Weekly report
April 21 to April 28, 2026

Pnh officers protest in delmas over detained colleagues before de-escalation following reported release

A protest led by officers of the Haitian National Police (PNH) caused significant disruption across the Delmas corridor on Monday, blocking major roadways and halting traffic for several hours before deescalating after reports that the detained officers at the center of the dispute were released.

The demonstration was triggered by the detention of four police officers, Serge Édouard Muscardin, Oberde Joseph, Ricardo Anglade, and Nexbertso Déjean, who had been held since April 14 at the Delmas 33 station. The arrests are reportedly linked to a case involving West Departmental Director, DDO1, Yvon Cantave. Protesters within the ranks characterized the detentions as arbitrary and unlawful, directly accusing Cantave of orchestrating their incarceration.

By early afternoon on April 27, uniformed and plainclothes officers established coordinated roadblocks across multiple points in Delmas. At Delmas 33, vehicles were positioned to obstruct traffic, while in Delmas 31, burning tires were used to block key routes. Additional disruptions were reported at major intersections, including Delmas 75 and Delmas 83. Sections of the Delmas highway remained inaccessible into the late afternoon, generating significant congestion, forcing rerouting, and increasing pedestrian movement as public and private transport systems were effectively paralyzed.

Participants initially signaled intent to escalate, announcing a planned strike for Tuesday, April 28, raising concerns of broader paralysis across Port-au-Prince, particularly in sensitive areas such as Turgeau, Bourdon, and Pétion-Ville where security conditions remain fragile.

However, multiple local media outlets reported on April 28 that the four detained officers were released, prompting an immediate de-escalation of the situation. The planned strike and continued protest actions were subsequently called off, and movement gradually resumed along the affected corridors.

The tactics employed during the protest, including barricades, vehicle obstruction, and burning tires, reflect a pattern of internal police mobilization that has historically escalated beyond peaceful demonstrations. These methods closely mirror those used during the 2020–2021 unrest associated with the Fantom 509 movement, when factions within the police engaged in direct action that resulted in property destruction, widespread disruption, and armed confrontations within the institution. The reemergence of similar tactics underscores ongoing concerns regarding internal cohesion, discipline, and command authority within the PNH.

As of the evening of April 27, the PNH leadership had not issued an official public statement addressing the protests or clarifying the legal basis for the initial detentions and subsequent release of the officers. This lack of immediate institutional communication comes at a time when the PNH is attempting to recalibrate its public messaging capacity, including the recent reappointment of Lazare Lionel as official spokesperson.

This incident highlights persistent structural vulnerabilities within the PNH, including internal fractures, sensitivity to disciplinary actions, and the capacity for rapid mobilization by officers outside formal command channels. While the situation stabilized quickly following the reported release of the detained personnel, the underlying tensions that triggered the protest remain unresolved, presenting a continued risk of future disruptions with operational and security implications across the capital.

Belgian A400m comes under fire while deploying chadian troops to Haiti, incident highlights airport security concerns

A Belgian Air Force Airbus A400M transport aircraft came under gunfire during a deployment mission to Haiti, underscoring the fragile and increasingly contested security environment surrounding Port-auPrince and its main international airport. The aircraft, operated by the Belgian Air Force’s 15th Air Transport Wing, was transporting approximately 80 Chadian soldiers as part of a United Nations-supported effort to reinforce security operations.

The mission originated in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and involved the insertion of Chadian troops into Port-auPrince amid ongoing instability and the expansion of multinational security support. According to Belgian authorities, the aircraft successfully delivered personnel before departing Haiti. Damage from gunfire was only discovered after landing back in Santo Domingo. At least two bullet impacts were identified, one on the tail section and another affecting an engine, although all flight systems remained functional and no injuries were reported.

Preliminary assessments indicate the aircraft was likely struck during its approach to Toussaint Louverture International Airport, an area that has seen repeated security incidents in recent months. The mission had been classified as high-risk, with crews instructed to minimize ground exposure. Following the incident, a second planned flight was canceled, and the aircraft underwent temporary repairs before returning safely to Belgium.

The incident has drawn renewed attention to the security situation surrounding Haiti’s main airport, which remains operational but constrained. Gunfire near the airport has become a recurring issue, contributing to the suspension of most U.S. and Canadian commercial flights since late 2024 and ongoing aviation restrictions. While domestic and limited regional flights continue, insecurity in surrounding areas, particularly in the Cul-de-Sac plain and Clercine corridors, continues to pose risks to both civilian and military aviation.

The event has also fueled public speculation within Haiti regarding the broader impact of insecurity on airport operations and the pace of reopening to international carriers. In the absence of detailed official findings, questions have circulated regarding whether repeated incidents are contributing to prolonged restrictions on commercial air traffic, though no formal conclusions have been established.

More broadly, the incident highlights the operational risks facing international partners supporting Haiti’s stabilization efforts. As additional forces, including Chadian troops, deploy to reinforce security, ensuring the safety of key entry points such as Port-auPrince’s airport remains critical. The targeting, whether deliberate or incidental, of a military transport aircraft reflects the complexity of the environment and may influence future mission planning, including force protection measures and air operation protocols.

Kidnapping on route 9 in cité soleil leaves several missing amid ongoing security crisis

Gang members abducted several employees of a private company on Saturday along Route 9 in the Cité Soleil area, in an incident that underscores the persistent insecurity along one of the capital’s most volatile corridors.

According to available information, the victims were traveling toward Boutilier when their vehicle was intercepted by armed assailants. During the attack, a generator being transported by the group was also seized. The incident appears consistent with patterns of targeted interdictions along this axis, where both personnel and valuable equipment are frequently at risk.

Sources report that some of the hostages have since been released, while others remain unaccounted for, with no confirmed information regarding their condition or whereabouts. The selective release of victims is a recurring feature in kidnapping cases in the area, often associated with ongoing ransom negotiations or internal decisions by armed groups.

The Route 9 corridor, which runs through Cité Soleil and connects critical industrial and port zones, remains a high-risk environment due to the entrenched presence of armed groups. These groups routinely conduct ambushes, hijackings, and kidnappings, taking advantage of limited state control and constrained security force mobility. The area has long been considered one of the most dangerous operational zones in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area.

This latest incident reflects broader trends observed in recent months, including the increased targeting of commercial movements and logistical assets. Equipment such as generators, vehicles, and construction materials are frequently seized, either for direct use or resale, further incentivizing attacks on private sector personnel.

As of now, Haitian authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the incident, and no group has formally claimed responsibility. The lack of immediate institutional response highlights ongoing challenges in communication and crisis management within the current security environment.

The kidnapping serves as a reminder of the continued operational risks associated with movement through Cité Soleil and similar high-threat areas. Without significant changes in the security posture, including sustained law enforcement presence and improved control of key corridors, such incidents are likely to persist.

UN reports over 1,300 suspects killed in Haiti anti-gang operations amid rising civilian concerns

More than 1,300 individuals identified as suspects were killed in Haiti between December 2025 and February 2026 during intensified anti-gang operations, according to a recent United Nations report. The operations were concentrated in the Port-auPrince metropolitan area and were conducted by the Haitian National Police (PNH), supported by the Armed Forces of Haiti and specialized units, with the objective of regaining control over gang-dominated zones.

The report also highlights a significant civilian impact, with at least 158 civilians killed and more than 100 injured during the same period. The United Nations has called for strengthened civilian protection measures and strict adherence to human rights standards, emphasizing the need for proportional use of force and accountability. Human rights organizations have raised concerns over possible abuses, including allegations of extrajudicial killings, and are calling for independent investigations. While the UN report does not detail specific tactical methods, it aligns with broader reporting that Haitian security forces have increasingly incorporated drone-supported operations, including aerial surveillance and, in some cases, the use of explosive-capable drones in urban environments. These tactics reflect efforts to counter entrenched gang positions in densely populated areas but also heighten the risk to civilians.

Haitian authorities maintain that the operations are necessary to combat gangs responsible for widespread violence, kidnappings, and economic disruption. However, observers continue to stress that security measures alone will not resolve the crisis, pointing to the need for a broader approach addressing governance, economic instability, and institutional weaknesses.

Haiti security transition at risk as kenyan-led force withdraws and new frg struggles to Scale

Haiti is entering a critical transition phase as the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM), led by Kenyan forces, moves toward the final stage of its withdrawal while the Gang Repression Force (FRG) prepares to assume operational responsibilities. The transition has raised increasing concern at both the international level and within affected regions across the country.

At a United Nations Security Council session on April 23, Kenya’s representative, Erastus Lokaale, confirmed that the remaining MSSM combat contingent is scheduled to depart by the end of April, describing the timeline as particularly sensitive. He emphasized that the FRG must be rapidly operationalized with adequate funding, personnel, and logistical support to prevent a reversal of recent security gains. International partners echoed similar concerns, noting that the transition carries significant operational risk if not properly managed.

On the ground, early indicators point to emerging gaps. In Saint-Marc and the lower Artibonite region, civil society representatives have reported a growing security vacuum following the withdrawal of approximately 60 Kenyan personnel from the Pont-Sondé police station without an immediate Haitian replacement. The position is considered strategically important due to the presence of armed groups such as Gran Grif and Kokorat San Ras, which remain active in the region. Local actors have called for urgent deployment of Haitian National Police (PNH) reinforcements, along with weapons and logistical support, to prevent further destabilization.

Security conditions remain volatile across multiple regions. In Artibonite,  recent attacks have targeted areas such as Kapenyen in L’Estère, while clashes between armed groups and local self-defense elements continue in rural zones. In the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, ongoing gang violence in Cité Soleil and the Cul-de-Sac Plain has triggered new population displacement, with families relocating to comparatively safer areas. The PNH has reported limited tactical successes, including repelling attacks in Séguin in the Southeast and seizing weapons, but these operations remain episodic relative to the scale of territory contested or controlled by armed groups.

The FRG, which is expected to play a central role in future stabilization efforts, has begun initial deployment activities. A delegation led by Major General Gulam Mahiuddin Ahmed recently conducted a reconnaissance visit to PNH headquarters in Tabarre as part of coordination and assessment efforts. According to UN representatives, the FRG is intended to support Haitian authorities in degrading gang capabilities and restoring territorial control, rather than replacing national institutions.

The United States and other international stakeholders have expressed cautious support for the transition, while stressing that security interventions alone will not achieve long-term stability. Regional actors, including the Dominican Republic, have called for increased financial and logistical contributions, while other Security Council members have warned of the risks associated with an under-resourced deployment.

This transition comes at a time when Haiti’s security environment remains highly fragmented, with armed groups continuing to expand influence across key corridors and urban centers. The limited size of the current multinational presence, combined with uneven deployment and constrained operational reach, has already restricted sustained pressure on entrenched gang networks.

As the MSSM drawdown proceeds and the FRG attempts to establish its operational footing, the coming weeks will be decisive. The effectiveness, speed, and resourcing of this transition will likely determine whether current security gains can be maintained or whether conditions deteriorate further in already vulnerable regions.

Chad announces planned deployment of 1,500 troops to Haiti amid expanding international security efforts

Approximately 1,500 soldiers to Haiti as part of ongoing international efforts to reinforce security and support local forces confronting a deteriorating security environment.

The announcement reflects a broader push by international partners to stabilize Haiti, where armed groups continue to exert control over key urban and rural areas, particularly in and around Port-au-Prince and parts of the Artibonite region. While specific timelines, rules of engagement, and deployment locations have not yet been publicly detailed, the scale of the proposed Chadian contribution would represent a significant augmentation of current multinational presence.

This development comes as the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) faces operational constraints, including limited troop levels and ongoing adjustments to its mandate and footprint. The planned transition toward a broader framework, often referred to in diplomatic discussions as a Gang Suppression or Repression Force model, has increased the urgency for additional troop-contributing countries to fill capability gaps and sustain pressure on armed groups.

Chad’s potential involvement signals an expansion of participation beyond the initial contributors, which have included Kenya and smaller contingents from Caribbean and Central American nations. Previous discussions within international forums have also referenced possible contributions from other countries, including African and Asian partners, as the mission evolves toward a larger, more structured force with an eventual target strength significantly higher than current deployment levels.

Despite these developments, analysts and international stakeholders continue to stress that external security support alone will not resolve Haiti’s crisis. Persistent challenges including institutional fragility, limited state presence, economic instability, and political uncertainty continue to constrain long-term stabilization efforts. Nonetheless, the anticipated deployment of Chadian forces, if implemented as announced, would represent a notable step in scaling international engagement at a critical juncture in Haiti’s security transition.

Assessment: chadian forces expected to bring higher combat capability to Haiti security mission

Halo Solutions Firm S.A. assesses that incoming Chadian forces are likely to introduce a higher level of combat experience into Haiti’s evolving multinational security framework, particularly when compared to earlier contingents deployed under the Kenyan-led mission. This assessment is based on the operational history of the Chadian military, which has been consistently engaged in high-intensity conflict environments across the Sahel region.

Chadian forces have a long record of sustained combat operations, including engagements against Libyan forces in the 1980s and more recent counterinsurgency campaigns against Boko Haram and other armed groups in the Lake Chad Basin. These operations have required maneuver warfare, rapid offensive action, and sustained operations in austere environments, contributing to a reputation for battlefield adaptability and combat effectiveness. Chad has also participated in multiple regional and international missions, reinforcing its role as a security contributor in complex and high-threat environments.

From an operational perspective, Halo Solutions Firm S.A. notes that the effectiveness of these forces in Haiti will depend not only on combat experience but also on integration, logistics, and mission clarity. The Haitian environment presents distinct challenges, including dense urban terrain, entrenched gang networks, and complex civilian dynamics. While Chadian units may enhance tactical capability, broader success will depend on coordinated intelligence, sustained logistical support, and alignment with Haitian National Police operations.

Halo Solutions further assesses that a purely forcebased approach will be insufficient to achieve lasting stability. In parallel with security operations, efforts to disrupt arms trafficking networks, restore institutional control, and create pathways for disengagement from armed groups will remain essential. The deployment of Chadian forces represents a significant reinforcement of international engagement, but its overall impact will depend on how effectively these capabilities are integrated into a comprehensive stabilization strategy

Haitian security forces prepare to expand armored vehicle fleet amid ongoing operations

Haitian authorities are preparing to reinforce the armored vehicle capacity of both the Haitian National Police (PNH) and the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAD’H) as part of broader efforts to strengthen operational capability against armed groups. According to government sources, the PNH is expected to receive 22 Roshel Senator-type armored vehicles through international support channels, while an additional 22 similar vehicles previously used by the multinational mission have been recovered, though a significant portion remain under repair.

Existing armored assets are currently distributed across multiple units and regions, with several smaller “Captain”-type vehicles in circulation and a limited number of heavier platforms, including MaxPro and Centurytype vehicles, either transferred or pending delivery. In the Artibonite region alone, nearly a dozen armored vehicles are reportedly deployed, reflecting the continued operational focus on areas affected by sustained gang activity. In parallel, the FAD’H is expected to receive at least 10 armored vehicles as it expands its role in supporting internal security operations.

The reinforcement effort comes amid ongoing security operations and force generation initiatives, including recent troop graduations and deployments to stabilize contested zones in Port-au-Prince. However, delivery timelines for equipment have been affected by external supply chain disruptions, including global conflicts impacting procurement. Additional orders for weapons and ammunition are reportedly underway, signaling a continued effort to enhance both mobility and firepower of Haitian security forces as they attempt to consolidate territorial gains.

Haiti ties airport security to gsf deployment as government pushes for return of international flights

The Haitian government is positioning the deployment of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) as a central element in efforts to restore international commercial flights at Toussaint Louverture International Airport. Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé stated that the strategy is based on establishing a secure operating environment, noting that if GSF personnel are deployed to protect the airport, there should be no barrier to the return of international airlines, particularly U.S. carriers.

This approach has been more than a year of significant disruption to air traffic in the capital. Since early 2024, and especially after a series of incidents in late 2024 in which aircraft were struck by gunfire on or near the runway, multiple airlines suspended operations. These incidents occurred amid escalating violence linked to coordinated gang activity, including the Viv Ansanm coalition, raising sustained concerns about aviation safety in Port-au-Prince.

In response, U.S. aviation authoritiesimposed restrictions on flights to the capital, measures that remain in effect through at least September 2026. Other international and regional carriers have also reduced or halted operations after similar security incidents, including cases where aircraft were hit by projectiles. As a result, international access to Port-au-Prince has remained limited, with only restricted flight activity continuing under controlled conditions.

The planned deployment of GSF personnel to the airport reflects a broader effort to stabilize critical infrastructure and rebuild confidence among international aviation stakeholders. However, the effectiveness of this strategy will depend on the ability to sustain security in and around the airport, an area that continues to face persistent threats from armed groups and periodic armed engagements.

Haiti reinforces security infrastructure at national police academy with international support

Haitian authorities, in partnership with international stakeholders, have completed a major upgrade to the external security infrastructure of the National Police Academy (ENP) located on Route de Frères. The project was officially handed over on April 22 during a ceremony attended by Acting Director General of the Haitian National Police (PNH), Vladimir Paraison, Japan’s Ambassador Kazuhiko Nishiuchi, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Xavier Michon.

Funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by the UNDP, the initiative focuses on strengthening long-term security in a historically vulnerable area while ensuring uninterrupted training operations for future police personnel. The upgrades include reinforcement of more than 1,300 meters of perimeter walls, installation of barbed wire, and the deployment of a comprehensive surveillance system with cameras covering the entire compound. A centralized monitoring room has also been established to improve early threat detection, alongside the installation of solar-powered lighting to enhance visibility and reduce reliance on diesel systems.

Additional improvements extend to operational and support facilities within the academy, including the renovation of the security command post, upgrades to the water supply system, and the provision of medical supplies and diagnostic equipment for the infirmary. These enhancements are designed to support both daily operations and emergency response capabilities within the training environment.

Looking ahead, UNDP officials announced plans to expand infrastructure at the academy, including the construction of new classrooms and dormitories, particularly to support the integration of female recruits. Additional regional training centers are also planned in northern and southern Haiti to decentralize police training capacity.

During the event, Ambassador Nishiuchi reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Haiti’s stabilization efforts through sustained cooperation. In turn, PNH leadership emphasized ongoing operational needs, including expanded mobility assets, reconstruction of police facilities in key regions, and the development of enhanced medical support capabilities for security forces. The ceremony concluded with a site visit and a formal recognition of Japan’s contribution to the project.

Haitian armed forces expand ranks with new cohort of recruits at vertières

The Armed Forces of Haiti (FAD’H) inducted 339 new soldiers during an official ceremony held at the Vertières military base, marking a continued effort to expand and strengthen the country’s military capacity amid ongoing security challenges.

The new cohort, designated as the “François Capois” class, was formally presented before military leadership in a ceremony emphasizing discipline and national service. The name honors François Capois, also known as Capois-La-Mort, a key figure in Haiti’s War of Independence who became emblematic of courage and resilience during the Battle of Vertières in 1803. By assigning this name to the class, authorities sought to reinforce a legacy of bravery, sacrifice, and national commitment among the new recruits.

The recruits took an oath of allegiance to the Constitution, committing to uphold the laws and responsibilities outlined under the Ministry of Defense framework, including provisions established in the 2015 defense decree. According to military officials, they completed a structured training program combining tactical and technical instruction with modules on human rights, gender considerations, and civil protection roles

This intake is part of a broader force development plan aimed at rebuilding and modernizing the FAD’H. Authorities have indicated that additional recruitment waves are expected in the near term, with plans to establish new recruitment centers in multiple regions, including the West and the Grand Sud, to support sustained personnel growth and improve national coverage.

Port-au-prince: intensified offensive in downtown area, several armed individuals neutralized

The Haitian National Police (PNH), supported by a Task Force and the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAD’H), has intensified operations in downtown Port-au-Prince as part of efforts to combat armed groups.

During an intervention carried out on the evening of Friday, April 24, several armed individuals were killed in the Marché Salomon area, according to police sources. At the same time, security forces launched clearing and stabilization operations in multiple strategic zones, including Magloire Ambroise, Rue Romain, and Rue Chavannes, with the objective of regaining control of the area. Despite these advances, the situation remains highly tense, with these neighborhoods continuing to experience violent clashes between police forces and armed groups.

Qatar pledges $30 million to UN Haiti security fund as international support expands

Qatar has committed $30 million to a United Nations trust fund supporting international security operations in Haiti, marking a significant addition to ongoing multinational efforts to counter gang violence and stabilize the country. The announcement was relayed through Canadian diplomatic channels, with Canada welcoming the contribution as part of a broader coordinated funding effort.

With this latest pledge, the UN-administered fund has reached approximately $203.3 million, including $174.1 million in direct cash contributions, reflecting growing international financial backing for security operations in Haiti.

Debate grows in Haiti over proposed dialogue between armed groups and population

As Haiti faces one of its most severe and prolonged security crises, recent statements from certain armed groups expressing willingness to engage in dialogue with the population have intensified national debate. The proposal has generated a wide range of reactions across society, reflecting deep divisions over whether such an approach could contribute to stability or further complicate an already fragile environment.

For years, Haitian citizens have endured escalating violence, kidnappings, forced displacement, and economic disruption. In this context, the idea that armed groups, often associated with these conditions, could position themselves as interlocutors has raised significant concern. Some observers view the timing as notable, particularly as discussions surrounding elections and a return to constitutional order re-emerge. This has led to speculation that calls for dialogue may be linked to broader efforts to gain influence, legitimacy, or leverage within a shifting political landscape.

At the same time, questions remain regarding the origin and structure of such proposals. It is unclear whether these initiatives are driven solely by armed groups or influenced by other actors, including political, economic, or external stakeholders. The lack of transparency has contributed to uncertainty and skepticism among the population. A central issue repeatedly raised by analysts is the feasibility of meaningful dialogue in the absence of disarmament. The continued presence of weapons and active control of territory by armed groups presents a significant constraint on any negotiation process and raises concerns about coercion or imbalance.

Halo Solutions Firm S.A. assesses that any dialogue framework in the current environment would require clearly defined conditions, including verifiable reductions in violence, structured disarmament pathways, and robust oversight mechanisms. Without these elements, there is a risk that dialogue could be perceived as legitimizing armed actors without addressing the underlying drivers of insecurity. The firm further notes that past experiences in similar environments suggest that sequencing is critical, with security stabilization measures often serving as a prerequisite to credible political engagement.

Public reaction remains divided. Some segments of the population, facing daily insecurity, express cautious openness to any initiative that could reduce violence, even if it involves engagement with armed actors. Others strongly oppose the idea, arguing that dialogue without accountability risks undermining the rule of law and sending a signal that criminal activity carries limited consequences. For these groups, justice and accountability remain central to any sustainable resolution.

The issue also intersects with ongoing discussions around elections and governance. While some view dialogue as a potential step toward creating minimum stability required for electoral processes, others see it as a possible delaying tactic or mechanism to influence political outcomes. This divergence reflects broader tensions regarding how to balance immediate security needs with longterm institutional rebuilding.

As Haiti continues to navigate this complex crisis, the question of whether and how to engage with armed groups remains unresolved. Any potential path forward will likely require a coordinated approach involving the state, civil society, and international partners, with an emphasis on transparency, accountability, and the prioritization of public security.