Weekly Report August 12 to August 19

Gang Ambush in Kenscoff Leaves Two Police Officers Dead, Armored Vehicle Destroyed

Heavily armed gang members ambushed a Haitian National Police (PNH) patrol in the mountain community of Kenscoff, killing two officers and injuring three others in the latest deadly attack against law enforcement.

According to police officials, the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, August 12–13, when five officers from the Departmental Operations and Intervention Brigade (BOID) were conducting a security patrol in the Téléco area of Kenscoff. The armored vehicle they were traveling in became trapped in a trench dug by gang members, leaving them vulnerable to a coordinated assault.

A fierce gun battle followed, during which several gang members were reportedly killed. However, two officers lost their lives in combat, and three others sustained injuries before retreating. The armored vehicle was subsequently set on fire.

Deputy police spokesperson Lionel Lazarre told the Associated Press that the officers were targeted as they attempted to escape the immobilized vehicle. Videos later circulated on social media showed gang members displaying seized weapons, boots, bulletproof vests, and other police equipment, as well as graphic footage of the slain officers.

The High Command of the Haitian National Police issued a statement honoring the fallen as “heroes” and offering condolences to their families. The statement also reaffirmed the force’s determination to continue operations against armed groups. “The PNH renews its commitment to combating insecurity and remains more mobilized and determined than ever to incapacitate the criminals and their sponsors,” it declared, while calling on officers to remain united and urging continued public support in the fight against armed groups, including the “Viv Ansanm” coalition.

Kidnapping in Delmas 33 Highlights Escalating Gang Coordination in Port-au-Prince

At approximately 7:45 a.m. on Monday, a kidnapping was reported on Rue Lafontant in Delmas 33. According to initial reports, the victim was intercepted by armed individuals traveling in an unidentified vehicle. The victim’s car, registered AA09282, was later found immobilized in the middle of the road, indicating a sudden and forceful attack.

This incident occurred within nearly the same timeframe as an earlier attempted abduction on August 13 near the University Hospital of Peace (HUP). In both cases, victims were targeted while inside private vehicles. On August 13, security forces successfully foiled the attempt, but the timing of today’s attack suggests a tactical adjustment by the perpetrators, who appear to have acted prior to the routine arrival of police patrols.

Residents of Delmas, already alarmed by the surge of armed activity, expressed deep concern and frustration, noting the growing frequency of kidnappings that have disrupted daily life in the municipality.

Preliminary investigations by the Haitian National Police (HNP) have been opened, and a security perimeter was established shortly after the incident. The identity of the victim has not yet been released.

Investigative sources point to gang leader “Kempes” from Bel Air as a central figure behind the recent abduction operations in Delmas. Kempes is known for organizing “snatch teams” that carry out kidnappings before transferring hostages to Grand Ravine, where they are held under the supervision of gang lieutenant “Killick” during ransom negotiations.

In a significant development, Kempes recently appeared in a video alongside Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier, leader of the Viv Ansanm coalition, which was designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization earlier this year. This is the first widely circulated image of Kempes and suggests a potential consolidation of power and coordination between Bel Air and Viv Ansanm factions.

The emerging alliance between Kempes and Chérizier signals a new phase of collaboration among Port-au-Prince’s most prominent gangs, raising concerns about the state’s ability to counter increasingly coordinated kidnapping networks. The Delmas area, particularly neighborhoods such as Delmas 19, 31, 33, and 75, continues to stand out as a hotspot for abductions, reinforcing the urgency of stronger security measures.

U.S. Embassy in Haiti Reaffirms Commitment Against Gang Leaders

In a new media initiative released on Monday, the U.S. Embassy in Haiti reiterated its determination to pursue the gang leaders responsible for insecurity in the country. Through a short video shared on its social media platforms, American authorities declared that “the United States continues to act,” while showing images of officers posting wanted notices in several neighborhoods of the capital.

The campaign highlights posters bearing the faces of leaders of organized crime in Haiti. These materials are part of the U.S. government’s “Rewards for Justice” program, which offers financial incentives to individuals providing information leading to the arrest of targeted criminals. A confidential hotline has been made available to allow information to be shared anonymously.

Among those featured are Jimmy Chérizier, known as “Barbecue,” Wilson Joseph, alias “Lanmò 100 jou,” and Vitelhomme Innocent, leader of the “Kraze Baryè” gang, which operates in areas near the U.S. Embassy in Tabarre.

This initiative follows a series of similar announcements in recent years in which U.S. authorities have expressed support for Haiti’s efforts to combat gang violence. Despite repeated public commitments, several high-profile gang leaders continue to operate in Port-au-Prince, and some areas remain outside the control of the state.

The Embassy’s most recent video announcement reflects ongoing U.S. engagement in security matters in Haiti. Whether these measures will produce measurable results is not yet clear, but the program remains active and available to the population.

Confusion Over Vectus Global Contract and Evergreen Customs Project Raises Questions of Sovereignty in Haiti

Haiti’s efforts to address insecurity and modernize its institutions have become the subject of controversy following conflicting reports about a long-term agreement with Vectus Global, a private security firm led by Erik Prince, the founder of Academi, formerly known as Blackwater Worldwide. Prince stated in an interview with Reuters on August 14 that his company had signed a ten-year contract with Haiti to fight gangs and later oversee customs revenue collection at the Dominican border. He suggested that Vectus would secure major roads within a year and subsequently manage a program to tax imported goods, a function normally reserved for sovereign governments.

According to reports, Vectus Global began operating in Haiti in March 2025 by deploying drones in coordination with a government task force led by Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé. Sources familiar with the company’s operations indicated that the plan includes several hundred foreign-trained personnel supported by helicopters and boats. The prospect of a private foreign company assuming control of customs taxation has raised serious concerns about accountability, sovereignty, and the rule of law.

Fritz Alphonse Jean, who served as President pro tempore of the Presidential Transitional Council between March and August 2025, denied any knowledge of the alleged agreement. In a public note, he stated that no one in his office was aware of the contract and that persistent rumors on this subject raise serious concerns. He argued that the prospect of a long-term deal signed by transitional authorities would undermine state institutions and bind the next elected president, scheduled to take office in February 2026. Jean recalled that Haiti has a regulatory framework for decisions involving national security and emphasized that such an agreement should involve consultations with the council, the establishment of a negotiating committee, and approval by the Council of Ministers before being finalized through a public tender process.

Government sources have provided a different version, stating that no contract has been signed with Vectus Global and that discussions are instead focused on awarding a ten-year agreement to Evergreen Trading System Limited. That project, still under preparation, is designed to modernize customs and border services rather than assume direct responsibility for security operations. It would involve several hundred million dollars in private investment, with the Haitian state contributing approximately 14 million dollars. Evergreen would be granted ten years to recover its investment and generate profits based on a performance-based payment mechanism. Authorities stressed that the project would not replace the General Customs Administration but instead support its modernization, and that any agreement would be subject to review by the National Procurement Commission and the Superior Court of Auditors before approval.

The controversy illustrates the fragility of Haiti’s governance during its ongoing security crisis. Outsourcing such core state functions as border security and tax collection to a private foreign company raises questions of sovereignty and accountability, particularly given Erik Prince’s history with Blackwater and allegations of abuses committed by private contractors in conflict zones. Even if the Evergreen project proceeds instead of the Vectus arrangement, the lack of transparency surrounding both discussions has weakened public confidence in the transitional authorities. Civil society groups such as “Nou Pap Konplis” have called for clarity and oversight, warning against opaque decisions that could compromise sovereignty and entrench dependence on foreign actors.

At a time when armed gangs continue to expand their territorial control and the Haitian National Police faces severe resource constraints; the government’s choice of strategy will have far-reaching implications. Transparent agreements that strengthen state institutions may help Haiti regain control over its borders and revenues, while opaque arrangements with private military companies risk undermining legitimacy and exposing the country to long-term dependency. The outcome of this debate will determine whether current efforts provide short-term relief or further weaken Haiti’s already fragile state apparatus.

Key Actors and Interests in Haiti’s Security and Customs Crisis

Haitian Government (Transitional Authorities)

• Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT) oversee state security and governance during the transition.

• Publicly denies any finalized contract with Vectus Global, instead pointing to a pending Evergreen Trading System Limited project for customs modernization.

• Seeks to restore minimal stability ahead of elections scheduled for February 2026 but faces widespread mistrust due to lack of transparency.

• Interest: secure international support and investment while maintaining legitimacy and control over sovereign functions.

  
  

Vectus Global / Erik Prince

• Claims to have signed a 10-year agreement with Haiti to fight gangs and later oversee customs revenue collection.

• Already conducting drone operations since March 2025 in coordination with a government task force.

• Plans to deploy hundreds of foreign personnel, including snipers and intelligence officers, supported by helicopters and boats.

• Interest: expand private security footprint, gain long-term revenue from taxation role, and establish operational control over Haitian trade routes.

  
  

Evergreen Trading System Limited

• Identified by government sources as the actual partner in a proposed 10-year customs modernization project.

• Project involves several hundred million dollars in private investment, with Haiti contributing $14 million.

• Agreement structured as a performance-based contract for customs and border service modernization, not replacement of General Customs Administration.

• Interest: secure return on investment while modernizing Haitian customs infrastructure under formal oversight mechanisms.

  
  

Haitian National Police (HNP)

• Severely underfunded and overstretched, losing ground to gangs despite support from international partners.

• Risks being marginalized by reliance on private contractors such as Vectus Global.

• Interest: strengthen operational capacity, maintain primary role in security enforcement, and avoid erosion of institutional legitimacy.

  
  

UN-backed Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM)

• Led by Kenya with contributions from regional partners. Deployment began in June 2024 with fewer than 1,000 personnel, expected to expand to 2,500.

• Focused on stabilizing key zones, supporting HNP, and re-opening critical infrastructure.

• Criticized the possible introduction of private contractors as undermining its mandate.

• Interest: maintain primacy as the internationally sanctioned force, strengthen Haitian institutions, and avoid duplication or conflict of mandate.

  
  

Civil Society (Nou Pap Konplis and Others)

• “Nou Pap Konplis” has denounced the alleged Vectus Global contract, calling it opaque and a threat to sovereignty.

• Demands clarity on contract terms, financial commitments, oversight, and accountability.

• Broader civil society highlights concerns about corruption, transparency, and the marginalization of national institutions.

• Interest: prevent privatization of sovereign functions, protect accountability, and ensure public consultation in state decisions.

  
  

International Community

• Canada and the United States have not acknowledged involvement with Vectus Global.

• U.S. officials state that Washington is not funding or overseeing any private contractor in Haiti.

• Multilateral organizations remain focused on supporting state institutions through the UN mission.

• Interest: stabilize Haiti without legitimizing controversial private security arrangements, avoid accusations of neocolonialism, and ensure aid aligns with governance standards.}

Inspector General Justin Marc Appointed as Head of the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police

Inspector General Justin Marc was officially installed on Monday as Director of the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police (DCPJ) during a ceremony in Port-au-Prince. He succeeds Inspector General Pierre René François, who has been reassigned to other responsibilities.

The transfer of command was conducted by Inspector General Berson Soljour, Chief of Staff to Acting Director General André Jonas Vladimir Paraison, in the presence of senior officials and staff members of the DCPJ.

In his remarks, Inspector General Marc underlined his determination to revitalize the institution and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the fight against crime and impunity nationwide.

Over the course of his career with the Haitian National Police, he has held several senior positions including Central Director of the Administrative Police (DCPA), Departmental Director of the West (DDO), Head of POLIFRONT, and Deputy Director of the National Police Academy.

Sixty-Two New Customs Officers Graduate and Take Oath of Office

The General Administration of Customs (AGD) held a graduation and swearing-in ceremony on Monday for sixty-two new customs officers who completed a three-month training program in customs techniques and legislation. The ceremony took place at the Hotel Montana in the presence of senior government officials and international partners.

Speaking on behalf of the government, the Minister of Economy and Finance, Alfred Métellus, commended the graduates for their dedication and perseverance during the training period. He urged them to demonstrate discipline, rigor, and professionalism in carrying out their responsibilities and to apply the knowledge acquired at the National Customs School.

The Director General of Customs, Julcène Édouard, described the training as a key step in the ongoing process of modernization and reform within Haitian Customs. He emphasized the importance of strengthening staff capacities in order to ensure more strategic and efficient management of human resources.

Canada Reiterates Support for Haiti’s Anti-Corruption Efforts

The Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC) received a courtesy visit on Monday from the Ambassador of Canada to Haiti, André François Giroux, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation and international action against corruption.

Welcomed by ULCC Director General Hans Joseph, the Canadian ambassador reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting Haitian initiatives aimed at combating systemic corruption that undermines public institutions.

Hans Joseph highlighted the importance of this collaboration, noting the technical and logistical assistance already provided to ULCC investigators, as well as support for operational capacity-building programs. He added that discussions also focused on making the specialized judicial unit for financial crimes fully functional, in order to end the impunity that perpetuates corruption.

The establishment of this judicial unit is considered a critical mechanism for improving the prosecution of financial crimes, including embezzlement of public funds and money laundering, while ensuring accountability.

This visit reflects broader international engagement, as Canada and other partners continue to assist Haiti in strengthening governance, upholding the rule of law, and promoting transparency in public administration.

Businessman and Former Presidential Candidate Joseph Harry Brétous Assassinated in Pétion-Ville

On Sunday evening, August 17, 2025, businessman and former presidential candidate Joseph Harry Brétous was shot and killed by armed men on motorcycles in Pèlerin 2, in the heights of Pétion-Ville.

According to witness accounts, Brétous had just returned to his vehicle when he was struck by multiple gunshots. He was transported to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. The victim was 67 years old.

Born on August 24, 1957, in Port-au-Prince, Brétous graduated in civil engineering from the Institut Supérieur Technique d'Haïti. He also studied law at the Faculty of Law and Economics and development sciences at the Faculty of Ethnology. He was the father of four children and founded the Harry Brétous Foundation, which carried out social initiatives.

In 2015, Brétous entered the presidential race but was eliminated in the first round. His name also remained associated with a widely publicized case involving his son, Harry Robert Brétous, who was arrested in 2020 by the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police in connection with the murders of dancers Nancy Dorléans and Sébastien Petit. He was charged with double murder and criminal association and died in prison in June 2021 under circumstances that were never fully clarified.

The killing of Joseph Harry Brétous adds to the series of assassinations recorded in recent months in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, where armed violence continues to claim the lives of political figures, business leaders, and civilians alike.

Mayor of Kenscoff Warns of Growing Gang Threat Following Armed Attack

The commune of Kenscoff, long spared from the wave of violence affecting the capital, is now confronting the advance of armed groups. On the evening of August 16, targeted attacks created panic among residents, prompting Mayor Massillon Jean to raise an urgent appeal for action.

In an interview with media sources on Sunday, the mayor called for immediate intervention by the government and the Haitian National Police (HNP). He warned that gangs are threatening to take full control of Kenscoff and urged the state to provide stronger support.

According to the mayor, many families have already begun fleeing the commune toward nearby areas such as Fermathe and Montagne Noire. He also expressed concern over the risk to critical infrastructure, particularly the TELECO site. Reports indicate that armed individuals have entrenched themselves in a house near TELECO, erected barricades, and poured oil on the road to block police access.

Kenscoff’s strategic location makes it a valuable target for armed groups. Control of the area would allow gangs to extend their reach into the heights of the capital and further erode state authority. The mayor warned that if Kenscoff falls, the consequences would be a setback not only for law enforcement but for the government as a whole.

Massillon Jean stated that he has intensified communication with police authorities and the Transitional Presidential Council to stress the urgency of the situation. He emphasized that his role is to collaborate with security forces by providing information, not to engage directly in combat with armed groups.

In light of the escalating threat, the mayor urged the state to fully assume its responsibilities. He questioned how many more lives would need to be lost before decisive measures are taken to dismantle the criminal networks destabilizing the country.

SYNAPOHA Warns of Critical Financial Hardship Facing Police and Administrative Staff

The National Union of Haitian Police Officers (SYNAPOHA) has raised alarm over the worsening financial situation of hundreds of police officers and administrative personnel within the Haitian National Police (HNP). In a statement released on Saturday, the union expressed its support for members of the 34th class, who have been serving for eight months without receiving a salary, as well as administrative staff, some of whom have reportedly gone unpaid for more than two years.

SYNAPOHA called on the High Command of the HNP and state authorities to address what it described as a human and institutional crisis. The union questioned how these employees are expected to feed their families, pay rent, cover school fees, or even afford transportation to work without any compensation.

According to the union, this situation is worsening frustration within an institution already weakened by rising insecurity, the loss of personnel, and difficult working conditions, particularly in high-risk areas.

Chief Commissioner Franck Merisier Appointed Head of Airport Police at Toussaint Louverture International

As part of recent reassignments within the Haitian National Police (HNP), Chief Commissioner Franck Merisier was officially installed on Saturday as the new head of the police station at Toussaint Louverture International Airport. He succeeds Commissioner Sergo Dasmy, who was relieved of his duties.

The installation ceremony was presided over by Inspector General Isaac Max Harry, Director of the Command, Control, Communication and Intelligence Center (C3i), in the presence of several senior officials of the institution.

In his remarks, Inspector General Harry emphasized the strategic importance of the airport police post, describing the facility as a critical hub for national security and for Haiti’s international image. He called on Commissioner Merisier to demonstrate rigor, discipline, and leadership in the execution of his responsibilities.

This appointment falls under the broader initiative of Acting Director General André Jonas Vladimir Paraison, who has undertaken a series of personnel adjustments intended to strengthen key positions within the national security framework.

Haitian National Police Director General Meets Canadian Technical Delegation

The Haitian National Police (HNP) announced on Friday that its Acting Director General, André Jonas Vladimir Paraison, held a meeting the previous day with a technical delegation from the Embassy of Canada. The session took place at HNP headquarters in Clercine.

According to the HNP, this meeting followed the recent courtesy visit of the Canadian Ambassador to Haiti, André François Giroux, and forms part of the broader effort to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in relation to projects supported by the Canadian government.

Discussions focused on the progress of initiatives designed to reinforce the operational and institutional capacities of the police. These initiatives include training programs, logistical support, professional coaching, and organizational development. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining and expanding this technical collaboration, which is viewed as essential to the long-term professionalization of Haiti’s law enforcement agencies.

RNDDH Denounces Alleged Irregularities in Haitian Air Transport Sector

The National Human Rights Defense Network (RNDDH) has issued an open letter to the Minister of Public Works, Transport and Communications, Raphaël Hosty, denouncing what it describes as irregularities in the management of Haiti’s air transport sector. The organization accuses Sunrise Airways of maintaining a monopoly over domestic and international commercial flights with the complicity of the National Airport Authority (AAN) and the National Office of Civil Aviation (OFNAC).

According to RNDDH, since 2024 Sunrise Airways has been the sole operator of commercial flights in Haiti. Competing airlines have allegedly been denied access to the Haitian market, while the company has continued to operate under preferential conditions. The letter cites an interview given on July 15, 2025, by Sunrise Airways President Pierre-Louis Philippe Bayard, in which he opposed the entry of competitors into the Haitian market.

The RNDDH outlined several areas of concern, including the quality of services provided by Sunrise Airways, baggage fee practices that impose additional costs on passengers, and inadequate passenger facilities at Cap-Haïtien Airport. The organization emphasized that, under international civil aviation standards, the AAN is obligated to provide proper infrastructure for travelers, including waiting areas.

The letter also highlights suspicions of corruption within the AAN. RNDDH alleges that millions of dollars in passenger and aeronautical fees collected by Sunrise Airways and owed to the state have either been unpaid or erased through agreements signed with the AAN. It cites specific cases in 2019, 2022, and 2024 in which significant portions of Sunrise Airways’ debts were cancelled without ministerial authorization.

In its recommendations, the RNDDH urged the Ministry to regulate the commercial air transport market, allow entry of competing airlines, and instruct the Director General of the AAN to provide full disclosure of decisions related to Sunrise Airways’ debts. It also called for the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC) to investigate the management of the AAN under its current Director General, Yves Ducarmel François.

The letter was signed by RNDDH Program Manager Rosy Auguste Ducena and Executive Director Pierre Espérance. Copies were sent to the Transitional Presidential Council, the Prime Minister, and the Minister of the Interior and Territorial Communities.

U.S. Indictment Targets Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier and U.S. Citizen in Sanctions Violation Case

The U.S. Department of Justice has indicted Jimmy Chérizier, alias “Barbecue,” leader of the Haitian armed group Viv Ansanm, and U.S. citizen Bazile Richardson on charges of participating in a “vast conspiracy” to transfer funds from the United States to Haiti in violation of U.S. sanctions. Prosecutors allege that Richardson facilitated financial transactions to support Chérizier’s criminal activities, which include documented cases of mass killings and sexual violence against civilians.

Chérizier, who was designated a foreign terrorist by the U.S. government in May 2025, remains one of Haiti’s most notorious gang leaders. The U.S. State Department has offered a reward of up to five million dollars for information leading to his arrest or conviction.

In a short video message recorded in English and addressed to the FBI, Chérizier denied receiving funds from Richardson and expressed a willingness to cooperate under conditions. “My name is Jimmy Chérizier Barbecue. If the FBI wants me, I’m here. I’m willing to collaborate with them on one condition. There can be no lies told. Basil Richardson aka Fredo is innocent. He has never sent any money to me to finance anything in Haiti. Stop with all those lies, and we can collaborate. Thank you.”

Despite his claims, U.S. authorities have reiterated that Chérizier’s group Viv Ansanm is classified as a foreign terrorist organization, underscoring Washington’s determination to dismantle the networks financing and supporting armed groups in Haiti.

UN Human Rights Expert Warns Haiti Is “Becoming Like the Wild West”

Haiti is descending into a situation resembling the “Wild West,” with armed gangs expanding their influence, self-defense groups turning into violent militias, and public officials operating with impunity, according to William O’Neill, the United Nations-appointed human rights expert for Haiti. In an interview with UN News, O’Neill described the daily reality for Haitians as “hell on earth,” marked by displacement, hunger, and widespread insecurity.

O’Neill noted that more than 1.3 million people have been displaced, and half of the country is suffering from food insecurity. He recounted the stories of young boys recruited by gangs, some as young as 12, who joined because they had no family support, food, or alternatives. “The gangs in many areas, believe it or not, present something that looks good,” he said, describing how children are lured by promises of meals and money.

He warned that the violence has deeply compromised basic rights, including access to food, health care, shelter, clean water, and education, alongside fundamental rights to life and bodily integrity. O’Neill emphasized that impunity remains one of Haiti’s greatest challenges. “It’s often been the case that people have gotten away with murder, and a country can’t survive like that,” he said.

One example cited in the UN report is the public prosecutor of Miragoâne, accused of killing more than 80 people. Despite serious concerns raised with Haitian authorities, the official remains in place and is widely popular among the population for his perceived toughness against gangs. “It’s this vicious cycle that as long as the institutions are still so weak, you have the Wild West like in old American movies, where the sheriff is the judge, jury and executioner all in one,” O’Neill explained.

The human rights expert also addressed the controversial use of drones by Haitian police and the Kenya-led multinational force, describing them as “kamikaze drones.” He questioned their legality under international human rights law, noting that Haiti is not considered an armed conflict zone and that lethal force should be used only when lives are directly at risk. “I find it hard to see where you meet those conditions with these drones,” O’Neill said.

While the situation is dire, O’Neill insisted that Haiti is not a lost cause. He identified three steps endorsed by the UN Security Council as crucial to restoring stability: the deployment of a fully equipped multinational force, strict sanctions on gang leaders and financiers, and halting the flow of weapons into Haiti from the United States. “If you did all those three things at once, with robustness, you would be able to overcome the gangs fairly quickly because they’re not popular. The people hate them,” he affirmed.

Despite the current turmoil, O’Neill expressed cautious optimism. “In Haiti, we can really do this if we just do what’s already authorized by the Security Council,” he concluded.

The New High Command of the Haitian National Police

Following his appointment as Acting Director General of the Haitian National Police (PNH), Inspector General Vladimir Paraison has begun to shape his leadership team by appointing senior officers to key positions within the institution. While the departmental directors are not yet known, the composition of the new high command has been revealed.

Vladimir Paraison, who was installed on August 8, previously served twice as Coordinator of Security at the National Palace and was Departmental Director of the West. His new leadership team includes both experienced inspectors general and divisional commissioners, each tasked with strategic responsibilities in support of his mission to restore security in Haiti.

On August 13, Frédéric Leconte, former head of the Central Directorate of Judicial Police (DCPJ) under Léon Charles, was promoted to the rank of Chief Inspector General. The ceremony was presided over by Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, who also serves as President of the Supreme Council of the National Police (CSPN).

Inspector General Berson Soljour was named Chief of Staff on August 9, just one day after Paraison’s installation. Soljour previously led the departments of Artibonite, Grand’Anse, and the West, before serving as head of the Central Directorate of Administrative Police (DCPA) in 2020.

Soljour subsequently installed Inspector General Jacques Joël Orival as the new head of the DCPA. Orival, a former Departmental Director of the South, had already served as Deputy DCPA under the administration of Léon Charles.

On the same day, Inspector General Alain Auguste was appointed to lead the Central Directorate of Administration and General Services (DCASG). Auguste, who once directed the West Department, had previously headed both the DCASG and the DCPA under the leadership of Frantz Elbé and Rameau Normil.

As part of this reshuffle, Divisional Commissioner Frenel Saintil was placed in charge of the Directorate of Logistics. This technical body is responsible for managing the equipment, materials, and supplies of the PNH.

On August 18, Inspector General Justin Marc was installed as the new head of the DCPJ, replacing Pierre René François. Marc brings extensive experience, having served as head of the DCPA, Departmental Director of the West, head of the Land Border Police (POLIFRONT), and deputy director of the National Police Academy (ENP).

Finally, on August 14, Inspector General Jean Maurest Etienne was installed as Director of Personnel of the PNH. He succeeds Inspector General Stanley Augustin, who has been reassigned to the Inspectorate General of the PNH (IGPNH).

Gang Exploits Armored Vehicle Weakness in Deadly Liancourt Attack

Haitian police officer Guy Rurley Bathalien was killed on Monday, August 11, during an armed clash in Liancourt after members of the Gran Grif gang from Savien exploited vulnerabilities in the police’s armored vehicles.

Bathalien, a recent graduate of the 34th class of the Haitian National Police (PNH) and assigned to the Temporary Anti-Gang Unit (UTAG), was struck in the head by a projectile while inside an armored vehicle. Despite being rushed to a hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.

Saint-Marc police commissioner Jean Jude Chéry, who has been deployed to Liancourt to lead stabilization efforts, explained that the gangs have become highly adept at targeting the weak points of the police’s armored fleet. “The criminals know perfectly well the weaknesses of these vehicles, and they use this knowledge to deadly effect,” Chéry said.

The incident occurred shortly after police forces had managed to reopen main roads in Liancourt to restore traffic. Armed gangs quickly responded with heavy gunfire, turning the very vehicles meant to protect the officers into liabilities.

The commissioner noted that officers often refrain from retrieving weapons and ammunition from dead gang members due to security risks, further limiting the police’s ability to counter gangs with superior firepower.

Bathalien’s death highlights a recurring problem for Haitian security forces: despite deploying armored vehicles, gangs have learned how to neutralize them, leaving officers exposed. In Liancourt alone, 15 police officers have been killed in less than three years by the Gran Grif gang, making the commune one of the deadliest areas for law enforcement.

U.S. State Department Reports Alarming Human Rights Deterioration in Haiti for 2024

The U.S. Department of State has published its 2024 Country Report on Human Rights Practices, highlighting a sharp decline in Haiti’s human rights situation. The report attributes this deterioration to the government’s failure to protect civilians from escalating gang violence and the erosion of fundamental rights, including freedom of expression.

According to the report, major violations included arbitrary or unlawful killings, torture and cruel or degrading treatment, arbitrary arrests and detentions, as well as severe restrictions on press freedom. Journalists were subjected to violence, threats, and intimidation, forcing many into self-censorship, exile, or abandonment of the profession.

The State Department noted that Haitian authorities failed to take credible steps to hold perpetrators accountable. It emphasized that security forces and government officials were themselves implicated in unlawful executions, citing the case of Jean Ernest Muscadin, government commissioner for the Nippes department, and reports of police officers engaged in summary executions.

Gang violence, particularly in Port-au-Prince, intensified throughout 2024, resulting in widespread killings, targeted sexual violence, mutilations, mass displacement, and destruction of homes. The report underscored that the Haitian government did not conduct effective investigations or prosecutions related to gang activity, which has left entire communities vulnerable.

Self-defense groups also carried out violent acts amid the state’s inaction, contributing further to instability. The report referenced high-profile unresolved cases, including the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, the massacres in Grand-Ravine, Bel-Air, and Cité-Soleil, and the killing of journalist Néhémie Joseph, allegedly involving former senator Rony Célestin.

Institutional weaknesses compounded the crisis. More than 4,600 detainees escaped after armed gangs attacked at least 22 police stations, leaving 19 officers dead or wounded. The collapse of security infrastructure has severely undermined the justice system’s ability to function.

Citing the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the State Department further reported a marked increase in threats and attacks against journalists, human rights defenders, magistrates, and police officers. These developments, it warned, pose a direct threat to democratic freedoms and the rule of law in Haiti.

UN Warns of Rising Sexual Violence Risks in Haiti’s Displacement Camps

The United Nations has issued a stark warning that only a small fraction of Haiti’s displacement camps provide any form of protection against sexual violence, leaving thousands of women and girls exposed to rampant abuse as the country’s humanitarian crisis deepens.

According to new UN data released Monday, just 12 of approximately 100 displacement camps in Haiti have measures in place to protect women. More than one million people have been forced from their homes by escalating gang violence, and reports of rape, sexual exploitation, and other abuses are widespread in overcrowded camps where safety is nearly absent.

Christian Vovi, humanitarian coordinator in Haiti for the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), told UN News that the situation is “desperate.” Many displaced women, he noted, are struggling to meet basic needs and some are turning to survival sex as financial resources disappear.

Gender-based violence has risen sharply alongside mass displacement. In some cases, armed gangs have burned homes and carried out sexual assaults in front of children. With law enforcement overwhelmed and humanitarian agencies underfunded, victims are left without meaningful avenues for protection or justice.

The crisis has been compounded by recent U.S. funding cuts. Once the largest donor to Haiti’s humanitarian response, the United States has reduced support, forcing UNFPA to close sexual and reproductive health centers and depleting stocks of post-rape treatment kits. As a result, services for at least 25,000 women and girls have already been suspended.

Despite limited distributions of hygiene and dignity kits, officials stress that current assistance falls far short of demand. “We need millions of dollars mobilized immediately,” Vovi said, urging both the Haitian government and international donors to act swiftly. He warned that further delays would only intensify suffering.

With gangs tightening their grip on Port-au-Prince and spreading into provincial areas, aid workers caution that the window for an effective response is rapidly closing. “The humanitarian needs and the living conditions of women in displacement sites cannot wait,” Vovi emphasized.

Drone Explosion in

Kenscoff Kills Two SWAT Officers, Sparks Outrage Within the PNH

A security operation in the hills of Kenscoff ended in tragedy on Tuesday, August 19, when two SWAT officers were killed and six others injured following the explosion of a drone. The Haitian National Police (PNH) has been left shaken, with serious questions emerging about coordination failures and the risks of drone use in internal security missions.

The circumstances of the incident remain disputed. According to some reports, the drone malfunctioned and crashed in an open lot. Residents, unaware of the danger, reportedly brought it to police officers at the scene, where it detonated, killing two and injuring six. Other testimonies suggest the drone strike was intended for gang targets but, due to a breakdown in communication, mistakenly hit the SWAT team.

The loss of the officers and the injuries of six others triggered outrage and grief within the force. Hours after the explosion, gunfire was reported outside Police Headquarters in Clercine, allegedly fired by agitated SWAT members. Though no additional casualties were recorded, the episode spread panic in the area and reflected mounting frustration inside the PNH.

PNH Director General Vladimir Paraison traveled to Kenscoff to assess the situation and express solidarity with his officers. His presence came at a time when the institution faces severe challenges, including resource shortages, mass resignations, and a growing crisis of confidence, as gangs continue to expand their influence in the capital region.

The tragedy has reignited controversy over the deployment of drones in domestic law enforcement. While drones have shown effectiveness in operations against heavily armed gangs, the absence of regulatory frameworks, independent oversight, and standardized procedures creates significant risks. “When drones kill our own officers, this is not progress but a disaster,” one officer said under condition of anonymity.

Late in the evening, the Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement. On behalf of the Republic and the Haitian State, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, who also serves as President of the Superior Council of the National Police (CSPN), paid tribute to the fallen officers and extended solidarity to the injured. He praised their courage, dedication, and sacrifice, declaring that these men embodied the authority and sovereignty of the State. The statement affirmed that no sacrifice would be in vain and that all necessary measures would be taken to protect law enforcement personnel, strengthen national security, and assert the authority of the State in the face of ongoing threats.

Despite this message of support, frustration within the PNH remains high. Police unions have denounced what they describe as the politicization of the institution and are calling for urgent reforms in security governance. The government’s challenge will be to bridge the widening gap between police officers on the ground and political leadership at the national level.

In Kenscoff, grief is palpable. The explosion site still bears visible damage, and families of the fallen officers are demanding truth, accountability, and an independent investigation into what many describe as an avoidable tragedy.

How U.S. Firearms Fuel Haiti’s Expanding Gang Wars

Weapons pouring into Haiti from the United States have become the lifeblood of the country’s gangs, which now dominate vast swaths of territory and fuel one of the world’s most devastating security and humanitarian crises. An investigation by the BBC World Service and BBC Verify reveals how traffickers exploit weak U.S. laws, limited inspections, and widespread corruption to funnel arms across the Caribbean despite a United Nations embargo.

A shipment that exposed the pipeline

In April 2024, Haitian police announced the seizure of two boxes packed with 12 assault rifles, 14 pistols, and nearly 1,000 rounds of ammunition. Photographs confirmed the weapons originated from two U.S. based manufacturers. The shipment had traveled nearly 1,200 kilometers from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Cap-Haïtien aboard the cargo vessel Rainer D.

According to the UN Panel of Experts tasked with monitoring sanctions, the container had been filled in a Fort Lauderdale warehouse yard before being loaded for transport. Items shipped from South Florida are often legitimate humanitarian goods such as food and clothing, but in this case the boxes were disguised as personal cargo. A man leasing space in the container told the Miami Herald he was told the boxes contained clothes, only to later discover they were filled with weapons.

The UN investigation concluded that two Haitian brothers based in the United States used “straw buyers,” people purchasing guns on their behalf, to acquire the weapons. Experts say this method is common, with guns typically broken down into multiple small shipments, a practice known as “ant trafficking.”

Exploiting gaps in U.S. oversight

Florida, often called the “gunshine state,” was until 2024 one of nearly 30 U.S. states where unlicensed sellers could transfer firearms without background checks, including at gun shows or through online sales. Although President Joe Biden tightened these rules nationally, gaps remain. Former U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) official Bill Kullman told the BBC that checks on outbound cargo are “scattershot,” with the vast majority of the 200 weekly containers leaving South Florida for Haiti never inspected.

Shipping companies that facilitate the transport also play a role. Alliance International Shipping, which handled the seized container, said it provides empty containers to clients but does not inspect the cargo. The company emphasized its cooperation with authorities while acknowledging its inability to prevent illicit shipments.

Corruption on arrival

When the container arrived in Haiti, police discovered the weapons through a targeted search. A senior customs officer was later arrested after allegedly removing one of the boxes for himself. Haitian authorities also named a customs broker, Wilmane Jean, as the consignee responsible for receiving the shipment. Jean is now a fugitive, suspected of having direct ties to gang activity in northern Haiti.

The episode highlighted systemic vulnerabilities. The UN has reported that Haiti’s customs service suffers from corruption at the senior level, operational weaknesses, and gang intimidation, all of which allow traffickers to move weapons with ease.

Weak international response

Analysis of U.S. customs data by CargoFax, shared with the BBC, showed that dozens of individuals later sanctioned or arrested for arms trafficking were listed as consignees for nearly 300 shipments to Haiti over a four-year period. Among them was former Haitian parliamentarian Prophane Victor, sanctioned for arming gangs and arrested in January 2025.

Experts argue that U.S. authorities are failing to act decisively. There is no legal obligation for gun dealers to report suspicious buyers, and the firearms industry faces little accountability. “Manufacturers know which dealers are repeatedly selling to traffickers,” said Jonathan Lowy, president of Global Action on Gun Violence. “If they cut ties with those sellers, most trafficking routes from the U.S. would end immediately.”