Weekly Report February 10 to February 17, 2026

Kenya Initiates Phased Transition from MSS to UN-Backed Gang Suppression Force in Haiti

Kenya has begun a structured reduction of its police presence in Haiti following the transfer of leadership from the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) to the newly authorized Gang Suppression Force (GSF). On February 6, 2026, Kenyan Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei confirmed that the transition reflects a shift in mandate and force structure rather than an abrupt disengagement.

Kenya deployed officers in 2024 after agreeing to lead the MSS under a UN Security Council authorization. At peak strength, the Kenyan contingent exceeded 700 officers and represented the largest national component of the multinational force. However, total MSS force generation never reached its projected ceiling of 2,500 personnel, limiting the mission’s operational depth and geographic coverage.

Kenyan officials have acknowledged that the MSS operated under significant constraints. Funding gaps slowed deployment timelines, and the mandate was narrowly defined, focusing primarily on stabilization and support to the Haitian National Police (PNH) rather than sustained offensive action against organized armed groups. While the MSS contributed to securing key installations and reopening select access routes, its ability to conduct direct, high-tempo counter-gang operations remained restricted.

In late 2025, the UN Security Council authorized the establishment of the GSF with an expanded ceiling of 5,550 personnel and a broader operational mandate. Unlike the MSS framework, the GSF is empowered to conduct proactive operations designed to dismantle and neutralize armed groups operating in and around Port-au-Prince. The intent is to move beyond perimeter security and corridor stabilization toward more deliberate disruption of gang command structures and territorial control.

Funding remains a central challenge. The UN trust fund supporting Haiti security operations has received approximately $173 million in combined pledges and contributions. Canada has provided the largest share, while the United States has contributed both through the trust fund and through separate bilateral assistance channels. Despite these commitments, current funding levels remain below projected annual sustainment requirements for a force exceeding 5,000 personnel.

Kenya’s drawdown should therefore be understood as a transition phase. Nairobi has characterized its deployment as having stabilized critical areas and strengthened the PNH sufficiently to enable the next stage of international engagement. The effectiveness of the GSF will depend on rapid force generation, integrated command and control with Haitian authorities, armored mobility, aviation support, and sustained financial backing.

The coming period will test whether expanded authorities and increased troop levels can translate into measurable shifts in territorial security and operational freedom of movement for Haitian institutions.

Guatemalan Military Rotation Deploys to Haiti in Support of Multinational Security Mission

Approximately 150 soldiers from the Guatemalan Army departed Guatemala on Friday following an official ceremony to deploy to Haiti as part of a scheduled rotation within the multinational security support framework. The contingent is not an expansion of force levels but a replacement element, assuming responsibilities from a Guatemalan unit that has completed one year of operational duty in Port-au-Prince.

The incoming personnel will integrate into the international force assisting Haitian authorities in efforts to reinforce public order and stability amid persistent gang-related insecurity. The rotation reflects continuity of commitment by Guatemala under the broader multinational security structure rather than a surge in troop numbers.

According to Guatemalan military authorities, the deployed soldiers have received specialized preparation in security operations and peace support missions, including training tailored to complex urban environments. The transition is intended to maintain operational readiness and sustain institutional knowledge while mitigating personnel fatigue associated with extended deployments.

Canada Transfers Additional Armored Vehicles to Strengthen Haitian National Police Operations

On February 16, 2026, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, accompanied by Canadian Ambassador André François Giroux, presided over the official handover of ten new armored vehicles to the Haitian National Police during a ceremony held in Clercine at the institution’s General Directorate. The delivery is intended to reinforce the operational capacity, mobility, and field protection of police units engaged in high-risk security operations.

With this latest transfer, the PNH has now received a total of 35 armored vehicles, including three tracked armored platforms designed for difficult terrain and complex offensive operations against heavily armed groups. According to the Prime Minister’s office, the reinforcement represents a structured logistical expansion aimed at improving rapid deployment capability, tactical reach, and officer survivability during active engagements.

The vehicles are being distributed strategically across multiple regions to enhance both metropolitan and provincial response capabilities. Current allocation plans designate three units for the Central Department, three for Artibonite, two for Cap-Haïtien, and two for Port-au-Prince. The deployment model reflects an effort to balance reinforcement between the capital and key departments facing elevated security pressures.

The ten vehicles form part of a broader procurement order of 40 armored units placed by the Haitian government. An additional 15 armored vehicles are expected to arrive in Port-au-Prince within the coming weeks. The acquisition has been made possible through the support of the Government of Canada, with implementation assistance from the United Nations Office for Project Services and is framed as part of expanded international cooperation aimed at restoring state authority and strengthening law enforcement capacity across the national territory.

Morne-Casse: 200-Capacity Haitian Police Training Center Nears Completion

A new Haitian National Police training center with capacity for approximately 200 officers is nearing completion in Morne-Casse, located in the commune of Fort-Liberté in the Nord-Est Department. The facility is intended to strengthen operational readiness, with a particular focus on specialized units engaged in anti-gang and high-risk security operations. The project reflects a broader effort to enhance structured, in-country training capabilities for the PNH amid ongoing security challenges.

The construction of the Morne-Casse center is being primarily funded by the Government of Canada, with implementation support facilitated through the Organization of American States. The initiative forms part of Canada’s continued security sector assistance to Haiti, aimed at reinforcing institutional capacity, improving tactical proficiency, and supporting long-term stabilization efforts.

The training complex spans more than six hectares and is designed to accommodate sustained training rotations. The infrastructure is expected to include instructional facilities, administrative areas, lodging capacity, and dedicated spaces for tactical exercises. The site’s scale allows for repeated training cycles and the ability to host specialized formations without overburdening existing academy infrastructure elsewhere in the country.

Senior Haitian officials have conducted follow-up visits to monitor construction progress, underscoring the strategic importance of the facility. Once operational, the Morne-Casse training center is expected to serve as a key regional platform for strengthening unit cohesion, operational planning, and standardized training protocols within the Haitian National Police.

Escalation of Kidnappings in Delmas Corridor as Armed Groups Impersonate Police

Kidnappings for ransom are increasing across several sectors of Port-au-Prince, with a noticeable concentration in the Delmas corridor. On the evening of February 11, 2026, the Haitian National Police (PNH) intervened in Delmas 75 and disrupted an attempted abduction. The suspected kidnappers, traveling in a pickup truck, fled under police fire. Both vehicles involved were abandoned on the roadway as the assailants escaped on motorcycles. At least one suspected perpetrator was reportedly killed during the exchange, and the intended victim, identified as a university professor, was rescued.

Subsequent incidents indicate a continuing pattern. On February 13, 2026, at approximately 08:47, a suspected kidnapping was reported in Delmas 55. According to preliminary information, the alleged perpetrators were wearing Haitian National Police uniforms and were operating an unmarked Toyota “Zo Reken” vehicle without license plates. The suspects reportedly fled with the victim’s vehicle. The modus operandi involved impersonation of law enforcement officers, a tactic increasingly observed in recent abductions. That same morning, at approximately 7:00 a.m., another kidnapping was reported in Delmas 33, with suspects similarly dressed as PNH officers.

On February 16, 2026, a kidnapping was again reported in Delmas 31. Initial information indicates that the perpetrators were wearing police-style uniforms, consistent with the pattern of previous incidents involving the impersonation of law enforcement personnel to stage mock traffic stops and detain victims under false pretenses. Witness accounts across multiple events describe suspects conducting what appeared to be routine checkpoint operations before forcibly removing victims.

Recent weeks have seen repeated abductions in Delmas 19, Delmas 31, Delmas 33, Delmas 55, and Delmas 75. Victims reportedly include professionals and members of the clergy, with ransom demands described as substantial. Human rights observers have acknowledged an increase in reported cases and note that several incidents may go unreported due to fear of retaliation. The repeated use of police uniforms and unmarked vehicles has significantly complicated identification and response efforts, contributing to heightened insecurity across the metropolitan area.

UNICEF Signals Possible Engagement with Armed Groups to Secure Release of Children in Haiti

As preparations advance for the deployment of the Gang Repression Force (FRG), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has indicated that discussions with armed groups may be considered to facilitate the release of children associated with them. Geetanjali Narayan, UNICEF’s Representative in Haiti, stated that all options remain open to secure the freedom of minors recruited or used by armed actors. She emphasized that the priority is clear: children must no longer remain within armed groups.

Narayan noted that a recent report by the United Nations Secretary-General formally identified the coalition known as “Viv Ansanm” as a group that recruits and uses children. That designation, she explained, provides a mandate within the UN system to pursue mechanisms aimed at separating children from such groups. Any engagement process would not be undertaken by UNICEF alone but would involve coordination with the Haitian government, relevant national institutions, and the broader United Nations system.

The National Commission for Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (CNDDR), reactivated in March 2025, is expected to play a role in any structured effort to demobilize children and support their transition out of armed environments. UNICEF officials underscored that children associated with armed groups should be treated primarily as victims of exploitation and coercion, not as perpetrators, and must receive appropriate protection and support for reintegration.

UNICEF data released in February 2026 indicates that child recruitment by armed groups in Haiti has increased by approximately 200 percent over the past year. The agency reports that worsening insecurity, displacement, poverty, and family separation have heightened children’s vulnerability to recruitment. In response, UNICEF and its partners continue to provide psychosocial services, educational support, family tracing, and reintegration programs, while calling for strengthened national child protection systems and sustained international funding to address the escalating crisis.

United States Adds $16 Million to Strengthen Food Security and Resilience Programs in Haiti

The United States has announced an additional $16 million in funding to reinforce an ongoing resilience and food security program in Haiti. The supplemental allocation, confirmed by the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince on February 10, 2026, will support activities implemented by Catholic Relief Services (CRS). The initiative is designed to assist vulnerable households while reinforcing local agricultural production and economic stability in high-risk regions.

For the past five years, the program has provided direct food and nutritional support to at-risk families and technical assistance to farmers and micro-entrepreneurs, particularly in the Northeast and South departments. The new funding will allow continued distribution of food aid, expansion of agricultural support initiatives, and sustained livelihood assistance aimed at strengthening household resilience amid ongoing instability.

Haiti continues to face a severe food security crisis. Current assessments indicate that approximately 5.7 million Haitians are experiencing acute food insecurity, with nearly 1.9 million in emergency conditions and an additional 3.8 million in crisis-level situations. Projections suggest that the number of affected individuals could rise to 5.9 million between March and June 2026 if conditions deteriorate further.

The drivers of this crisis are multifaceted, with widespread insecurity playing a central role. Armed groups have disrupted major transportation corridors, restricting the movement of goods and agricultural inputs, inflating food prices, and limiting market access. Combined with economic fragility, climate shocks, and displacement, these factors continue to strain household coping capacities. The additional U.S. funding seeks to mitigate immediate food shortages while strengthening longer-term resilience in vulnerable communities.

Debate Intensifies Over Future of Canapé-Vert Brigade Amid Security Crisis

Lawyer Marc Antoine Maisonneuve has publicly defended the Canapé-Vert community brigade, rejecting reports that the government led by Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé has asked its members to disarm. He characterized such a move as ill-timed and potentially dangerous given the current security climate in Port-au-Prince, where armed groups, including the Viv Ansanm coalition, continue to exert pressure on multiple neighborhoods.

Maisonneuve maintains that the brigade, reportedly operating under the direction of a police officer named Samuel, plays a critical defensive role in protecting residents of Canapé-Vert. He stated that brigade members routinely repel incursions by armed gangs and employ tactical measures to prevent territorial takeover. In his view, dismantling the group without a comprehensive and structured national anti-gang strategy in place would create a security vacuum that armed actors could quickly exploit.

Neighborhood brigades in Haiti have emerged over the past several years as localized self-defense structures formed by residents in response to chronic insecurity and limited police presence. Often composed of volunteers and, in some cases, individuals with prior security experience, these brigades organize checkpoints, patrol perimeters, share intelligence, and coordinate rapid alerts within their communities. While some operate informally and outside clear legal frameworks, others maintain varying degrees of coordination with local police officials. Their existence reflects both the erosion of state monopoly over force in certain zones and the population’s attempt to establish protective mechanisms against gang expansion.

The lawyer also questioned official narratives regarding the recovery of certain police facilities, suggesting that some public announcements may overstate operational gains. He referenced broader concerns within civil society about infiltration of security structures by criminal elements, arguing that the situation on the ground is more complex than official statements sometimes indicate.

While acknowledging that isolated irregularities may exist within the brigade’s ranks, Maisonneuve argued that community-based defense initiatives have become a frontline buffer in contested areas. He contends that until a sustained, coordinated, and nationally led security effort is fully implemented, dismantling such brigades could weaken local resistance and embolden armed groups seeking further territorial control.

Dominican Authorities Report Over 525,000 Deportations Amid Intensified Migration Enforcement

The Dominican Republic’s General Directorate of Migration (DGM) has announced that more than 525,000 foreign nationals, primarily Haitians in irregular migratory status, have been deported since October 2025. The agency is led by Vice Admiral Luis Rafael Lee Ballester and operates under the direction of the Dominican government as part of a nationwide effort to reinforce migration controls.

According to official figures, more than 53,000 individuals were repatriated between January and mid-February 2026 alone. Authorities state that enforcement operations have been expanded across the country, with coordinated support from the Armed Forces and the National Police to conduct identification checks, detentions, and removals.

In addition to routine enforcement, targeted operations have been carried out in specific areas, including Los Mina in Santo Domingo Este, where 454 individuals were arrested following heightened tensions linked to a local security incident. Officials describe these measures as part of broader stabilization and public order efforts.

The DGM maintains that all migration control activities are conducted in accordance with Dominican law and with respect for human rights standards. The agency has indicated that it will continue to strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms throughout the national territory.

Haitian Armed Forces Secure Airport Perimeter with Limited Guatemalan Military Police Support

The Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd’H) are currently responsible for securing the perimeter of the Toussaint Louverture International Airport, operating with limited support from a Guatemalan Army Military Police contingent under the framework of the Gang Repression Force (FRG). The deployment forms part of broader security reinforcement measures in the capital.

FAd’H units have been assigned to protect several strategic infrastructures in Port-au-Prince, with particular emphasis on the interior and surrounding perimeter of the international airport. The presence of Guatemalan military police elements provides supplementary support within the defined operational mandate of the multinational mission.

Authorities indicate that these security measures have contributed to the continued normal functioning of airport operations. At the same time, security forces are maintaining an enhanced posture aimed at countering instability and reinforcing state presence in the metropolitan area.

Haiti Army (FAd’H) Launches New Recruitment Drive to Expand Forces

The Forces Armées d’Haïti (FAd’H), under the direction of the Ministry of Defense, has officially launched a new recruitment campaign aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of the Haitian Army and providing structured service opportunities for young citizens in support of national defense and development. The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to expand manpower and professionalize the institution amid increasing security demands.

The recruitment drive offers two entry tracks. The first is open to candidates between 18 and 25 years of age for standard Army Corps enlistment. The second option is available to applicants between 18 and 35 years old under a technical or specialized profile, subject to defined educational and physical requirements. Prospective candidates are required to complete the official registration process through the Ministry of Defense portal and undergo a structured selection process that includes document verification, physical fitness assessments, and medical screening.

The FAd’H has a complex historical relationship with the United States dating back to the U.S. occupation of Haiti from 1915 to 1934, during which the Garde d’Haïti was established under U.S. supervision and later evolved into the Haitian Army. The force was disbanded in 1995 following U.S.-led intervention to restore constitutional governance after a military coup. It remained inactive for more than two decades until its reconstitution in 2017. Since its reactivation, international partners, including the United States, have emphasized professionalization, civilian oversight, and a clearly defined mandate distinct from internal policing functions traditionally carried out by the Haitian National Police.

The current recruitment effort reflects the government’s broader objective of increasing troop strength, improving institutional structure, and developing a disciplined force capable of supporting strategic infrastructure protection and national stabilization initiatives. Authorities indicate that selected candidates will undergo formal training cycles designed to enhance military discipline, operational readiness, and institutional cohesion as the army continues its gradual expansion.

Government Moves to Reassert Security Control in Gressier with Installation of New Municipal Commission

The Government of Haiti has taken a decisive step to reestablish security and administrative control in Gressier with the installation of a new Municipal Commission under the authority of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Authorities. Acting on instructions from Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, Minister Paul Antoine Bien-Aimé presided over the ceremony, signaling the central government’s intent to restore political authority and stabilize a commune heavily impacted by armed gang activity. The event took place along National Road #2 in an area recently secured by law enforcement operations, underscoring the security-focused nature of the initiative.

Senior representatives of the Haitian National Police, including commanders from specialized units such as SWAT, UDMO, and UTAG, as well as members of the Armed Forces of Haiti and the Fire Department, attended the installation. Their presence reflected a coordinated security posture aimed at consolidating territorial gains and preventing renewed gang infiltration. The newly appointed Municipal Commission, led by Bertho Casséus alongside Wadlène Corielan and Vilima Alphonse, has been mandated to work in close coordination with national security authorities to reinforce stability until the next electoral cycle.

A central priority for the new municipal leadership is the reopening and long-term security of National Road #2, a strategic corridor linking the metropolitan area to Haiti’s southern regions. Authorities have emphasized the need to establish a Municipal Security Council to coordinate local intelligence, operational response, and community engagement efforts. The installation of the Commission forms part of a broader state strategy to dismantle armed groups, restore public order, and enable displaced residents to return under secure and controlled conditions.

Truck Drivers in the Greater South Launch Strike Over Road Insecurity and State Inaction

Truck drivers and freight owners operating in Haiti’s Greater South have launched a three-day strike from February 16 to 18, 2026, citing deteriorating security conditions and unsafe working environments along national roadways. The action, organized by the Truck Drivers and Owners Staff (SCCHP), has brought freight movement to a halt as operators protest what they describe as the State’s failure to guarantee safe and functional transport corridors.

Transporters report that persistent insecurity and gang-related blockades along key national routes have forced many drivers to reroute shipments by sea in order to reach southern departments. This alternative, they argue, exposes them to additional risks due to poorly maintained vessels and the absence of adequate lifesaving equipment. Industry representatives are demanding that the government restore secure road access, ensure infrastructure protection, and provide equitable operating conditions for the transport sector.

The strike has received public backing from national transport unions, including the Haitian Drivers Association (APCH) and the Haitian Land Transport Union (STTH), whose leaders are calling for broader solidarity across other regions. After several years of unresolved complaints, drivers describe the strike as a measure of last resort aimed at compelling authorities to address insecurity on national highways and stabilize the country’s vital supply routes.

Cap-Haïtien International Airport Hosts High-Level Security and Compliance Mission

On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, Cap-Haïtien International Airport began hosting a three-day institutional meeting focused on strengthening compliance with international aviation standards and enhancing airport security. The delegation includes representatives from Haiti’s National Civil Aviation Office (OFNAC), the National Airport Authority (AAN), the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Transport Canada, and the United States Embassy. This marks the first joint participation of the TSA and Transport Canada in a mission of this kind in Haiti.

The objective of the engagement is to reinforce alignment with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, particularly in areas related to passenger screening, perimeter security, airside access control, and aviation regulatory oversight. The collaboration reflects ongoing efforts to modernize Haiti’s civil aviation sector and maintain compliance with global security benchmarks required for international air service operations.

Cap-Haïtien International Airport plays an increasingly strategic role in Haiti’s aviation network, serving as a key northern gateway and an alternative hub amid operational pressures at Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince. Strengthening security protocols and regulatory compliance at Cap-Haïtien is considered essential for sustaining international carrier confidence, ensuring passenger safety, and supporting broader economic and humanitarian access to the northern region of the country.

Nippes Health Directorate Deploys Mobile Clinic to Anse-à-Veau Prison

The Nippes Health Directorate (DSNI) conducted a mobile medical clinic earlier this month at the Anse-à-Veau prison, the largest detention facility in the department, as part of its strategy to expand equitable access to healthcare services. The initiative targeted one of the most vulnerable populations, incarcerated individuals, many of whom face limited access to consistent medical treatment. The facility houses detainees from Anse-à-Veau as well as Miragoâne, increasing the demand for structured medical oversight.

During the intervention, DSNI medical teams provided consultations, identified priority health cases, and distributed medications. Inmates suffering from conditions such as influenza, fever, tuberculosis, and other common illnesses received direct treatment. Health officials emphasized that incarceration does not negate the fundamental right to healthcare, underscoring that detention facilities are not places for medical neglect.

A follow-up technical visit was conducted days later to assess sanitation conditions and strengthen preventive health protocols within the prison sub-center. Authorities welcomed the intervention, viewing it as a necessary step toward improving health standards in correctional facilities and reinforcing the department’s broader public health mandate.

U.S. Embassy–Led INL Initiative Advances Police Expansion as 36th Class Begins Training

The 36th class of the Haitian National Police (PNH) officially began training on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at the National Police Academy on Route de Frères. The new cohort includes 1,200 recruits, among them 239 women, and represents a significant component of the “P4000+” expansion initiative aimed at increasing police staffing levels during a period of acute national insecurity.

The P4000+ program, which seeks to train approximately 4,000 new officers between 2026 and early 2027, is supported by international partners, notably the United States through the U.S. Embassy–led Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), along with Canada and the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti. INL’s involvement focuses on strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing training standards, and improving operational readiness to address escalating gang-related violence and public security challenges.

According to the Police Communications Directorate (DICOP), senior leadership attended the opening of the training cycle, underscoring the program’s strategic importance. Instructors, field monitors, medical teams, and administrative personnel have been mobilized to ensure structured supervision and professional development throughout the training period. The launch of this class follows the recent integration of 877 officers from the program’s first cohort, marking continued progress in externally supported efforts to reinforce the operational strength of the Haitian National Police.