Weekly Report June 24 to July 01

OAS Unanimously Backs Support for Haiti’s Multinational Security Mission

At its fifty-fifth General Assembly in Antigua and Barbuda, the Organization of American States adopted by consensus a resolution urging regional governments to enhance their contributions to the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti.

The resolution calls upon each member state to offer financial, logistical or personnel assistance in accordance with its capacities, thereby reinforcing the operational effectiveness of the deployed security forces.

In Nairobi, President William Ruto expressed deep concern regarding the discrepancy between international pledges and actual deliveries of support. In correspondence addressed to the President of Guyana, current chair of the UN Security Council, he cautioned that this shortfall threatens the mission’s long-term viability.

The text further underscores the imperative of strengthening the Haitian National Police, expediting humanitarian aid delivery and cultivating the conditions essential for genuinely free and transparent elections.

OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin is slated to unveil in July a comprehensive action plan to coordinate this assistance. Delegations throughout the assembly emphasized the pressing need to act decisively in response to Haiti’s worsening security and humanitarian challenges.

One Year of the UN-Authorized MSS Mission Sees Rising Violence and Displacement in Haiti

One year after the first personnel of the United Nations authorized Multinational Security Support mission (MSS) arrived in Haiti, levels of violence and human rights violations have continued to increase amid critical gaps in manpower, funding and equipment.

According to United Nations figures, at least 2 680 people have been killed and 957 injured since the mission began. The UN Secretary-General’s latest report also documents a surge in grave violations against children, rising from 383 incidents in 2023 to 2 269 in 2024. This includes a twelvefold increase in cases of child recruitment by criminal groups and a marked rise in rape and other forms of sexual violence against minors.

The International Organization for Migration reports that nearly 1.3 million Haitians are now internally displaced, the highest number ever recorded in the country. In the first half of 2025, criminal armed groups intensified attacks in Port-au-Prince and its metropolitan area, as well as in Mirebalais, Saut-d’Eau and Petite Rivière, forcing more than 245 000 people to flee their homes.

As of mid-2025, only five of the eight countries that pledged personnel to the MSS, Kenya, Guatemala, El Salvador, Jamaica and The Bahamas had deployed a combined total of 991 officers, well below the mission’s target strength of 2 500. Funding for the UN Humanitarian Response Plan, which aims to assist 3.9 million people in need, stands at just eight percent of its target. The MSS likewise requires additional financial resources to sustain operations through December and to establish nine of the twelve planned operational bases needed for securing territory.

Informal displacement sites have proliferated across all ten departments, with over 246 such sites recorded by early June 2025. These locations, often overcrowded schools or public spaces, host an average of 2 000 people each and face severe shortages of food, water and medical care. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification estimates that over 8 400 people in these sites are experiencing famine conditions.

The UN Security Council is called upon to provide the MSS with the personnel and resources necessary to fulfil its mandate and to consider transforming the mission into a fully supported UN operation capable of protecting human rights and preventing further escalation of violence.

Government Leaders Meet with PNH Director to Streamline Security Funding

Accompanied by several senior advisors the Prime Minister held talks with the General Director of the Haitian National Police to address the operational challenges facing the force. Discussions focused on administrative reforms designed to enhance the state’s ability to respond swiftly to security threats.

The Prime Minister emphasized the need to modernize public administration particularly the procedures for disbursing funds. He noted that current budgetary processes are overly burdensome hindering institutional action, including that of the police during moments of national crisis.

To improve efficiency a closer partnership will be forged between the Prime Minister’s Office the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Justice and Public Security. The goal is to establish a more agile funding mechanism that upholds high standards of transparency and good governance.

This visit sends a clear political message that the government is resolved to regain control of the security situation and restore public confidence in state institutions. The Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to a performance driven governance model built on strict discipline and inter agency coordination.

UN Expert Group Report Exposes Extensive Arms Trafficking Networks in Haiti

A comprehensive report released in June 2025 by the United Nations Group of Experts on Haiti paints a disturbing picture of the flow of weapons and ammunition into the country. Spanning more than sixty pages, the document’s fourth chapter is devoted entirely to arms trafficking, detailing well-organized supply chains driven by gangs, affluent civilians, private security firms and self-defense groups.

Despite existing embargoes, illicit imports from the United States and, to a lesser degree, the Dominican Republic continue unabated. Official border checkpoints register virtually no significant seizures, underscoring the weakness of state controls and the sophistication of smuggling operations. In December 2024, authorities recovered an untraceable, artisan-assembled AR-15 in Cité-Soleil, known as a “ghost gun,” highlighting the growing arsenal at the disposal of armed groups.

The report also reveals structural corruption within the Haitian National Police. Stock management failures and widespread collusion have enabled massive diversions of ammunition. On October 31, 2024, an officer from the PNH’s anti-ambush unit was intercepted carrying nearly 2 700 rounds destined for a gang. Seven days later another officer was arrested with more than 2 400 rounds, procured through the complicity of his partner employed at the force’s central armory.

Cross-border complicity further exacerbates the crisis. Investigators attribute the July 2024 seizure of 5 000 cartridges in Mirebalais to corrupt Dominican agents reselling police stocks to Haitian gangs. More than 900 000 items, predominantly ammunition, are believed to have been siphoned off, even as Dominican authorities launch investigations and stock inventories.

The report points to additional vulnerabilities in diplomatic and private security channels. Unauthorized arms imports by certain diplomatic missions, conducted outside the oversight of UN sanctions committees, and lax regulation of private security companies have allowed weapons to enter the country unchecked. Some honorary consuls are accused of abusing diplomatic immunity to import firearms illegally, compounding the overall security breakdown.

According to the UN Group of Experts, a combination of internal collusion, institutional inertia, porous borders and external interference has nurtured a thriving black market in arms. As armed violence continues to destabilize Haiti, the report calls urgently for comprehensive reforms, tighter weapons controls and greater accountability among all institutions tasked with safeguarding public security.

Christ Roi Chéry Alias “Chrisla” Mobilizes Civilians in Martissant and Carrefour to Demand Peace

On June 20th,  in Carrefour hundreds of people marched at the invitation of Chrisla the area’s reputed gang leader, to denounce extrajudicial killings and the use of kamikaze drones against criminal groups. Riding atop a sound truck he criticized the government’s handling of security and called for the immediate dissolution of the Transitional Presidential Council. Observers noted that this display illustrated how armed groups have transitioned from perpetrators of violence to de facto local authorities setting their own terms of governance.

Anti Kidnapping March in Martissant

Six days later on June 26 several hundred protesters took to the streets of Martissant to decry a recent surge in kidnappings. The march proceeded from Fontamara to the Martissant sub precinct under the escort of the national police. Chrisla who remains wanted under an arrest warrant addressed the crowd asserting that “kidnapping has done too much harm since 2004” and urging solidarity in combating the scourge. He insisted that accusations against him would not stand and explained that he had funded the demonstration through the fruits of his labor. Local schools in Fontamara and Martissant suspended classes, and many uniformed students joined the procession listening attentively as Chrisla appealed for peace.

Implications for State Authority

Both events underscore the central challenge facing Haiti’s weakened government namely that armed factions command popular support to fill the vacuum left by ineffective or absent state institutions. The paradox of civilians marching alongside and under the protection of an indicted gang leader raises pressing questions about the balance of power. While these gatherings project popular demands for security and governance they also reveal the extent to which criminal networks have embedded themselves in the political and social fabric of Port au Prince’s suburbs.

Residents caught in the crossfire remain torn between fear and the hope that these high visibility protests will yield genuine improvements in public safety. Until the central government can reassert its authority and deliver concrete security reforms figures like Christ Roi Chéry are likely to continue leveraging demonstrations to expand their influence under the guise of peace and community solidarity.

Drone Campaign in Port-au-Prince Raises Questions Over Legality and Long-Term Impact

A series of drone strikes against gang strongholds in Port-au-Prince has reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 300 suspected gang members and injuries to more than 400 others, according to the National Human Rights Defense Network (RNDDH). The Haitian government has not confirmed these figures, and independent verification remains challenging.

These operations began in March under the oversight of a specialized task force within the office of interim Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé. The unit operates alongside, but seemingly independent from the Haitian National Police (PNH) and the United Nations-backed Multinational Security Support mission led by Kenyan officers. Observers report that coordination between drone operators, police and international forces has been minimal despite formal meetings.

Legal experts warn that deploying lethal force in a country not formally engaged in armed conflict may breach both Haitian criminal statutes and international human rights law, which limit the use of force to situations involving an imminent threat to life. Nonetheless, public support for the drone offensive remains strong, as residents perceive a temporary reprieve from gang violence.

Reports of civilian casualties are mounting. Healthcare workers have confirmed that women and children are among those wounded and killed. A government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that some collateral damage is unavoidable in areas under gang control.

Long-term effectiveness of the strikes is in doubt. Gang networks have shown a consistent ability to adapt trenches and ambushes emerged in response to armored patrols, and now fighters are avoiding main roads, taking shelter in reinforced structures and creating hidden passageways to elude drone surveillance. In early June, three members of the Viv Ansanm coalition were reportedly arrested in the Dominican Republic while attempting to acquire drones for their own operations.

Although no senior gang figures have been confirmed killed, analysts warn that targeting high-profile leaders could provoke retaliatory offensives across the capital. Without robust integration of aerial strikes with ground operations and without significant international reinforcements for the PNH and the multinational mission, the drone campaign may at best deliver a temporary setback to criminal groups and buy time for authorities to develop a more comprehensive security strategy.  

Contradictions in U.S. Policy on Haiti: Safety Assurances Versus Evacuation Advisories

Security Experts Highlight Contradictions in U.S. Haiti Policy

Security analysts, including Professor Prospère Charles, observe a marked inconsistency in recent U.S. government statements on Haiti. On one side, the Department of Homeland Security under Secretary Kristi Noem has determined that conditions in Haiti have “sufficiently improved,” thereby justifying the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals. According to migration specialist Dr. Ana Morales, this position assumes that environmental stability, governance capacity, and public safety have all rebounded to levels that no longer endanger returnees.

In stark contrast, senior State Department officials have issued an urgent advisory instructing American citizens to “depart Haiti as soon as possible,” citing pervasive violence, civil unrest, and a breakdown of institutional authority. Security consultant Michael Owens notes that this evacuation directive underscores the persistence of gang warfare and logistical failures—factors that, in his view, render the country unsafe for foreign visitors.

Policy commentators argue that these dual messages arise from differing mandates and audiences. Professor Charles and migration expert Dr. Samira Patel point out that the TPS determination reflects long-term considerations, remittance flows, bilateral diplomacy, and the strategic management of U.S. immigration systems, whereas the travel advisory addresses immediate personal safety risks encountered by U.S. citizens. Nevertheless, political analyst Laura Chen warns that pairing “safe for return” proclamations with “evacuate immediately” advisories risks eroding policy coherence and public confidence.

Commentators contend that this dissonance has real-world consequences. Human rights advocate Carlos Ruiz argues that forcing Haitian nationals back into a nation the U.S. government deems too dangerous for its own citizens undermines the moral foundations of TPS and complicates collaboration with international partners. In Ruiz’s assessment, a unified risk-assessment framework, one that transparently defines criteria for both “safe repatriation” and “emergency evacuation” is essential to preserve U.S. credibility, fulfill humanitarian obligations, and navigate the complex U.S.-Haiti relationship effectively.

Power to Return Soon to Port-au-Prince and Surrounding Areas

Authorities have confirmed that the Haitian capital and its surrounding areas will soon be re-energized, roughly two weeks after the forced shutdown of the Péligre plant and the destruction of several transmission towers. According to Leslie Voltaire, the presidential advisor overseeing security projects, power will now come from the thermal facilities at Carrefour, bolstered by an additional 25 MW from the E-Power plant.

An anonymous source at Électricité d’Haïti (Ed’H) said that commissioning work on the Carrefour units is complete and that only network stabilization remains before lights can be turned back on. The source nevertheless regretted that these sensitive details were disclosed prematurely, as Ed’H had intended to keep its plan confidential until full operational readiness.

The main hurdle remains the rehabilitation of the transmission lines: at least ten towers were destroyed during sabotage in Mirebalais on June 17 and 18, 2025. Even if the Péligre site is secured, it will be impossible to supply Port-au-Prince without repairing these structures, a project that demands financial, logistical, and technical resources currently beyond the country’s reach.

Government Unveils Strategic Roadmap to Enhance National Security

Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé convened the second session of the Steering Committee for the Joint Support Program for the Haitian National Police (PNH) on Thursday at Hôtel Montana.

Representatives from the United States, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Japan, Brazil, Mexico, United Nations bodies, and UNDP experts attended to evaluate and advance plans for enhancing the PNH’s operational capacity. Key proposals included:

1. Modernizing police infrastructure and command centers

2. Equipping officers with advanced tactical gear

3. Expanding professional training programs

The government’s official roadmap comprises three principal objectives:

· Reestablish security across all regions of the country

· Conduct a constitutional referendum to bolster institutional legitimacy

· Organize free and fair elections as the mechanism for democratic transition

UN and UNDP delegates acknowledged initial progress while underscoring the necessity for additional resources and improved access to high-risk areas. Inspector General Jean Gardy Muscadin and Chief Inspector Péyo Smith highlighted the importance of streamlining administrative processes to ensure field-level effectiveness.

In his closing remarks, the Prime Minister affirmed the administration’s resolve to implement these measures effectively. Successful deployment will be measured by tangible improvements in security conditions within neighborhoods such as Martissant, Croix-des-Bouquets, Cité Soleil, and Carrefour-Feuilles.

Assessing the First Year of Haiti’s Multinational Security Support Mission

One year after its deployment under Kenyan leadership, the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) in Haiti has come under rigorous scrutiny. Security analyst Professor Prospère Charles described the mission as a “complete fiasco” during an appearance on Panel Magik (Magik9) on June 27, 2025. Despite official statements of satisfaction, Professor Charles argues that the MSSM has failed to achieve any of its defined objectives, leaving the security environment in Port-au-Prince and beyond increasingly unstable.

Operationally, the mission has been hampered by a critical shortage of personnel and equipment ill-suited to the prevailing security challenges. According to Professor Charles, fewer than half of the promised Kenyan police contingents are on the ground, while only 18 percent of pledged financial resources have been disbursed. Without adequate force strength or reliable funding, the mission lacks the foundational capacity to carry out its mandate, rendering strategic planning and coordinated operations virtually impossible.

Furthermore, the MSSM’s governance and logistical framework diverges markedly from traditional United Nations peacekeeping structures. Though authorized by a UN Security Council resolution, the MSSM operates outside the UN command hierarchy and is heavily dependent on U.S. financial and political support. This arrangement has prompted concerns that partner nations, including Kenya may reevaluate their commitments if funding conditions remain unmet. Indeed, recent U.S. efforts to recruit additional contributors suggest an incremental drawdown rather than a sustained escalation of international engagement.

At its core, Professor Charles contends, the MSSM was instituted without a comprehensive strategic blueprint. The absence of a clear, publicly available operational plan has left both Haitian authorities and international stakeholders without a coherent framework to measure progress or adapt to emerging threats. For the mission to fulfill its promise of restoring order and strengthening local law enforcement, Haiti itself must take ownership, with an empowered and reformed Haitian National Police at the forefront of security efforts.

Dominican Foreign Minister Leads Strategic Dialogues on Haiti at OAS Assembly

At the 55th General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS), Dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez held high-level meetings with his U.S. and Bahamian counterparts to address the ongoing crisis in Haiti and strengthen hemispheric cooperation.

In his meeting with U.S. Under Secretary of State Christopher Landau, Minister Álvarez emphasized the urgent need for more effective international support to restore stability in Haiti. Both sides reviewed the progress and limitations of the mission led by Kenya, acknowledging that it has fallen short of the security outcomes expected by Haitian authorities and some U.S. officials. They agreed to enhance logistical and financial arrangements in order to improve operational effectiveness. They also discussed preparations for the Tenth Summit of the Americas, to be held from December 1 to 5, 2025, in Punta Cana, a forum intended to boost regional economic integration and private-sector investment, with former President Donald Trump expected to attend.

Álvarez then signed a landmark health cooperation agreement with Bahamian Foreign Minister Frederick Mitchell. This protocol establishes procedures for medical evacuation, the care of casualties, and logistical access to Dominican territory for Bahamian forces deployed in Haiti, ensuring a swift humanitarian response amid rising security challenges. The Bahamas has already contributed two military contingents to the mission, and this accord further reinforces the practical support provided by the Dominican Republic to its regional partners.

Finally, the two ministers launched a bilateral political consultation mechanism designed to institutionalize regular dialogue on shared priorities such as security cooperation, maritime commerce, consular affairs, cultural exchange, and migration. These agreements were adopted under the assembly’s theme “Building Resilient and Inclusive Economies in the Americas,” reflecting the region’s commitment to addressing geopolitical tensions and the Haitian crisis through collaborative action.

Widespread Protests and Road Blockades Disrupted Port-au-Prince Traffic on Friday, June 27, 2025

Port-au-Prince came to a standstill as Commander Samuel, leader of the Canapé-Vert Defense Brigade, called for two days of demonstrations and blockades against the government. Early in the morning, protesters installed a barricade on the Bourdon Road leading into Canapé-Vert near the Sisters of Bourdon school, triggering severe congestion. Through his Òganizasyon San Nèf network, Samuel demanded continued blockades until authorities acted decisively against the Viv Ansanm gangs he denounced as terrorists, and he organized a midnight mobilization followed by a mass gathering at Place Canapé-Vert at 9:00 a.m. the next day.

Throughout the morning, multiple strategic corridors in the capital were obstructed by burning tire barricades and improvised roadblocks, while secondary streets remained littered with debris from previous night’s actions. Authorities and local observers reported that motorcycles occasionally bypassed the obstructions by using sidewalks, but larger vehicles were unable to proceed and were forced to turn back.

Additional barricades had been erected at Rue Dalencourt, the Bois Patate intersection on Avenue MLK, and near Place Boyer at the entrance to Peggy-Ville. Traffic in Debrosse had thinned considerably, reflecting the scale of the unrest and the protestors’ determination to maintain pressure on government authorities.