Weekly Report August 5 to August 12

Leadership Shift at Haiti’s National Police: Vladimir Paraison Replaces Rameau Normil Amid Security Crisis

The leadership of the Haitian National Police (PNH) has changed once again, with Inspector General Vladimir Paraison replacing Acting Director General Rameau Normil on August 8, 2025. This transition occurred just hours after the first Council of Ministers meeting under the new leadership of the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) headed by Laurent Saint-Cyr. It marks the second time Normil has left the post, having previously served from August 2019 to November 2020 before being replaced by Léon Charles.

Normil’s most recent tenure began in June 2024, following the removal of Frantz Elbé amid a wave of violent gang activity, including the killing of more than a dozen police officers in Bon Repos and mass prison breaks in Port-au-Prince, Croix-des-Bouquets, and Cabaret. Although he pledged to restore security, improve police working conditions, and dismantle armed gangs, his leadership faced mounting criticism as gang control expanded over more than 80 percent of Port-au-Prince and other strategic areas. Notable territorial losses included Croix-des-Bouquets, Ganthier, Solino, Nazon, and parts of Kenscoff and Mirebalais. Several major incidents, including the burning of Bernard Mevs Hospital and other key facilities, further eroded public confidence.

Normil’s strained relationships with political leaders also contributed to his removal. During his first term, then-Prime Minister Joseph Jouthe publicly rebuked him for poor performance, criticizing his operational priorities and budget decisions. In his second term, tensions grew with Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, who openly questioned why intelligence warnings of the Kenscoff massacre were ignored. Disputes over security strategy deepened, with the Prime Minister relying on former PNH chief Mario Andrésol and creating a task force that further undermined Normil’s position. An ill-fated collaboration with the private security firm Studebaker also drew criticism.

Vladimir Paraison, Normil’s successor, is regarded by his supporters as a committed and capable field officer. He is credited with entering the presidential residence during the July 7, 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse to evacuate First Lady Martine Moïse to the hospital. He was also injured in February 2025 while defending the Port-au-Prince police station from an armed attack.

Upon taking command, Paraison quickly appointed key leadership positions, including Inspector General Berson Soljour as his Chief of Staff, Inspector General Jacques Joël Orival as Director of the Central Directorate of Administrative Police, Inspector General Alain Auguste as Director of Administration and General Services, and Commissioner Frenel Saintil as Logistics Director.

During Paraison’s installation, CPT Coordinator Laurent Saint-Cyr emphasized that security is the foundation for all national recovery efforts, from economic revitalization to constitutional reform. He instructed Paraison to immediately strengthen operations, consolidate reclaimed areas, and restore safety to territories under gang control, with support from the Haitian Armed Forces and the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM). Saint-Cyr called on the public to unite behind the PNH, stressing that success will depend on strategic clarity, effective planning, and unwavering determination rather than simply the quantity of available weaponry.

According to media reports, the new PNH Director General has been given until the end of the current fiscal year to produce his first tangible security results. Transitional Presidential Council members are said to have made this requirement clear before confirming his appointment. Now inheriting a police force with limited logistics and manpower, the challenge will be whether he can deliver on his pledge to “restore security across the country.” At his installation at the Villa d’Accueil, Paraison urged his officers, “No sleeping!” and vowed to act decisively.

Laurent Saint-Cyr Assumes Leadership of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council

On August 7, 2025, during a formal ceremony at the Villa d’Accueil, Laurent Saint-Cyr succeeded Fritz Alphonse Jean as the rotating President of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (CPT). The event was attended by fellow Council members, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and his cabinet, representatives of the Supreme Court, senior police and military officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and influential figures from the business sector, civil society, and professional associations. Outgoing President Fritz Alphonse Jean described the handover as a symbolic act rooted in the principle of democratic alternation.

Laurent Saint-Cyr brings to the role a distinguished background in both the private sector and transitional governance. He served for over a decade at Alternative Insurance Company, where he held leadership positions including Director of Personal Insurance, Executive Director for Business Development, and Chair of the Internal Audit Committee. He has also presided over the American Chamber of Commerce in Haiti and the Haitian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In 2023, he joined the High Council of Transition, tasked with fostering national dialogue and preparing elections. Representing the private sector, he became a member of the CPT in April 2024 and was inaugurated as its chair on August 7, 2025. He also holds the distinction of being the first peace fellow at Yale University’s Jackson School of Global Affairs.

Speaking with humility, determination, and a strong sense of patriotism, Saint-Cyr underscored that the lives and future of Haiti’s more than 12 million citizens depend on decisions that must be taken collectively in the weeks and months ahead. He declared that the current situation demands action rather than rhetoric, noting the toll of bloodshed, displacement, and violence. Without making specific promises, he expressed his resolve to dismantle armed gangs, drawing attention to the plight of displaced families, children deprived of education, and women subjected to violence and abuse. He called on Haiti’s security forces to intensify operations, while appealing for additional resources, including logistics, funding, and personnel, and urged international partners to strengthen their support to confront transnational criminal networks.

Drawing on his private sector roots, Saint-Cyr affirmed that his leadership will be guided solely by the national interest, free from partisan or sectoral bias. He committed to fostering unity and cohesion within the CPT, stressing that the Council’s roadmap remains unchanged: restore security, reform the Constitution, revive the economy, and organize elections. He pledged to engage in dialogue with former presidents, prime ministers, political leaders, and civil society representatives, emphasizing that the scale of Haiti’s challenges requires solidarity, calm, and selflessness. Calling for a “sacred union” of all national forces, Saint-Cyr stated his intent to extend his hand to all stakeholders committed to justice, peace, and republican principles in order to steer the nation out of its current crisis.

Brazilian National Police Begins Specialized Training for Haitian Officers

A specialized training program for Haitian special forces officers commenced on August 8, 2025, at the Brazilian National Police Academy (ANP). Conducted by the Federal Police’s Command of Tactical Operations (COT), this first module involves 30 Haitian officers and marks the launch of a broader cooperation initiative between Brazil and Haiti aimed at strengthening public security. The program follows a commitment made by the Brazilian government in October 2022 to support Haiti in addressing its severe security crisis.

The training focuses on developing special operations units with expertise in territory recovery and urban patrolling. Delivered at the ANP’s operational training facilities, the course is designed to provide advanced tactical skills. This initiative builds on a prior assessment mission in Haiti by the Federal Police, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC), which identified the Haitian National Police’s most pressing operational needs.

The current class includes 24 male and six female officers. Additional training phases are planned and will be implemented in line with the operational capacities and geopolitical conditions of both nations. This structured approach aims to enhance the Haitian police force’s capability to respond to complex security threats and reclaim areas under gang control.

Haiti Declares Renewed State of Emergency Amid Expanding Urban Armed Conflict

On August 9, 2025, the Haitian government declared a new three-month state of emergency, invoking constitutional provisions that allow such measures when national security is under threat. The decree applies to the departments of Ouest, Artibonite, and Centre, encompassing key agricultural zones and urban centers that are heavily affected by armed violence. The decision reflects the growing territorial and operational control of armed groups, which have established systems of taxation on roadways, imposed movement restrictions, and in some areas undertaken limited public works, while also carrying out killings, kidnappings, and sexual violence.

The announcement was made following the August 8 Council of Ministers meeting. According to an official communiqué from the Office of the Prime Minister, the measure is intended to mobilize state resources and institutional capacities on a large scale to restore public security. The government emphasized that the decree is designed to provide the necessary time, legal authority, and operational tools for relevant agencies to reestablish peace and stability in the affected areas. The state of emergency also aims to address the agricultural and food crises occurring alongside the security situation.

Under the Haitian Constitution, the executive branch is authorized to declare a state of emergency in response to acute threats, a mechanism historically used for short-term crises such as natural disasters or isolated uprisings. The current situation, however, arises from a protracted period of urban armed conflict that has progressively eroded state authority. The decree grants expanded powers to the state, including the imposition of curfews, warrantless searches, and restrictions on public gatherings. These measures are being implemented under the leadership of the Transitional Presidential Council, headed by Laurent Saint-Cyr, a body whose authority is derived from international endorsement rather than direct electoral legitimacy.

This is the first major policy action taken under Saint-Cyr’s presidency within the Transitional Presidential Council following the appointment of André Jonas Vladimir Paraison as Acting Director General of the Haitian National Police (PNH). Paraison’s prior role as head of National Palace security during key political events, including the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, makes his selection significant in the current security environment. Despite the presence of a Kenyan-led mission, the PNH continues to face critical shortages in personnel, equipment, and institutional resilience.

The renewed measure follows an earlier nationwide state of emergency declared on April 30, 2025, which remained in effect from May through July but failed to prevent the expansion of armed group activity or reduce civilian harm. Armed groups are estimated to control as much as 90 percent of Port-au-Prince, operating with levels of organization comparable to insurgent forces.

The effectiveness of the current state of emergency will depend on its integration into a coherent security strategy capable of restoring state authority over contested areas. Without such a plan, the government risks repeating the shortcomings of prior measures. The coming months will be decisive in determining whether these expanded powers can translate into concrete security gains and the dismantling of armed group structures across the targeted departments.

Former Senator Moïse Jean-Charles Confronted by Hostile Reception in Pétion-Ville

On August 8, 2025, former senator and leader of the Pitit Dessalines party, Moïse Jean-Charles, encountered a hostile reception during his presence at the El Rancho Hotel in Pétion-Ville. He was attending a funeral wake held in the Bellevue room in tribute to the sister of a senior advisor to Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé.

Witnesses reported that a segment of the attendees expressed their opposition through chants and slogans, including calls for his departure. The incident disrupted the solemn atmosphere of the ceremony, drawing the attention of those present. No physical altercations were recorded, although the vocal demonstrations created visible tension during the proceedings.

The event occurred in a context where Moïse Jean-Charles, a prominent figure in Haitian politics and former presidential candidate, has been active in national political affairs for several years. The reasons behind the public reaction during the ceremony have not been officially stated, and it remains unclear whether the episode was prompted by specific recent developments or broader political factors.

This incident marks a notable public display of dissent toward a high-profile political actor, occurring in a formal and traditionally non-political setting.

Survey Highlights Severe Health Risks in Displacement Camps in Haiti

A joint report by MEDIC Haiti and the Point Final Movement, released on August 8, 2025, presents findings from a survey conducted between July 1 and August 5 in ten camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Haiti, including seven in Port-au-Prince and three in Léogâne. The data indicate widespread health concerns among displaced populations.

The survey found that 98 percent of camp residents exhibited signs of scabies, attributed to overcrowding and inadequate hygiene conditions. Among children aged 1 to 6 years, 85 percent were reported to have diarrhea or dysentery, conditions linked to water contamination and intestinal parasites. Malnutrition, in either acute or moderate form, was identified in 80 percent of children, associated with insufficient and monotonous diets. Acute respiratory infections were reported in 70 percent of children aged 1 to 10 years, with causes cited as poor ventilation and inadequate sanitary conditions.

The report also noted the prevalence of sexual violence, harassment, and trafficking within certain camps, particularly affecting underage girls and young women. It recorded increases in sexually transmitted infections and early pregnancies. Elderly residents were found to be disproportionately affected by chronic health conditions, including hypertension and diabetes.

According to the report, approximately 1.3 million displaced persons are currently residing in camps, and without targeted interventions, these health challenges could intensify given the ongoing insecurity and deteriorating living conditions.

Coordinated Gang Attacks in Port-au-Prince Leave Three Kenyan Officers Injured and Two Armored Vehicles Destroyed

Port-au-Prince experienced heightened tension on Thursday, August 7, 2025, as heavy gunfire erupted in several districts, including Delmas and Kenscoff, coinciding with a leadership transition within the Presidential Transition Council (CPT). During a formal ceremony, Montana Accord representative Fritz Alphonse Jean handed over the presidency to Laurent Saint-Cyr, the delegate representing the private sector.

Armed gangs, expanding their influence across the capital and into the Artibonite and Centre departments, carried out coordinated early-morning assaults in multiple areas. Civilian casualties were reported during the attacks. In a video posted on social media late on August 6, Jimmy Chérizier, known as “Barbecue” and acting as spokesperson for the “Viv Ansanm” criminal coalition, announced plans to target the Villa d’Accueil and the Prime Minister’s Office, which host the two branches of the executive. He urged residents of Delmas 32, 40B, and 48 to stand down and support gang efforts to remove the transitional government.

As panic spread through neighborhoods such as Delmas 19, 31, 32, and 40B, the Viv Ansanm coalition intensified operations in Kenscoff. In this area, three Kenyan police officers serving with the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) were injured, and two MSS armored personnel carriers were destroyed. According to MSS officials, the armored vehicles became immobilized in trenches dug by gang members during a rapid deployment to respond to distress calls from local residents. Despite sustained efforts, the vehicles could not be recovered and were set on fire during the confrontation. Several gang members were reported to have been seriously wounded.

Jack Ombaka, spokesperson for the Kenyan-led MSS, stated that the mission, working closely with the Haitian National Police (PNH), remains fully committed to restoring peace, order, and stability across Haiti. He noted that in anticipation of the CPT leadership change, intelligence had indicated plans by armed groups to destabilize the country. These plans were countered by continuous patrols and a reinforced security presence in key areas including Kenscoff, Furcy, downtown Port-au-Prince, the vicinity of the National Palace, the Police Academy, the United States Embassy, and critical locations in the Artibonite region such as Petite Rivière, Liancourt, and Pont Sondé.

At approximately 02:00 hours on August 7, MSS forces engaged in an operation in Kenscoff following reports of an imminent gang attack. The confrontation involved Molotov cocktail assaults against the immobilized armored vehicles, with MSS personnel holding their positions and inflicting significant losses on the attackers. The injured MSS officers were treated at Aspen Level 2 Hospital and later discharged.

This surge in violence comes amid internal tensions within the CPT, which is responsible for leading the country through February 5, 2026. Political divisions, leadership changes, and limited visible progress have prompted some national stakeholders to call for the immediate resignation of the transitional authorities. Diplomatic sources have warned that without unified political leadership, coordination of an effective security response will remain difficult, allowing criminal groups to further entrench their control. The MSS has reiterated that targeted operations will continue until all gang leaders are apprehended or surrender to lawful authorities.

United States to Propose UN Security Mission for Haiti to Combat Gang Control

The United States government announced its intention to propose to the United Nations Security Council the deployment of a security mission to Haiti, with the primary objective of dismantling the criminal organizations that currently control an estimated 80 percent of the country’s territory.

The structure and operational scope of the proposed mission have not yet been defined. Ratification of any related resolution will require that permanent members China and Russia refrain from exercising their veto powers, a condition that remains uncertain in the present geopolitical climate.

The announcement follows threats issued on August 7, 2025, by Jimmy Chérizier, leader of the “Viv Ansanm” gang coalition, which has been designated a foreign terrorist organization by the United States along with the “Gran Grif” gang. Chérizier publicly threatened to remove Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council by force and called for a mass mobilization, framing his appeal as a choice between “freedom or death.”

The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) reported that 1,520 people were killed and 609 injured in the last three months. According to U.S. assessments, Haiti’s instability has facilitated increased flows of irregular migration and created a nexus for drug trafficking, illicit arms trade, and smuggling. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio concluded, after reviewing the political, security, and humanitarian dimensions of the crisis, that an UN-led security mission represents the most viable option to address Haiti’s rapidly deteriorating conditions.

Closure of Key Haitian Hospitals Following Kidnapping of Staff and Child in Kenscoff

Religious nonprofit organizations Our Little Brothers and Sisters (NPH Haiti) and the St. Luke Foundation announced the suspension of all operations in Haiti in response to the kidnapping of eight individuals from St. Helene Orphanage in Kenscoff. The abducted group includes seven staff members and a three-year-old child. Among those taken was Gena Heraty, an Irish missionary who leads care for children with disabilities, as well as a nurse.

According to reports, heavily armed assailants entered the orphanage in the Tèt Bwa Pen neighborhood of Kenscoff at approximately 3:00 a.m., roughly 12 miles southeast of Port-au-Prince. St. Helene Orphanage, NPH’s flagship residential facility, housed 244 children in 2023, including 58 with disabilities. The closure affects all NPH residential homes and specialized care centers, as well as the organization’s Life Program for rehabilitation and therapeutic education. The shutdown also impacts the St. Damien Pediatric Hospital and St. Luc Hospital, two of the country’s few fully operational medical facilities.

The decision to close was described by both organizations as a necessary measure to safeguard personnel and denounce the ongoing climate of impunity. Their joint statement declared that no facility would reopen until all kidnapped individuals are released without conditions. The suspension of services comes amid an already fragile national health system, where humanitarian, social, and medical operations have repeatedly been targeted during Haiti’s security crisis.

The abduction occurred one day after the arrest of former Senator Nenel Cassy on charges including conspiracy against national security, financing gangs, complicity in murder, and criminal association. Cassy, along with former lawmakers Prophane Victor and Alfredo Antoine, has been suspected of providing material and logistical support to gangs operating in Kenscoff and surrounding areas. Police records show that a warrant for Cassy’s arrest was issued in February 2025. Victor remains in custody, while Antoine was released in May due to insufficient evidence.

Kenscoff has been under increasing control of the Viv Ansanm gang coalition since January 2025. United Nations data indicate that within the first three months of this takeover, violence caused 262 deaths, 66 injuries, and the destruction of approximately 200 homes, displacing over 3,000 residents. Fifty-three percent of those killed were civilians, and 47 percent were identified as gang members or affiliates.

Report Links Former Haitian Deputy to Suspected U.S.–Haiti Arms Shipments

In a recent article titled “From Miami to Haiti: Route of the Weapons That Bleed This Troubled Country,” Listín Diario, citing data from the commercial monitoring platform CargoFax, reported that 34 suspicious shipments were sent from the United States to Haiti between July 2020 and March 2023. Of these, 24 shipments were reportedly addressed to former deputy Prophane Victor, a member of the ruling Parti Haïtien Tèt Kale (PHTK). The consignments were declared as “personal effects,” “second-hand items,” or “used shoes,” but are suspected to have concealed firearms and ammunition destined for criminal networks operating in Haiti. The weapons were said to originate from recognized U.S. manufacturers, including PMC Ammunition and Century Arms. Victor is currently sanctioned by the governments of the United States, Canada, and the Dominican Republic for alleged links to armed criminal groups. According to the report, these networks exploit legitimate commercial shipping channels to traffic arms into Haiti, further undermining security amid institutional fragility and political instability. The article calls for stronger regional cooperation, combining tighter oversight of trade flows, enhanced intelligence sharing, and increased diplomatic pressure to dismantle these illicit supply chains.

The Haitian news outlet Rezo Nòdwès added that ten of the 34 recorded shipments had unidentified recipients, raising further questions about the true scope of the trafficking network. It also noted perceived contradictions in the leadership of Laurent Saint-Cyr and Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, who have both publicly expressed commitments to fighting arms trafficking while supporting a controversial referendum whose legitimacy was widely disputed.

Both publications recalled that under the administration of President Jovenel Moïse and Prime Minister Joseph Jouthe in 2019, individuals implicated in a significant illegal arms smuggling case via the Port of Saint-Marc in 2016, including Vladimir Paraison were cleared of charges. This judicial outcome, they reported, exemplified the persistent institutional impunity that has enabled organized criminal networks to operate freely in Haiti.

Dominican Republic Reports Over 30,000 Haitian Repatriations in July 2025 Amid Expanded Border Control Measures

The Directorate General of Migration (DGM) of the Dominican Republic announced that in July 2025, a total of 31,462 Haitian nationals in an irregular migration situation were repatriated or expelled as part of the government’s strengthened border control strategy. This figure aligns with the DGM’s reported monthly average of over 30,000 repatriations since the beginning of the year.

According to official data, 19,556 individuals were repatriated from processing centers located in Haina, Dajabón, and Santiago, while 11,906 were intercepted in the border region and expelled through official crossing points at Dajabón, Elías Piña, Jimaní, and Pedernales. These operations form part of regular coordinated efforts between the DGM, the armed forces, and civilian authorities to address irregular migration.

In July, the DGM expanded its operational capacity by integrating 400 new rapid action officers, who were deployed across 19 provinces to reinforce institutional presence in areas identified as having high migratory flows. An additional 400 officers commenced multidisciplinary training designed to prepare them for deployment in 12 provinces and two municipalities of strategic importance, including zones of environmental sensitivity and mountainous regions. This training program incorporates legal, operational, and human rights components to ensure that all migration control activities are conducted in accordance with due process and with respect for human dignity.

Japan and UNDP Complete Redevelopment of Haiti’s Rehabilitation Center for Minors in Conflict with the Law

On August 6, 2025, the Government of Japan, in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), formally inaugurated the newly redeveloped Rehabilitation Center for Minors in Conflict with the Law (CERMICOL), located in Delmas 33. The handover ceremony was attended by Divisional Commissioner Romage Marlon, Director of the Prison Administration; Xavier Michon, UNDP Resident Representative in Haiti; Haruki Furusho, Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Japan in Haiti; as well as representatives of human rights organizations, prison authorities, and Haitian judicial officials.

The initiative, financed by the Government of Japan with a contribution of USD 531,292, was designed to improve detention conditions for minors and for women transferred from the Cabaret Civil Prison, within a broader context of insecurity and prison overcrowding. The project forms part of the Haitian prison administration’s reform strategy and is aligned with international standards, including the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Mandela Rules), the Beijing Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice, and the Bangkok Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners. Its objective is to ensure care tailored to the needs of vulnerable prison populations.

Key components of the redevelopment include the construction of five classrooms with a total area of 196 square meters, enabling minors to continue their education and female detainees to access vocational training programs. The project also provided equipment to support the professional development of both minors and women prisoners to facilitate their reintegration into society. The center’s infirmary was reinforced with a twelve-month supply of first aid medications, selected to meet the specific needs of the facility’s population. In addition, upgrades were made to the sanitation system and the central kitchen to improve overall living conditions.

The project was implemented by UNDP under its Rule of Law program in collaboration with partners including UN Women, UNICEF, and the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), with a particular focus on gender equality in the areas of health, education, and social reintegration.

This contribution by the Government of Japan represents a significant advancement in bilateral cooperation and reflects Japan’s commitment to supporting initiatives that uphold human rights, strengthen institutional capacity, and contribute to Haiti’s stabilization and development efforts.

Pope Leo XIV Condemns Worsening Crisis in Haiti and Calls for Release of Kenscoff Hostages

During his Sunday Angelus address on August 10, 2025, Pope Leo XIV delivered a grave assessment of the situation in Haiti, describing conditions as “increasingly desperate.” He denounced the escalation of homicides, human trafficking, kidnappings, and the collapse of security structures across the country.

The Pontiff referred specifically to the August 3 abduction in Kenscoff, where an Irish missionary and several children, including one with a disability, were kidnapped from an orphanage. In a formal appeal, he demanded their immediate and unconditional release.

Echoing the words of Archbishop Max Leroy Mésidor, who described the incident as an affront to “the most noble values of society: selfless service to others, the innocence of defenseless children, and faith expressed through acts of mercy,” Pope Leo XIV urged the international community to provide concrete and coordinated support. He stressed the need to restore the social and institutional foundations essential for a peaceful life in Haiti.

Young UTAG Officer Killed in Liancourt Operation

On August 11, 2025, Haitian National Police (PNH) officer Bathalien Guy Rurley, 23, from the 34th promotion and assigned to the Temporary Anti-Gang Unit (UTAG), died from gunshot wounds sustained during an operation against the Savien gang in Liancourt. According to preliminary reports, he was inside an armored vehicle when a bullet struck him in the neck. He was transported to the hospital in Deschapelles, where he died in surgery despite medical intervention. This incident occurred within days of the appointment of PNH Director General Jonas Vladimir Paraison and represents the first casualty under his leadership.

Demolition Victims Protest Delays in Compensation Payments

Victims of home demolitions carried out near Toussaint Louverture International Airport in April 2024 held a sit-in on Monday in front of the Ministry of Economy and Finance to protest delays in receiving promised compensation. The demonstrators, many of whom lost their homes during the operation, demanded that the State honor its commitment to provide financial restitution.

Protesters reported that their cases remain under review by the General Directorate of Taxes and the Ministry of Economy and Finance, with no payments issued more than 16 months after the demolitions. Several participants accused former Tabarre Mayor Nice Simon and the current municipal administration under Mayor Alexandre of failing to address the matter effectively.

The demolition operations were initiated in November 2024 following armed gang attacks on several international commercial aircraft. Since then, flights from the United States, Canada, and France have been barred from landing at the capital’s airport.

INL Delegation Meets with New PNH Director General Vladimir Paraison

On August 11, 2025, a delegation from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), through the U.S. Embassy in Haiti, met with Vladimir Paraison, the newly appointed Director General of the Haitian National Police (PNH).

The meeting brought together INL representatives, Director General Paraison, his Chief of Staff, and the Central Directors of the PNH for a working session focused on enhancing cooperation and strengthening the operational capacity of the institution. Discussions centered on improving effectiveness in addressing Haiti’s complex security challenges.

Director General Paraison expressed his gratitude to the United States government and people for their continued support and pledged to ensure the efficient and transparent use of resources provided to the PNH. Follow-up meetings with his leadership team and INL are planned to align ongoing cooperation with his strategic vision and modern management principles.

Canadian Ambassador Meets with PNH Director General Vladimir Paraison to Discuss Security Cooperation

On August 11, 2025, the Acting Director General of the Haitian National Police (PNH), André Jonas Vladimir Paraison, met with the Ambassador of Canada to Haiti, André François Giroux, at PNH headquarters in Clercine 8, Tabarre. The Canadian diplomat was received by Director General Paraison, accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Inspector General Berson Soljour.

The meeting, attended by the Inspector General, Central Directors, and other senior members of the PNH high command, focused on bilateral cooperation between Canada and the Haitian police institution. Discussions addressed Canadian assistance to the PNH and examined the prevailing security conditions in the country. Both parties reiterated their commitment to continued collaboration in strengthening the operational capacity of the police force.

Tourism Minister Provides Official Uniforms to Police Touristique to Support Safe and Modern Tourism

The Minister of Tourism, Johnn Herrick Dessources, has delivered the first official uniforms to the Police Touristique (POLITOUR) as part of an initiative aimed at strengthening security and modernizing Haiti’s tourism sector. The ceremony, held in Pétion-Ville, marked the distribution of 132 official shirts to POLITOUR officers, with regulation trousers to follow in the coming days in accordance with Haitian National Police standards.

Minister Dessources emphasized that this effort goes beyond providing uniforms, describing it as a decisive step toward making POLITOUR a symbol of Haitian tourism. He also highlighted a significant security improvement: the removal of the Nord Department from the list of areas under a state of emergency after more than eight months, opening new opportunities to promote tourism in the region. Several other departments have also experienced security gains due to sustained efforts by the Ministry of Tourism.

POLITOUR, tasked with ensuring safety in tourist zones, welcomed recent measures that include office upgrades, regular training sessions, uniform distribution, and timely payment of allowances. The principal inspector noted that Minister Dessources is the first tourism minister to fully honor commitments to POLITOUR since its creation. The event, attended by officers, their families, and trainers, reinforced the vision of making POLITOUR a welcoming, professional, and secure face of Haiti’s tourism industry on the international stage.