Weekly Report December 16 to December 23 2025

France Signals Expanded Security Cooperation with Haiti, Including Arms Sales and Specialized Training

France has indicated its readiness to provide weapons, equipment, and advanced technical assistance to Haitian security forces as part of intensified efforts to counter armed gangs. The announcement was made on December 16, 2025, by Antoine Michon, who stated that Paris remains prepared to support both the Haitian National Police and the Haitian Armed Forces through structured cooperation frameworks already in place. This support includes the potential sale of arms and security equipment, alongside the continuation of targeted capacity-building programs.

According to the French ambassador, ongoing cooperation prioritizes specialized training for judicial police and intervention units, delivered by French experts from elite services such as RAID. These programs integrate theoretical instruction with operational exercises tailored to Haiti’s security environment. In parallel, a Haitian delegation is expected to travel to France in January 2026 to engage with relevant ministries and defense manufacturers. Discussions will focus on identifying suitable equipment acquisitions for the HNP and FAd’H, including capabilities in the maritime and coastal security domain.

This announcement comes amid heightened diplomatic engagement following the adoption of European Union sanctions against several Haitian political actors, measures France has supported within EU institutions. French officials framed the expanded cooperation as part of a broader international effort to reinforce Haitian state capacity in the face of persistent insecurity, emphasizing institutional strengthening, operational professionalism, and adherence to international legal and regulatory standards as armed gang violence continues to affect large portions of the country.

Washington Cites Pledges for 7,500 Troops to Support the GSF as Planning Advances

On December 19, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the United States has received pledges of up to 7,500 personnel from partner countries toward the establishment of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), an international security force authorized by UN Security Council Resolution 2793 and intended to succeed the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMAS). Speaking at the State Department, Rubio noted that the original force-generation target was 5,500 personnel and emphasized that parallel increases in donor financing have been pledged, signaling a broader international alignment behind the initiative. While the commitments remain declarations of intent, Washington characterized them as a tangible step toward addressing long-standing gaps in force generation and sustainment.

According to the Organization of American States, eighteen countries have expressed willingness to contribute to the GSF, with planning discussions indicating the possibility of initial deployments in early 2026, subject to the formalization of troop contributions, equipment packages, and command-and-control arrangements. Compared to the MMAS, which faced chronic personnel and capability shortfalls, current GSF planning reflects greater emphasis on synchronized force generation, predictable financing through UN-administered mechanisms, and closer coordination with Haitian authorities. Although timelines remain conditional on implementation by contributing states, the scale of pledged support and the incorporation of lessons learned point to a more structured and potentially durable international engagement in support of Haitian security efforts.

Germany Commits Additional $35 Million to UN-Backed Anti-Gang Force for Haiti

Germany has announced a new US$35 million contribution to the United Nations Trust Fund supporting the Gang Repression Force (FRG), the international security mechanism authorized under UN Security Council Resolution 2793 and scheduled for deployment in Haiti in 2026. The announcement was made by the German Embassy in Port-au-Prince on December 21, 2025. With this latest pledge, Germany’s total contribution to the fund now reaches US$46 million, positioning Berlin as the second-largest donor to the mechanism.

According to the embassy, the funding is part of Germany’s broader bilateral cooperation with Haiti and is intended to support FRG operations in coordination with Haitian authorities and international partners. The statement also highlighted Germany’s solidarity with Caribbean states affected by Haiti’s security crisis and welcomed the commitment of countries already providing personnel or operational support, reaffirming Berlin’s readiness to continue backing international efforts to assist the Haitian population amid ongoing security challenges.

HNP Conducts Coordinated Security Operation in Tabarre and Torcel

On December 18, The Haitian National Police (HNP) conducted a large-scale, coordinated security operation at dawn on Thursday across several high-risk sectors of the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, notably Tabarre and Torcel, in the ED-one area. These areas are located in close proximity to the United States Embassy and U.S. Diplomatic Housing Compounds, significantly elevating their strategic and security sensitivity. According to multiple sources, the first detonations were heard between approximately 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., marking the start of combined ground and aerial operations. Witnesses reported over 12 explosions.

The operation involved sustained exchanges of heavy and automatic weapons fire, multiple explosions, helicopter overflights, and the reported use of drones in support of police maneuvers. Operational intensity peaked between 5:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. before gradually declining and subsiding around 7:00 a.m. Security sources indicate that the likely objective of the operation was Vitel’Homme Innocent, leader of the Kraze Baryè gang, one of the most violent and deeply entrenched criminal organizations operating in the Tabarre–Torcel corridor. Innocent has been linked to mass kidnappings, targeted assassinations, attacks against civilians, and direct assaults on Haitian state institutions, including police facilities, as well as sustained efforts to destabilize areas surrounding diplomatic infrastructure. The United States government has designated him as a high-value target and has offered a reward of up to USD 2 million for information leading to his arrest or conviction.

Additional explosions were reported overnight near the Haiti Steelworks along National Route No. 1, as well as in Puits-Blain, Vivy Mitchel, and near the boundary of the Croix-des-Bouquets commune, indicating a broader operational footprint intended to disrupt armed group mobility and logistics. As of this writing, Haitian authorities have not released an official assessment regarding casualties, material damage, or confirmed operational outcomes.

Government Reinforces State Presence in Solino Amid Escalating Gang Pressure

The Prime Minister’s Office announced that the Haitian government is reinforcing its operational presence and engagement in the Solino neighborhood under the “Retounen nan katye a” initiative, following a field visit conducted on December 20. The visit, led by Alix Didier Fils-Aimé alongside Leslie Voltaire and Edgar Leblanc Fils, took place amid heightened insecurity linked to recent attempts by elements of the Viv Ansanm to expand their influence in the area and impose new leadership structures.

The security situation had deteriorated sharply following arson attacks attributed to Viv Ansanm elements, including an incident on August 18, 2024, in which multiple homes were destroyed, forcing families to flee. The Haitian National Police union, SPNH-17, had publicly appealed to police authorities for immediate intervention, warning that the fall of Solino could trigger wider instability nationwide. Residents subsequently erected burning barricades along the Martin Luther King corridor, north of Avenue Jean-Baptiste toward Nazon, in preparation for protests denouncing gang expansion and the perceived absence of the Haitian National Police and the Multinational Security Support mission. Social media reactions were widespread, reflecting anger and fear over what was viewed as a prolonged security vacuum.

Government authorities stated that current actions, including street and ravine cleaning operations, represent initial steps toward restoring state authority and improving environmental safety and living conditions. Officials emphasized that stabilizing Solino is critical given its strategic role as a transit corridor linking Bel-Air to surrounding neighborhoods such as Delmas 18, Delmas 24, Caravelle, Poupelard, Nazon, Christ-Roi, and Lalue, areas that host key schools, churches, medical facilities, banks, and fuel stations. The Prime Minister’s Office reiterated that sustained state engagement, coordinated security measures, and continued support from international partners are essential to reversing more than a year of insecurity affecting the district since November 2024.

Attempted Kidnapping Disrupted in Delmas 31 Following Police Intervention

On Monday, December 22, an attempted kidnapping was thwarted in Delmas 31 following the intervention of patrol units from the Haitian National Police. The incident occurred at the intersection of Catherine Flon and Ardouin streets, according to information released by police authorities.

In a statement issued by the PNH Communications Directorate (DICOP), officers reported intervening while the kidnapping attempt was in progress. An exchange of gunfire ensued between police and the assailants, during which one suspect was struck by police fire. A 9mm firearm was recovered from the individual, according to the same source.

Police further indicated that prior to their arrival, a private security guard, identified as Joseph Johnny Rolls and employed by a commercial establishment in the area, was killed by the attackers. The Haitian National Police expressed condolences to the victim’s family, colleagues, and loved ones, and underscored that the intervention prevented the kidnapping from being carried out. Authorities noted that the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to combat criminal activity and armed violence nationwide.

Expanding Gang Activity Undermines Security and Economic Stability in Haiti’s Northwest

Gang-related violence is increasingly affecting Haiti’s Northwest Department, as communities in Port-de-Paix and Saint-Louis-du-Nord report a rise in armed robberies, sexual violence, and looting, particularly during nighttime hours. Once considered comparatively stable, these coastal towns are now experiencing insecurity similar to that long observed in Port-au-Prince, the Centre Department, and parts of Artibonite. Local reporting attributes much of this expansion to gangs affiliated with the Viv Ansanm coalition, which has progressively extended its operational footprint beyond the capital region into provincial towns.

Accounts from residents indicate that armed assailants, often traveling by motorcycle, conduct attacks after dark, targeting pedestrians, market vendors, and travelers. Victims report that some perpetrators allegedly wear Haitian National Police–style uniforms to facilitate deception and movement. In the Port-de-Paix area, observers have noted the presence of a reported Viv Ansanm cell along the coastal corridor linking Port-de-Paix to Cap-Haïtien via Borgne, disrupting transport and commerce along a route that had become an alternative to National Road No. 5. That national corridor has long been affected by gangs linked to Kokorat San Ras, particularly near Gonaïves and Gros-Morne in the Artibonite department.

In Saint-Louis-du-Nord, residents describe renewed violence attributed to the Ti Rach gang, identified locally as a cell aligned with Kokorat San Ras and, by extension, the broader Viv Ansanm network. The insecurity has had a significant economic impact, especially on small-scale traders who rely on year-end commercial activity. Reported losses from robberies and looting have led to business closures, reduced market participation, and increased financial vulnerability for households, with secondary effects on education and basic livelihoods.

Local authorities have acknowledged the deterioration of the security environment and emphasized resource constraints facing the Haitian National Police. Officials have called for additional personnel, armored vehicles, and logistical support to counter the activities of gangs linked to Viv Ansanm, Kokorat San Ras, and their affiliated cells. Residents and local leaders alike are urging timely reinforcement from the central government, stressing that strengthened preventive measures and sustained deployments are critical to containing the spread of organized criminal violence and restoring public confidence in the Northwest Department.

Two Haitian Police Officers Abducted in Canaan While in Transit to Duty Assignment

On December 22nd, two officers of the Haitian National Police, identified as Ezequiel Maître and Philippe Fleurant, were abducted on Friday, December 19, 2025, in the Canaan area. The officers were traveling aboard a public transport bus en route to Arcahaie, where they were scheduled to assume duty.

As of this report, authorities have not released additional details regarding the circumstances of the abduction. No ransom demand has been communicated, and the whereabouts of the two officers remain unknown, highlighting the continued security risks faced by law enforcement personnel during routine transit movements.

UN Appeals for $880 Million Humanitarian Plan to Address Escalating Crisis in Haiti

The United Nations has launched an $880 million humanitarian appeal for 2026 aimed at assisting 4.2 million of Haiti’s most vulnerable people, out of an estimated 6.4 million in need, amid escalating gang violence and widespread insecurity. The plan was presented in Port-au-Prince by Nicole Kouassi, with UN officials emphasizing that civilians are increasingly bearing the direct consequences of armed group activity. According to UN spokespersons, the proposed appeal reflects both the scale of humanitarian need and the severe operational constraints facing aid delivery.

UN representatives noted that internal displacement has more than doubled over the past year, with over 1.4 million Haitians, roughly 12 percent of the population, now displaced and living in precarious conditions, including informal camps or with host families. Widespread insecurity in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, coupled with its gradual spread into regional centers, has disrupted economic activity, constrained food supply chains, and limited access to basic services. The UN estimates that approximately 5.7 million people, nearly half of Haiti’s population, currently experience acute food insecurity.

The humanitarian impact has been particularly severe for women and girls, with UN officials reporting an average of 27 cases of gender-based violence per day. Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, more than 16,000 people have reportedly been killed in gang-related violence, deepening political instability and compounding humanitarian pressures. The UN has characterized the current situation as the most serious humanitarian crisis Haiti has faced since the 2010 earthquake, underscoring the urgency of securing sustained international funding and coordinated action to stabilize conditions and protect civilian populations.

Domestic Flights Resume Between Cap-Haïtien and Port-au-Prince After Security Suspension

Domestic air service between Cap-Haïtien (CAP) and Port-au-Prince (PAP) resumed on Monday, December 22, 2025, following a temporary suspension caused by security concerns. Flights on the CAP–PAP–CAP route are operating with limited capacity and reduced frequency, as operators continue to monitor conditions closely.

The route was suspended in late November 2025 after a commercial aircraft was struck by gunfire during its approach into Port-au-Prince, prompting immediate safety concerns. Although no passengers were injured, the incident highlighted the increasing risks to aviation operations linked to armed gang activity near critical flight paths and airport infrastructure.

The resumption of service reflects a cautious and conditional return to operations, balancing passenger demand with ongoing security assessments. Airlines have indicated that schedules remain subject to adjustment based on the evolving security environment. The reopening of this route restores a limited but essential air connection between northern Haiti and Port-au-Prince at a time when overland travel continues to face significant security constraints.

U.S. Congress Mandates Sanctions on Haitian Elites Linked to Gangs Through Defense Legislation

As part of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, the U.S. Congress has adopted the Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act of 2025, a provision requiring the United States government to investigate and sanction Haitian political and economic elites found to be collaborating with violent criminal gangs. The law directs the Secretary of State to submit, within 180 days of enactment, a detailed report to Congress identifying major gangs, their leadership structures, and documented links to elite actors. Sanctions, including asset freezes and visa revocations, are to follow within 90 days of the report’s release, marking a significant escalation in U.S. policy toward accountability in Haiti.

The legislation also mandates annual reporting to expose the networks connecting gangs, elites, and transnational criminal organizations, including their impact on Haitian stability and U.S. national security interests. Authorized measures include financial sanctions under U.S. emergency economic powers, effectively barring designated individuals from accessing U.S.-linked assets or financial systems, as well as comprehensive travel bans and visa revocations. Advocacy organizations have welcomed the law as a potential turning point, arguing it could disrupt long-standing patterns of impunity by targeting those who allegedly finance or shield armed groups.

The Act’s passage coincides with a series of U.S. enforcement actions against prominent Haitian figures, including arrests and sanctions tied to allegations of gang support, corruption, and immigration fraud. While many observers view the move as long overdue, others caution that external pressure alone will not be sufficient without parallel action by Haiti’s own justice institutions. The law includes safeguards to ensure humanitarian assistance can continue and is set to expire after five years, positioning it as both a tool for immediate accountability and a test of whether sustained international pressure can contribute to meaningful improvements in governance and security in Haiti.

U.S. Ambassador Wooster Highlights Resilience, Security Efforts, and Path Toward Elections in Haiti

In a year marked by insecurity, displacement, and political uncertainty, Ambassador Wooster underscored the resilience of the Haitian people and pointed to several developments that offered renewed hope in 2025. Ambassador Wooster commended the courage and perseverance of the Haitian National Police, noting their continued efforts against armed gangs under extremely difficult conditions. He reaffirmed the United States’ role as a committed partner through training, equipment, and technical assistance, and welcomed the United Nations Security Council’s authorization of the Anti-Gang Force. He described the force, expected to reach 5,500 personnel, as a significant international effort to reinforce the PNH and restore stability, thanking partner countries that responded to the transitional government’s request for assistance.

The ambassador also pointed to institutional progress, particularly the publication of the electoral decree, as a critical step toward restoring constitutional order and organizing elections in 2026. He noted recent U.S. sanctions, arrests, and detentions of individuals accused of supporting gangs, stating that the United States intends to end impunity for those destabilizing Haiti. Looking ahead, he expressed confidence that 2026 offers an opportunity to restore security, hold credible elections, and move toward a safer and more prosperous Haiti, concluding with holiday wishes to the Haitian people on behalf of the U.S. Embassy.

Artibonite Security Review Highlights the Role of Institutional Oversight within the Haitian National Police

The National Network for the Defense of Human Rights (RNDDH) has formally submitted information to the Office of the Inspector General of the Haitian National Police (PNH) requesting an institutional review of allegations involving seven officers assigned to the Departmental Unit for the Maintenance of Order (UDMO) in the Artibonite department. The correspondence, addressed to Chief Inspector General Frédéric Leconte, underscores the importance of internal control mechanisms and professional accountability within the PNH at a time when the security environment in Artibonite remains under significant strain.

According to RNDDH reporting, the Artibonite department experienced a high number of violent incidents between January and November 2025, reflecting the operational challenges faced by law enforcement in confronting organized and heavily armed criminal groups. In this context, the RNDDH indicates that it has gathered information suggesting possible misconduct by certain police personnel, including alleged inappropriate contacts with criminal actors. The organization emphasizes that these claims are based on their investigative work and are being submitted for review through established legal and administrative channels, not as determinations of guilt.

The RNDDH has identified seven UDMO officers whose conduct it believes merits examination by the Inspector General’s Office. The allegations cited range from suspected violations of professional standards to potential breaches of police regulations. The organization stresses that these allegations should be assessed objectively, with full respect for due process, the presumption of innocence, and the disciplinary and judicial frameworks governing the PNH.

In its communication, the RNDDH reaffirms its recognition of the PNH’s mandate to protect the population and restore public order, noting that transparent investigations and, where necessary, corrective measures would strengthen institutional credibility and public trust. The organization expresses confidence that the Inspector General will act in accordance with his mandate by reviewing the information provided and, if warranted, referring substantiated findings to the judicial authorities, thereby reinforcing accountability while supporting the PNH’s broader efforts to stabilize the Artibonite department.