted several field missions in Haiti and the wider region to assess compliance with the sanctions regime, comprising a travel ban, asset freeze and arms embargo to gather evidence of emerging threats.

In its interim report covering October 2024 to February 2025, the Group’s Coordinator highlighted a marked deterioration in Haiti’s security environment. Armed gangs are now poised to threaten Port-au-Prince itself, human rights abuses have surged, and illicit arms trafficking persists, with criminal groups procuring increasingly high-caliber weaponry. Committee members welcomed these findings, reaffirmed their commitment to updating the sanctions list under resolution 2653 and underscored the need for continued vigilance to ensure effective enforcement.

The Committee, composed of all 15 Security Council members, operates by consensus under the chairmanship of Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett of Guyana and vice-chairmanship of China. Although only seven individuals have been designated to date—including Jimmy Cherizier (“Barbecue”), Johnson Andre, Renel Destina, Wilson Joseph, Vitelhomme Innocent, Prophane Victor and Luckson Elan—the Committee expressed concern that more robust action may be required to curb gang dominance and restore stability in Haiti.

General Administration of Customs Launches Recruitment of 80 New Customs Officers to Enhance Border Controls

The General Administration of Customs (AGD) announces a competitive recruitment campaign for 80 new Customs Officers. This initiative aims to enhance physical inspections and strengthen oversight of goods entering and leaving Haiti, thereby improving efforts to combat fraud, smuggling, and the importation of illicit or prohibited items that pose risks to public health and safety.

Haiti Restarts Domestic Flights as Airport Authority Clarifies Luggage Procedures

Haiti welcomed the return of commercial air service this week when Sunrise Airways operated its first domestic flight in seven months from Port-au-Prince to Cap-Haitien. The 19-seat flight marked the resumption of domestic connections halted in November after gangs fired on incoming aircraft at Toussaint Louverture International Airport. Although the runway reopened in December, airlines did not reestablish scheduled service until now, offering a much-needed travel alternative amid ongoing security challenges.

Amid these developments, persistent social media rumors had alleged systematic luggage losses at Cap-Haitien International Airport. In response, Yves Ducarmel François, Director General of the National Airport Authority, held a press conference to explain that the AAN’s sole mandate covers airport infrastructure and runway operations. He stressed that baggage reception, tagging, inspection and transfer to aircraft fall entirely under individual airlines’ responsibility and that there is no unmonitored corridor within the facility where luggage could vanish.

At the Guy Malary terminal, travelers celebrated the renewed service with sights of bustling baggage handlers, licensed taxi operators and informal currency exchangers in a crowded parking lot.

The dual developments restored domestic flights and clarity on baggage handling underscore Haiti’s gradual efforts to restore normalcy despite prevailing security and logistical hurdles. While the return of air service offers a lifeline for commerce and family reunions, clear delineation of airline and airport roles aims to rebuild passenger confidence as Haiti navigates its complex security landscape.

Sunrise Airways Criticized for High Domestic Fares Despite Government Backing, as Competition Looms

Sunrise Airways resumed domestic flights on June 12, restoring vital air links between Port-au-Prince, Cap-Haïtien and Les Cayes for the first time since gang violence halted operations seven months ago. With road travel rendered perilous by armed groups controlling major highways, many Haitians have relied on air service despite ticket prices that range from two hundred to nearly three hundred U.S. dollars for flights lasting less than an hour. The transitional government’s decision to place an 11 million dollar guarantee alongside the airline’s own five-million-dollar insurance coverage has done little to ease the financial burden on passengers, fueling frustration and calls for state intervention.

Sunrise Airways has formally denied receiving any subsidies from the Haitian government. In a public statement, the airline clarified that it assumes one hundred percent of its operational expenses, including aircraft leasing, crew salaries, maintenance, fuel, insurance and airport fees. It explained that the government guarantee was necessary because international insurers have drastically reduced coverage limits and raised premiums in line with Haiti’s extreme risk profile. Without the additional guarantee, Sunrise could not meet the minimum safety standards set by the National Civil Aviation Office and the International Civil Aviation Organization. Moreover, soaring fuel costs, customs fees for spare parts, hotel expenses for repositioning crews in Cap-Haïtien and costs associated with the Dominican border closure have all contributed to higher ticket prices, especially on short routes that require small aircraft with fewer seats and more frequent maintenance cycles.

The aviation monopoly may soon be challenged by Florida-based IBC Airways, which on June 12 successfully tested a flight from Miami to Les Cayes and plans to launch regular international service in July. Civil society leaders, including organizer Anselme Junior Joseph, have hailed IBC’s entry as a vital step toward affordable air travel. “With only one operator, prices could never be fair,” Joseph said. He and other advocates are calling for expanded infrastructure at regional airports, including refueling stations, improved customs facilities and standardized passenger services, to ensure sustainable competition.

As Haiti navigates this precarious moment, consumers remain caught between security imperatives and economic realities. The resumption of domestic flights offers a lifeline for family reunions, medical transfers and commerce, yet soaring fares underscore the challenges of operating in one of the world’s most hostile aviation environments. Only with multiple carriers, transparent pricing and robust regulatory oversight will Haitians be able to travel safely and affordably by air.

Central Plateau Protest Cuts Power to Port-au-Prince as Péligre Plant Shut Down

Residents of Mirebalais and Saut-d’Eau in the Central Plateau region disabled key transmission infrastructure at the Péligre hydroelectric plant on June 17, halting more than 30 percent of Haiti’s national electricity supply. This action followed months of unheeded requests for security reinforcements in towns that have been under near-total gang control since March 31. The blackout has left Port-au-Prince and surrounding communes without state-provided power for over 72 hours.

The Péligre facility, Haiti’s main hydroelectric station built in the 1950s, is operated by Électricité d’Haïti under the Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Communications. A prior blackout in May was resolved after negotiations between local leaders and the Transitional Presidential Council, but this latest shutdown was more extensive, involving the dismantling of a high-voltage transmission tower that will require significant repairs before service can resume.

While neither the Transitional Presidential Council nor Électricité d’Haïti has issued an official statement, community reports indicate that only solar-powered streetlights and private inverters are providing limited lighting in some neighborhoods of Port-au-Prince. Local officials and residents say restoration of power hinges on the government’s ability to secure Mirebalais and Saut-d’Eau and undertake the necessary repairs at Péligre.