
Weekly Report April 25 to May 05
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May 5, 2025
Gran Grif Gang Unleashes Wave of Violence in Artibonite and Port-au-Prince
On April 30, 2025, the gang Gran Grif, operating in the Lower Artibonite region and affiliated with the criminal coalition Viv Ansanm, launched a new wave of deadly attacks that have left at least fifteen people dead, dozens injured, and hundreds displaced. Over the past weekend and into the week, Gran Grif militants killed civilians, burned homes, and abducted passengers after hijacking vehicles. These attacks took place with little to no resistance, raising serious concerns about the perceived inaction of security forces, including personnel from the United Nations mission stationed in the area. On Wednesday morning at approximately 3 a.m., the gang struck again in the town center of Petite-Rivière de l’Artibonite, torching more homes and triggering further displacement as terrified residents fled the violence. Just two days earlier, on April 28, another assault in the same commune claimed the lives of two civilians, one of whom was an 11-year-old child.
Simultaneously, in Port-au-Prince, gangs continued their territorial expansion toward the Canapé-Vert neighborhood. In Babiole, part of Turgeau, at least three people were killed and several others kidnapped. In Christ-Roi, amateur drone footage captured heavily armed groups moving openly through the streets, intensifying fear across the capital. The National Police of Haiti and the Multinational Security Support Mission appear overwhelmed and ineffective in containing the escalating violence, leaving much of the civilian population exposed and vulnerable in both urban and rural strongholds.
Terrorist Designations of Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif Mark a Turning Point in U.S. Policy Toward Haitian Gangs But Will It Be Enough
On May 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State formally designated the Haitian gang coalitions Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs), a decision that significantly alters the legal and policy landscape surrounding gang violence in Haiti. These designations freeze all U.S.-controlled assets linked to the groups and prohibit any U.S. person from engaging in transactions with them. The legal consequences are extensive. Anyone who knowingly provides material support to these organizations, including American citizens and legal permanent residents, may face criminal charges, immigration penalties, and secondary sanctions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the era of impunity is over for those who support the destabilization of Haiti. Viv Ansanm, which unites more than twenty criminal groups, now controls over 85 percent of the Port au Prince metropolitan area and has carried out coordinated attacks on police stations, hospitals, and public infrastructure. Gran Grif, the dominant gang in Artibonite, was responsible for a deadly assault on Petite Rivière this week, resulting in multiple deaths, abductions, and mass displacement.
Although these designations carry strong symbolic weight and create a legal foundation for more aggressive action, their effectiveness in altering the reality on the ground is uncertain. Experts caution that the broad definition of material support could expose humanitarian organizations, local businesses, and banks to serious legal risks. Any form of interaction or transaction with designated groups, no matter how unintentional or minor, such as paying for access or providing basic goods, could be construed as supporting terrorism under U.S. law. This may discourage financial institutions and money transfer services from doing business in Haiti, potentially disrupting remittances and humanitarian funding that are essential to the country’s survival. One analyst warned that the implications are vast, as there is no territorial limitation on enforcement. Sanctions apply globally, and the threshold for what constitutes support is extremely low, encompassing even minor items like a pencil or a cup of tea. While this could deter corrupt political and business figures from maintaining ties with gangs, it may also paralyze legitimate economic and humanitarian activity in areas under gang control.
Nevertheless, the designations represent a decisive policy shift by the United States. By categorizing Haitian gangs as global terrorist threats rather than just local criminal actors, the U.S. opens the door for a more coordinated international response involving intelligence sharing, interdiction operations, and multilateral enforcement. If coupled with robust support for Haiti’s national police and transparent oversight mechanisms to protect humanitarian efforts, these designations could be an important step toward restoring rule of law. However, if applied without nuance or support for critical sectors, they risk isolating Haiti further and intensifying economic strain. Ultimately, whether these measures will weaken gang influence depends not only on their legal power but also on how they are enforced and how responsibly the international community manages the unintended consequences.
Haitian Government Considers Private Security Firms and Emergency Budget to Combat Gang Violence
The Haitian government is actively exploring the possibility of partnering with international private security firms to confront the escalating violence caused by armed gangs. According to Finance Minister Alfred Métellus, all options are being considered to restore public safety and reopen critical transportation routes. “We are open to all Haitians and foreigners who have expertise and are willing to support us, support the police and the army to resolve the crisis,” Métellus stated, emphasizing that national security is a top priority under the leadership of Fritz A. Jean, President of the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT). He even referenced a “war budget” to underscore the urgency of the situation. Métellus confirmed that funds have been allocated to security forces and that requests are being processed quickly by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, noting that while there is no issue with budget availability, challenges remain in executing security operations efficiently.
Diplomatic and government sources have confirmed ongoing discussions regarding the procurement of new equipment for security forces, along with the need for expert advisory support. International concerns are mounting over the risk of Haiti falling entirely under gang control, prompting donor countries to pressure the government for a concrete national security strategy. Some donors have reportedly tied future aid to the presentation of such a plan. A formal security briefing is expected to take place in June, with the aim of achieving noticeable improvements in national stability by September. Meanwhile, violence continues to surge. The United Nations reports that at least 5,601 people were killed by gangs in Haiti in 2024 alone. Between December 2024 and February 2025, the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) recorded 2,660 homicide victims, representing a 41.3 percent increase compared to the previous quarter.
Engaging private security contractors in Haiti presents both strategic opportunities and significant risks. On the one hand, private firms can provide rapid deployment of trained personnel, advanced equipment, and specialized expertise that the Haitian National Police and military may currently lack. They can also offer targeted operational support, infrastructure protection, and advisory services that enhance state capacity in the short term. On the other hand, the use of private military and security companies (PMSCs) raises complex legal and ethical concerns. Haiti must ensure compliance with both domestic law and international humanitarian and human rights law, including the Montreux Document and UN guidelines on the use of PMSCs. Without strong oversight, these firms risk operating without sufficient accountability, potentially undermining the legitimacy of the Haitian state. Moreover, their presence could complicate coordination with the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) and create confusion among the civilian population. Legal issues also arise regarding rules of engagement, use of force, liability in case of human rights violations, and potential conflicts with Haitian sovereignty if foreign personnel operate with unclear mandates or immunities. For private security to be effective and lawful, their engagement must be embedded in a transparent framework with clear lines of command, robust oversight mechanisms, and alignment with national and international standards.
Human Rights Advocate Denounces Lack of Oversight in Haitian Police Procurement Contracts
Pierre Espérance, Executive Director of the National Human Rights Defense Network (RNDDH), has raised serious concerns about the lack of financial oversight and transparency within the Haitian National Police (PNH), particularly regarding public procurement contracts. Speaking on Magik 9 radio on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, Espérance highlighted irregularities in how food supply contracts for police commissariats were awarded. He revealed that following a call for bids in December 2024, only 11 lots were offered instead of the usual 14. One supplier secured eight of the 11 lots, raising suspicions, especially since the lots not awarded to that supplier were the ones they had not bid on. Despite protests from other vendors, the favored supplier began providing services immediately. Espérance described the process as opaque and biased, suggesting that the outcome was predetermined and unfair to competing businesses.
Espérance further explained that in December 2024, the current Minister of Justice and Public Security established a commission to investigate these concerns, which included representatives from the civil society group "Ensemble contre la corruption" (ECC). The commission submitted a
detailed report to the minister on December 27, outlining extensive evidence of large-scale corruption. However, according to Espérance, it took the minister four months to respond. Only the previous week did the minister take action, abruptly awarding contracts to three of the vendors who had originally challenged the process, despite those contracts already being awarded to the initial supplier. Espérance stated that ECC will soon release its own comprehensive report on this matter to expose what he described as a clear case of mismanagement and corruption within the PNH’s procurement system.
Police Operation in Cap Haitien Leaves Five Suspected Gang Members Dead
Five suspected members of a local gang were killed during a police operation in Cap Haitien on Saturday, May 3, 2025. One officer from the Departmental Judicial Police Service (SDPJ) was injured in the exchange of gunfire. The operation took place early in the morning in the Nan Zonbi neighborhood, located at the southern entrance of the city. This area is known for being difficult to access by vehicle. During the operation, police recovered three firearms, including one homemade weapon, and several rounds of ammunition. The suspects were reportedly under the command of a gang leader known as Koulou. Among the individuals killed were Dessalines, believed to be the second-in-command of the group, along with Tchaly, Pétion, Bicha, and Kòvè. According to Divisional Inspector Arol Jean, spokesperson for the Northern Police Department, the gang was involved in illegal land seizures, kidnappings, and intra-gang killings.
Inspector Jean stated that the Nan Zonbi area has previously been the target of several police operations. He reaffirmed the commitment of the new leadership of the Northern Department of the Haitian National Police (PNH), under the direction of Divisional Commissioner Sem Calixte, to continue pursuing armed groups destabilizing the region. The Northern Police Department announced that after securing Nan Zonbi, it plans to launch further operations in several other areas known for gang activity. The recent action reflects the police’s renewed focus on restoring order and security in high-risk neighborhoods across the department.
Haitian Government Declares Additional Land in Les Cayes for Airport Expansion
The Haitian government has declared additional land in the second and third communal sections of Fonfrède and Laborde in the commune of Les Cayes as being of public utility to support the expansion of the Les Cayes International Airport. This decision was announced in a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office following the Council of Ministers meeting held on April 30, 2025. The declaration aims to secure more space needed for the development of infrastructure associated with the airport project.
Previously, on April 3, 2013, two official decrees had already designated certain plots of land for public use to facilitate the construction of the Les Cayes International Airport. However, those initial allocations have proven insufficient for the scale of the planned work. As a result, additional plots are now being appropriated to accommodate the airport’s enlargement. While the government confirmed the decision, details regarding the exact perimeter of the newly designated land have not yet been released.
U.S. Terrorist Designations in Haiti Raise Concerns Over Impact, Timing, and Effectiveness
On May 2, 2025, the United States officially designated the Haitian criminal coalitions Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs), signaling a hardline response to the escalating violence and lawlessness in Haiti. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the era of impunity for those destabilizing Haiti is over, emphasizing the threat these groups pose to U.S. national security and regional stability. Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif stand accused of orchestrating brutal attacks against civilians, the Haitian National Police, and the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), with the aim of establishing a gang-controlled regime based on terror, extortion, and illicit trade. Simultaneously, five notorious gang leaders, Johnson “Izo” Andre, Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier, Renel “Ti Lapli” Destina, Vitel’homme Innocent, and Wilson “Lanmò San Jou” Joseph, were sanctioned under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and added to the Treasury Department’s Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list, subjecting them to asset freezes, travel bans, and criminal penalties for those who support them.
Despite the severity of these designations, their timing and likely effectiveness raise concerns. The individuals targeted have long operated in full view, committing atrocities, seizing territory, and undermining the state with little interference. By acting now, after years of unchecked violence, the United States appears to be reacting to worsening conditions rather than advancing a coherent, long-term strategy. These designations may also be largely symbolic in a country with no functioning justice system or enforcement capacity. Without an international enforcement mechanism or a coordinated regional approach, the practical effect of freezing assets or banning travel for figures already operating outside the bounds of legality remains limited. Furthermore, the lack of transparency and due process in how these lists are compiled invites questions about political motivations and the risk of misuse, particularly in a country where intelligence and power structures are often manipulated.
Beyond symbolism, these measures could inadvertently harm humanitarian efforts. U.S.-funded aid workers and local civil society actors may now face legal jeopardy if they are perceived to be engaging, even unintentionally, with sanctioned individuals or areas controlled by designated groups. This could obstruct lifesaving operations and stall the delivery of urgently needed assistance. While the terrorist designation underscores the severity of the crisis and the dangers posed by gang rule, it does little on its own to restore order. Without deeper diplomatic engagement, sustained support for democratic governance, and a multilateral stabilization effort, these actions risk becoming little more than forceful rhetoric that complicates humanitarian access and leaves Haiti’s core problems unaddressed.
Escalating Violence and Human Rights Abuses Grip Haiti Amid Gang Control and State Fragility
Between January 1 and March 31, 2025, the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) documented a staggering 1,617 deaths and 580 injuries linked to gang violence, vigilante actions, and police operations. Additionally, 161 kidnappings for ransom were reported, with 63 percent of them occurring in the Artibonite department, which has become the epicenter of mounting insecurity. The region continues to suffer from lawlessness and impunity as criminal groups consolidate power.
On Wednesday morning, April 30, a new deadly attack struck Petite-Rivière de l’Artibonite. The assault, carried out by the gang Gran Grif, left at least four people dead, several injured or abducted, and homes set ablaze. The violence came just a day after police forces claimed to have repelled an offensive against the town center, highlighting the persistent volatility of the region. Meanwhile, BINUH also reported 65 extrajudicial killings, including 50 by members of the Haitian National Police and 15 attributed to the government commissioner of Miragoâne. There were also 319 cases of sexual violence involving 333 identified survivors, along with 25 deaths in detention and a 48 percent rise in internally displaced people, totaling 1,041,229 by the end of March.
Although some communities view the vigilante movement "Bwa Kalé" as a form of resistance, their actions continue to contribute to serious human rights violations. In response to the worsening crisis, Haiti's transitional authorities have announced the creation of special judicial units to address mass crimes, sexual violence, and financial crimes. However, on the ground, gangs are steadily reinforcing their presence, particularly in the strategically vital Central Plateau region, challenging the effectiveness of state efforts to restore order and accountability.
Leslie Voltaire Defends Rameau Normil Amid Political Tensions in Haiti's Transitional Council
Amid rising tensions within Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), a power struggle has emerged over the leadership of the Haitian National Police (PNH). While some members of the council have called for the removal of Acting Director General Rameau Normil, key political figure Leslie Voltaire, supported by Edgard Leblanc Fils and Fritz Alphonse Jean, has reaffirmed his full backing. On April 26, 2025, Voltaire visited Normil at PNH headquarters in Clercine to discuss strengthening the national security apparatus amid worsening gang violence. During the meeting, Voltaire toured several strategic facilities, including the Armored Operations Center (COB), to assess critical needs and reinforce support for the PNH’s efforts. A recent attempt to dismiss Normil failed due to a lack of consensus, underscoring the strong influence of those who still see his leadership as essential in this time of crisis.
The controversy comes in the wake of the Pacot operation on April 23, where inconsistencies in official communication sparked public confusion. While the PNH reported six security personnel killed, including military and brigadiers, the Prime Minister’s Office mistakenly stated they were police officers, a claim the PNH spokesperson refuted. Rights advocate Pierre Espérance later clarified that one police officer was indeed among the dead, raising the confirmed toll to seven. Despite such institutional missteps, Normil continues to face mounting security threats head-on, as gangs burn homes and terrorize neighborhoods. The latest incident on April 27, which saw the home of elderly businessman Georges Celcis torched, illustrates the gravity of the situation. Yet as political infighting intensifies, figures like Leslie Voltaire stand firmly by Normil’s side, recognizing his leadership as a necessary force in the fight to restore order and stability.
Human Rights Group Condemns Appointment of Jean Rebel Dorcénat to Disarmament Commission
The National Human Rights Defense Network (RNDDH) has strongly condemned the appointment of Jean Rebel Dorcénat to the National Commission for Disarmament, Dismantlement, and Reintegration (CNDDR), warning that his return could further deteriorate Haiti’s already fragile security situation. In a letter addressed to Fritz Alphonse Jean, coordinator of the Transitional Presidential Council, RNDDH Executive Director Pierre Espérance reminded the council that during Dorcénat’s previous tenure as spokesperson of the CNDDR in 2019, the commission failed to disarm gangs and instead contributed to their consolidation. The organization accuses Dorcénat of publicly defending armed gangs on radio broadcasts, positioning himself as a protector of these criminal groups, thereby enabling their spread across the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area and into provincial towns.
The RNDDH also alleges that Dorcénat played a key role in 2020 in merging Haiti’s two largest armed coalitions, G-9 and G-Pep, under the now-infamous banner “Viv Ansanm,” a move that was reportedly supported by former President Jovenel Moïse and BINUH head Helen La Lime. Journalist Roberson Alphonse noted that while this merger led to fewer violent deaths, kidnappings increased significantly. The RNDDH further claims Dorcénat had specific knowledge of kidnapping cases, including details about perpetrators and locations of captivity, raising serious ethical and legal questions. Given the gravity of these allegations, the organization is calling for the immediate withdrawal of his appointment. The RNDDH also questioned the decision to address the complaint to Fritz Alphonse Jean of the CPT instead of designated Prime Minister Didier Fils-Aimé, noting that the CNDDR operates under the authority of the Prime Minister’s Office.
Carrefour on Strike as Armed Gangs Demand the Return of the Mayor, Not the CNDDR
Mayor Jude Édouard Pierre has confirmed that he was forced to flee the commune of Carrefour, which has been under gang control for over a year. In the absence of any police presence, the area is now dominated by armed groups operating under the command of Christ-Roi Chéry, also known as Krisla, the leader of the Viv Ansanm coalition. In response to the vacuum in local governance, the mayor proposed a pilot project in which the National Commission for Disarmament, Dismantlement, and Reintegration (CNDDR) would take over management of the town hall. However, this proposal was rejected by the armed groups, who appear to be demanding the reinstatement of an official mayor instead.
To pressure the authorities, the gangs launched a three-day general strike beginning Monday, bringing all activity in Carrefour to a halt. Schools, universities, banks, supermarkets, and public transportation were completely shut down. Armed men patrol the streets, though no gunfire had been reported. According to local observations, the strike was being followed almost unanimously. The gangs’ objective is clear: they are using fear and control to compel the government to appoint a mayor. With Krisla effectively governing the commune, he sets the rules not only for commerce but also for schools, churches, and public administration. In areas like Carrefour, where gangs assert full control, fear dominates daily life and citizens are left with no choice but to comply with their demands.
Senior Gang Member from Chen Mechan Killed in Police Operation in Clercine
A man known as Lougans, identified as the second-in-command of the notorious gang Chen Mechan, was killed over the weekend during an armed confrontation with police forces. According to police spokesperson Lionel Lazare, Lougans was fatally shot in Clercine while attempting to establish a new outpost for the gang. The operation, carried out by the UDMO/Ouest 2 unit and the Motorized Intervention Brigade (BIM), also resulted in the deaths of several other gang members.
In addition, a gang member known as Chalè, described as another high-profile criminal, was injured during a shootout with law enforcement officers. Lazare emphasized that police operations were active on multiple fronts over the weekend, underscoring the continued commitment of the Haitian National Police to dismantle armed groups. He noted that police forces remain heavily engaged in Kenscoff, Mirebalais, Saut-d’Eau, and Petite-Rivière de l’Artibonite, although no detailed report was provided on the number of suspects neutralized or the quantity of weapons and ammunition seized during the operations.
Sensitive Equipment Seized at Miragoâne Port Amid Concerns Over Criminal Networks
Customs authorities at the port of Miragoâne have intercepted a shipment containing potentially dangerous equipment, including 60 balaclavas, 12 pairs of tactical gloves, six synthetic side holsters, ten plastic holsters, and a professional-grade drone. The shipment was addressed to Luckner Brutus, who was subsequently arrested by local police and is expected to appear before judicial authorities in the Nippes department. According to a statement from the Haitian Customs Officers’ Collective, this discovery was made during a routine inspection of cargo pallets and is now the subject of an ongoing investigation.
In response, customs officials have intensified screening measures at the port to prevent the illegal entry of sensitive materials that could pose a threat to public safety. Authorities believe the shipment is part of a broader scheme involving criminal networks, including connections to groups based in the United States. These networks are suspected of attempting to profit from Haiti’s instability by fueling unrest and prolonging insecurity across the country. The seizure underscores growing concerns about the transnational dimension of arms trafficking and the urgent need for reinforced border security.
Public Pressure Mounts as Haitian Authorities Remain Silent on Terror Designations
Despite the significance of the recent announcement designating armed groups such as Viv Ansanm as terrorist organizations, Haiti’s current leadership has yet to issue an official response. This prolonged silence raises concerns across the country, with many questioning whether the government is exercising caution or simply incapable of responding to the gravity of the situation. On the streets and among political observers, expectations are high. Citizens and analysts alike are calling for clear and decisive measures to follow the designation. The exhausted civilian population is less focused on symbolic gestures and more interested in tangible actions that will lead to the dismantling of terrorism.
The public is demanding answers to urgent questions: Will the national roads, now controlled by criminal groups, be reopened to allow safe travel? Can internally displaced people return home after fleeing armed violence? Will schools, at least those that have not been burned down, be able to reopen and operate during the current academic year? These concerns reflect widespread anxiety in Port-au-Prince and beyond about Haiti’s uncertain future. Meanwhile, armed groups continue to show no signs of backing down. Jimmy Chérizier, also known as “Barbecue” and the spokesperson for Viv Ansanm, has made it clear that he has no intention of disarming, maintaining a defiant stance despite growing international pressure, particularly from the United States.
Coordinated Drone Strikes Target Gang Strongholds in Central Port-au-Prince
On May 4, a major police operation was carried out in downtown Port-au-Prince, involving the deployment of five drones to strike areas identified as high-risk zones. One of the drones targeted what is believed to be the base of notorious gang leader Ti Lapli. Several individuals were reportedly hit in the strike, although the exact number of casualties has not yet been confirmed. Following the attack, gang members were seen fleeing in panic, seeking refuge in nearby neighborhoods.
During the operation, a soldier stationed at the entrance to Maranatha was critically wounded. His condition remains serious. In total, four drones were used to hit multiple strategic points along a corridor connecting several heavily affected districts. These coordinated airstrikes reflect a growing effort by security forces to reclaim control of urban areas infiltrated by armed groups. Authorities have yet to release an official casualty report.
Joint Operation in Mirbalais Signals a Shift in Haiti’s Fight Against Armed Gangs
On May 4, a large-scale operation unfolded in Mirbalais between Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4, as civilians and security forces united to confront a heavily armed gang that had been terrorizing the region. The operation resulted in the neutralization of seven gang members, three of whom were formally identified as Tinwè M14, Sandro, also known as "Ainsi Connu," and Evens, also known as Ti Koka. Authorities seized an automatic Kalashnikov-style weapon and two motorcycles used by the suspects. Beyond the immediate security gains, the operation also revealed troubling links. Investigators found communications on Evens' phone indicating contact with his partner in Port-au-Prince. She had allegedly received money to retrieve him, prompting a police operation in the capital. During that raid, Evens' partner was killed by law enforcement under circumstances that have not yet been clarified by authorities.
A separate arrest in Mirbalais led to the capture of a suspect accused of leaking sensitive information to the gang. This individual is currently being questioned by authorities, including the Departmental Delegate for the Centre, Me Frédérique Océan. Videos have begun circulating online, showing parts of the interrogation and footage of Evens' partner before her fatal encounter with police. In an official statement, Me Océan urged the population to remain alert and not to fall prey to the manipulative rhetoric of criminal networks. He emphasized the importance of ongoing civilian cooperation in the fight against organized crime, reinforcing that combatting banditry remains a national priority. As the operation continues, it is being viewed as a potential turning point in restoring security not only in Mirbalais but throughout the Centre department.
SONAPI Honors Firefighters as Guardians of National Safety and Industry
On May 4, in a rare and emotional moment of unity, the General Directorate of SONAPI paid tribute to its firefighters on the occasion of International Firefighters’ Day. Often working behind the scenes amidst the chaos of emergencies, these men and women were honored as the true guardians of Haiti’s industrial and human safety. The day began with a spiritual ceremony led by the Directorate, highlighting not only the physical courage of these professionals but also the deep moral and spiritual commitment they embody. Engineer Justin Petricks, Director General of SONAPI, delivered a moving address recognizing their essential role within the industrial park. "Without them, no development plan can stand. They are the invisible pillars of our collective security," he stated to a visibly touched audience.
Two key milestones were highlighted during the ceremony. First, the August 22, 2024 graduation of a new class of rigorously trained young firefighters, and second, the March 25 inauguration of a new modern firehouse built to international standards. These investments reflect SONAPI’s long-term commitment to emergency preparedness and effective response. Yet beyond the speeches and infrastructure, it was the worn faces, determined eyes, and calloused hands of the firefighters that captured the public’s attention. They are the first to run toward danger, the last to leave a disaster site, and the only ones who never ask for the applause they deserve. Through this celebration, SONAPI reaffirmed a powerful message: safety is not negotiable, it must be planned, anticipated, and above all, respected, starting with those who stand watch in the flames to protect us all.
Displaced Families in Petite-Rivière de l’Artibonite Face Growing Humanitarian Crisis
Petite-Rivière de l’Artibonite, May 5, 2025, Displaced families in this rural commune are living in precarious conditions after fleeing gang violence. Many have found shelter with relatives or even strangers in neighboring communities, which themselves are overwhelmed by poverty and insecurity. The gang Gran Grif, based in Savien, continues to launch brutal attacks across the region. One of the most violent incidents occurred on February 11 in Lavèdi, where homes were set ablaze and residents forced to flee in terror. Despite limited interventions by the Haitian National Police (PNH), supported by the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS), the armed groups continue to act with impunity.
The overall situation on the ground remains dire. Schools remain closed, healthcare centers are overcrowded, food insecurity is worsening, and there is a severe lack of mental health support. The local organization GROUPJEVIDEV has condemned the inaction of authorities and called for a rapid, coordinated response. Some NGOs, such as Acted, have attempted to respond, providing emergency financial assistance to more than 200 families, but available resources fall far short of the urgent and growing needs. Insecurity makes humanitarian access extremely difficult, further compounding the crisis. The tragedy unfolding in Petite-Rivière de l’Artibonite reflects a broader collapse of rural security in Haiti, where gangs now operate freely. Without a strong political response and a unified security strategy, thousands of families remain at the mercy of violence and neglect.
Haiti to Build Three International-Standard Prisons Amid Security and Health Crisis
The Haitian government has announced plans to construct three new prison facilities that meet international standards in the Centre, North, and South departments. Justice and Public Security Minister Dr. Patrick Pélissier made the announcement during an interview with Magik9 and Le Nouvelliste. These new penitentiaries are intended to bolster prison security, which has been severely compromised by repeated attacks from armed groups. The minister explained that the new facilities will also help ease overcrowding in the current prison system, where many existing structures are either partially or completely dysfunctional.
Dr. Pélissier also raised alarm over the deteriorating health conditions in the country’s prisons, revealing that approximately 2,000 inmates are living with HIV, including 500 in critical condition. He attributed part of the crisis to the suspension of U.S. aid for prison healthcare. Reaffirming his commitment to prison reform, the minister stressed the urgent need to modernize the penitentiary system and improve detention conditions. He called for stronger international partnerships to address the structural and humanitarian challenges facing Haiti’s correctional system.
Ambush in Canapé-Vert Rekindles Spirit of Resistance Amid Ongoing Violence
Members of a local defense brigade were killed in an ambush as they responded to a call for support in nearby Pacot. Their deaths, which occurred on the eve of the second anniversary of the April 2023 uprising in Canapé-Vert, deeply shook the community. That uprising marked the birth of the "Bwa Kale" movement, a grassroots self-defense initiative born out of frustration with rampant insecurity. Despite increasing threats from armed groups, Canapé-Vert continues to be viewed by many as a symbol of popular resistance. The fallen brigadiers are now seen as martyrs in the struggle to protect liberated zones. "They are our heroes. They died so that we might live free," said one emotional resident at the scene.
Tensions remain high in the area as armed groups push to expand their influence, further stoking fear among the population.
Yet in Canapé-Vert, defiance persists. The arrival of police officer Samuel, a well-known figure in the local resistance movement, reinvigorated the crowd and inspired chants of “Liberty or death!” from those gathered. The moment served as a reminder that, amid relentless violence, the spirit of resistance remains alive, and hope endures in the face of adversity.
Haitian Police Strike Hard in Kenscoff Against Viv Ansanm Gang
A violent police operation shook the commune of Kenscoff as the Haitian National Police (PNH) launched a high-intensity assault that resulted in the deaths of more than twenty heavily armed criminals. The raid targeted the notorious gang Viv Ansanm and reportedly included members of the close protection team of the gang’s leader, "Krisla," who remains entrenched in the Tibwa area. According to a statement posted on the PNH’s official Facebook page, the gang members were swiftly overwhelmed by specialized police units during a carefully planned operation aimed at dismantling the criminal presence in the region.
The offensive also left several gang members severely wounded and led to the seizure of assault weapons and ammunition. Police sources confirmed that the operation is part of a broader effort to dismantle entrenched gang strongholds in the hills surrounding Port-au-Prince and its neighboring communes. With ongoing security operations across the capital and strategic zones, the authorities hope to regain control of territories long dominated by armed groups. The success of the Kenscoff raid signals renewed momentum in the fight against gang violence in Haiti.
