Weekly Report January 06 to January 13, 2026

Haiti Security Mission Status Report

United Nations Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH) and Gang Suppression Force (GSF)

Status Date: January 12, 2026

Halo Solutions Firm S.A. assesses that the United Nations–authorized Gang Suppression Force (GSF), supported by the United Nations Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH), remains in an early and understrength operational phase. While the legal mandate, command framework, and international political backing are in place, actual troop deployments and funding levels are significantly below authorized requirements. African participation is presently limited to Kenya, which provides the overwhelming majority of deployed personnel. The absence of additional confirmed African or regional troop deployments continues to constrain the mission’s ability to conduct sustained, nationwide security operations.

In September 2025, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2793, authorizing the establishment of the GSF for an initial 12-month period. The GSF is mandated to support Haitian authorities through intelligence-led counter-gang operations, protection of critical infrastructure and transport corridors, and facilitation of humanitarian access. UNSOH is tasked with providing logistics, medical support, aviation coordination, sustainment, and mission infrastructure.

• Authorized strength: approximately 5,500 uniformed personnel plus civilian command and oversight staff.

• Current operational reality: force generation and deployment remain incomplete.

  
  

Actual Deployments (“Boots on the Ground”)

Based on Halo Solutions Firm S.A. monitoring and open-source reporting, the current deployed strength in Haiti stands at approximately 950–1,000 personnel, largely inherited from the former Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission and reclassified under the GSF framework.

African Contributions:

• Kenya: Kenya is the sole African nation with a confirmed and substantial troop presence in Haiti. As of early January 2026, Kenya has deployed more than 700 police officers across multiple rotations. A fifth contingent of approximately 230 officers arrived in December 2025, reinforcing Kenya’s role as the lead and backbone of the international security presence.

Other African Nations (Status):

• Benin: Identified during early MSS and GSF planning discussions as a potential contributor; no verified deployment as of January 2026.

• Chad: Referenced in early diplomatic and planning frameworks; no confirmed personnel deployed.

• Senegal: Mentioned in exploratory diplomatic engagement; no public confirmation of troop commitment or deployment.

  
  

Non-African Contributors (Baseline Presence)

Additional deployed or previously deployed personnel under the MSS/GSF transition include limited contingents from Guatemala and El Salvador, as well as smaller contributions from Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Belize. These forces supplement the Kenyan contingent but do not materially alter the overall force deficit relative to the authorized strength.

Funding and Sustainment Status

The GSF operates under a hybrid funding model combining limited UN-assessed budget support through UNSOH and voluntary contributions from member states.

• Qatar has publicly indicated a contribution of approximately USD 10 million.

• Larger anticipated contributions from key partners, including the United States and Canada, remain partially allocated or pending formal confirmation for the expanded GSF mandate.

• Current funding levels are insufficient to support rapid scale-up, particularly in aviation assets, armored mobility, logistics hubs, and sustained field operations.

  
  

Timeline and Outlook

• September 2025: UN Security Council authorizes GSF.

• October–December 2025: Transition from MSS to GSF; Kenyan reinforcements arrive.

• January–February 2026: GSF operating at interim strength with approximately 1,000 personnel.

• Mid-to-late 2026 (projected): Earliest realistic window to approach authorized force levels, contingent upon confirmed troop commitments and predictable funding streams.

  
  

Halo Solutions Firm S.A. assesses that the GSF, in its current configuration, is capable of supporting localized, high-impact security operations but lacks the personnel density and sustainment capacity required for sustained area control or nationwide corridor security. Kenya’s contribution represents a critical and credible African commitment; however, the absence of additional African troop deployments limits both operational depth and regional burden-sharing.

Absent accelerated troop commitments from additional African, Caribbean, and Latin American states, coupled with reliable funding mechanisms, the GSF risks remaining a constrained, transitional force rather than evolving into a decisive stabilization instrument. The period through mid-2026 will be determinative in whether the mission achieves its authorized intent or remains structurally underpowered.

Multiple Drone Strikes Reported in Port-au-Prince

At least 16 explosions were reported in central Port-au-Prince on January 12, 2026. Civilian observers documented approximately fifteen detonations over several hours, based on synchronized reports circulated via local messaging platforms.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the neighborhoods of Bel-Air and Bas-Delmas were the primary areas affected. Residents reported hearing the sound of unmanned aerial systems prior to impact, followed by brief flashes and localized dust clouds. Civilian movement in the affected zones declined significantly following the incidents.

Since the beginning of 2026, Haitian authorities have conducted sustained security operations targeting armed group positions in Port-au-Prince and across the metropolitan area. These operations have included the use of explosive-laden unmanned aerial systems, heavy demolition equipment, and coordinated ground maneuvers. Recent activity has been reported in Bel-Air, La Saline, and the Delmas 2, 4, and 6 sectors.

Available reporting indicates that these operations are being conducted by a composite task force comprising specialized units of the Haitian National Police (PNH), elements of the government-mandated Gang Suppression Force, and foreign security contractors operating under contract to the Haitian government.

Multiple international and regional media outlets have identified Vectus Global, a U.S.-based private security company associated with Erik Prince, as the primary foreign contractor supporting these operations. Reporting indicates that Vectus Global personnel are providing technical support, advisory functions, and operational assistance related to unmanned aerial systems and strike coordination. Haitian authorities have not publicly released the full contractual framework governing this engagement.

The stated objectives of the ongoing operations are to dismantle armed group infrastructure, disrupt command and logistics nodes, regain control of contested urban areas, and reassert state authority.

Security operations remain ongoing, and the situation continues to evolve. Further verification is required to assess operational effectiveness, civilian impact, and the longer-term implications of employing unmanned aerial systems in densely populated urban environments.

Downtown Security Operations Trigger Civilian Displacement and Humanitarian Concerns

Ongoing security operations conducted by the Haitian National Police (PNH) against armed groups in central Port-au-Prince have resulted in the displacement of numerous families, particularly from the neighborhoods of Bel-Air and La Saline. Human rights organizations report that residents have been forced to flee their homes with little notice as armed clashes intensified in these areas.

According to the Peace and Development Commission (CPD), more than one hundred families are currently sheltered in improvised camps established in and around the city center. Several displaced households have taken refuge on the grounds of Saint Joseph Church on Rue des Remparts, close to the areas affected by the confrontations. Others have settled at the former Camp Bèbè site along the road leading to the old military airstrip.

The CPD reports that these informal sites lack essential infrastructure and basic services. Displaced families are facing severe shortages of drinking water, food, and sanitation facilities. The situation is particularly concerning for women and children, who are exposed to heightened health and protection risks due to overcrowded conditions and inadequate hygiene.

The organization has warned that the absence of essential services significantly increases the risk of disease outbreaks and further exacerbates an already fragile humanitarian situation in the capital.

In response, the CPD has issued an urgent appeal to national authorities and the international humanitarian community, calling for immediate intervention. The organization is requesting the rapid provision of potable water, food assistance, and sanitation support to address the most critical needs of the displaced population.

Civil Protection Begins Targeted Fumigation Campaign in Displacement Camps Across Port-au-Prince

The Directorate of Civil Protection (DPC), with support from the Ministry of the Interior and Territorial Communities (MICT), has launched a fumigation campaign aimed at improving sanitary conditions in camps housing internally displaced persons across the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area. The first phase of operations began on Sunday, January 11, in Delmas 41, targeting sites where overcrowding and limited sanitation have increased exposure to insects and disease. The initial intervention was carried out at the displaced persons camp located at the National School of Ecuador on Faustin 1er Street, where specialized teams applied pest-control measures to reduce the presence of mosquitoes, bedbugs, and other harmful insects. A similar operation was also conducted at the annex camp of the Ministry of Communication in central Port-au-Prince.

According to Hilare Henri, West Departmental Director of Civil Protection, the initiative responds directly to the precarious living conditions faced by displaced families and forms part of broader health-prevention efforts. The program seeks to reduce health risks, improve daily living conditions, and limit the spread of insect-borne illnesses in high-density camps. Community representatives have welcomed the intervention, describing it as a necessary and timely measure. Civil Protection authorities confirmed that fumigation activities will continue in additional displacement sites throughout the metropolitan area in the coming weeks as part of a sustained public health response.

Haiti to Deploy 892 New Police Officers in Expanded Security Effort Supported by International Partners

On January 10, the Haitian National Police (PNH) has announced the imminent deployment of 892 newly graduated officers from its 35th class as part of ongoing efforts to confront widespread insecurity and armed gang violence. The announcement was made by PNH Director General André Jonas Vladimir Paraison, who stated that the officers will be assigned primarily to areas most affected by violence, with a focus on protecting civilians and supporting the safe return of displaced populations.

The new officers completed an intensive four-month training program at the National Police Academy that began in October 2025. The training emphasized core policing functions, operational discipline, and professional conduct in a high-threat environment. Senior Haitian officials and international partners attended the launch of the training cycle, highlighting the strategic importance placed on strengthening the institutional capacity of the PNH amid continuing security challenges.

International support has played a significant role in reinforcing police training and institutional development. The United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) has provided long-standing assistance to the Haitian National Police through technical support, advisory engagement, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at improving recruitment standards, professionalization, and accountability. This cooperation aligns with broader efforts to enhance law enforcement effectiveness while adhering to international policing and human rights norms.

The deployment of nearly 900 additional officers comes as the PNH reports gradual gains against armed groups in recent months, including the recovery of several neighborhoods previously under gang influence. While authorities acknowledge that the security situation remains fragile, the reinforcement of police personnel, supported by continued international engagement, is viewed as a critical step toward restoring public order, strengthening the rule of law, and stabilizing affected communities across Haiti.

PNH Operations Continue in Bercy as Canaan-Based Gangs Advance Toward Arcahaie

The Haitian National Police continues active security operations in the Bercy area, north of the capital, as armed groups persist in attempts to push toward the commune of Arcahaie. Operations that began on Sunday, January 4 remain ongoing, with police units working to contain and repel armed elements using Bercy as a primary access corridor. Authorities confirm that the area has not yet been fully secured, clashes continue, and civilian return remains impossible at this stage.

Security reporting indicates that the violence is being driven by gangs operating out of the Cabaret–Canaan axis, specifically factions affiliated with the Canaan criminal network. These include the Jeff gang and Taliban-affiliated armed groups, which have been linked to repeated incursions westward along National Highway 1. Since late 2025, these groups have carried out sustained attacks toward Arcahaie, resulting in widespread destruction, the burning of homes, targeted killings of members of neighborhood self-defense groups, and the near-total shutdown of commercial and agricultural activity.

The ongoing insecurity has placed significant pressure on National Highway 1, a critical logistics corridor connecting northern departments to Port-au-Prince. Disruptions have complicated the movement of food, fuel, and commercial goods, while local agricultural producers report depleted capital and an inability to plant or harvest. Related attacks attributed to the same Canaan-linked gangs have also been reported in Montrouis, where armed elements have forced families to flee toward Fonds-Baptiste and surrounding hillside communities, worsening displacement and humanitarian conditions.

Maritime approaches to Arcahaie have also emerged as a concern. Earlier attempted incursions by sea were disrupted during police operations near the Minoterie area, where stolen boats were destroyed; however, new reports of vessel theft have surfaced in recent days, highlighting continued coastal vulnerabilities. Halo Solutions Firm S.A. is actively monitoring the evolving security situation involving Jeff and Taliban-affiliated gangs operating within the Bercy–Arcahaie corridor and adjacent coastal areas, providing continuous situational awareness and security analysis as PNH operations remain ongoing and the situation continues to evolve.

Police Operations in Downtown Port-au-Prince Intensify as Gang Positions Come Under Pressure

Recent operations by the Haitian National Police in downtown Port-au-Prince have renewed expectations of a potential shift in control over a strategic area that has remained largely beyond effective state authority for several years. Police units have increased operational activity in the city center, targeting zones long affected by armed group presence and attempting to disrupt gang mobility and control nodes in key commercial and residential corridors.

Current security assessments indicate that several neighborhoods in and around the city center remain influenced by armed groups affiliated with the Viv Ansanm coalition, including elements linked to the G9 network and associated gangs operating in Bel-Air and adjoining districts. Areas such as Belekou, Simon Pelé, Terre Noire, Bois-Neuf, Drouillard, and Sarthe continue to be contested, with reports suggesting that some armed elements have withdrawn northward toward Cité Soleil in response to sustained police pressure. Local reporting also indicates that certain gang leaders operating in Bel-Air vacated positions ahead of police advances into streets such as Saint-Mathieu, reflecting anticipatory movement rather than direct engagement in some sectors.

The last period of sustained police operations in these central neighborhoods occurred intermittently throughout late 2024 and 2025, including significant engagements in Sarthe and surrounding areas that resulted in casualties and weapons seizures but did not lead to lasting territorial control. As a result, much of the downtown area remained under varying degrees of gang influence through most of 2025, underscoring the complexity and resilience of armed networks embedded in the urban environment.

According to ongoing security assessments conducted by Halo Solutions Firm S.A., the current phase of operations represents a notable escalation in police pressure but remains fluid. Halo Solutions’ analysis indicates that while armed groups are showing signs of displacement and repositioning, they retain the capability to regroup in northern strongholds if operations are not sustained. Halo Solutions Firm S.A. continues to monitor developments closely, providing situational awareness and risk analysis on gang movements, contested neighborhoods, and the evolving security posture of downtown Port-au-Prince as police operations continue.

Police Raid in Delmas 2 Leads to Major Seizure of Gang Weapons and Gear

The Haitian National Police carried out a targeted operation Wednesday January 7^th, evening in the Delmas 2 neighborhood, dismantling a gang base and seizing a significant cache of weapons and equipment. Authorities identified the location as a hideout linked to Jean Gardy, leader of the Krache Dife gang.

During the operation, police recovered two M4 assault rifles, two 12-gauge shotguns, four M4 magazines, a bucket containing 5.56 mm ammunition, body armor, tactical vests, tear gas canisters, communication radios, and uniforms associated with specialized police units. The Haitian National Police reported that some armed group members are adopting a new tactic by wearing vests marked “Press” to impersonate journalists. According to police authorities, this method is intended to evade security checks, bypass police controls, and reduce suspicion during movements in contested areas. The PNH stated that this practice creates operational confusion and poses risks to both law enforcement personnel and legitimate members of the media.

According to police officials, the seizure forms part of an ongoing strategy to weaken armed gangs, disrupt their operational capacity, and reduce threats to civilians. The PNH reiterated its commitment to sustaining operations in areas most affected by insecurity as part of broader efforts to restore public order and reinforce state authority.

Suspected Kidnapping Reported in Delmas 33 Involving Individuals Wearing Police-Style Uniforms

Preliminary reporting indicates that two individuals were victimized during an incident involving armed suspects wearing clothing resembling Haitian National Police (HNP) uniforms and using a vehicle marked to appear as a police unit. At this stage, it remains unclear whether the individuals involved were legitimate police officers, individuals impersonating law enforcement, or criminal actors using police identifiers to facilitate the crime.

Further information indicates that a kidnapping was reported early this morning, around 7:00 a.m., in the Delmas 33 area. The victim was allegedly abducted by armed individuals wearing police-style uniforms. Witnesses reported that the perpetrators were traveling in a white pickup truck with tinted windows. Delmas 33 has been repeatedly targeted in recent months by armed groups involved in kidnappings, contributing to heightened concern among residents.

Additional reporting references a possible second suspect vehicle, described as a black pickup truck bearing license plate number SE 01156. The use of multiple vehicles is consistent with known kidnapping methodologies in Port-au-Prince, where criminal groups frequently employ decoy or secondary vehicles to complicate identification and pursuit.

Historically, kidnapping cases in Port-au-Prince have on occasion involved the misuse of police uniforms, marked vehicles, or police credentials, either by criminal groups impersonating officers or, in some documented cases, by rogue or off-duty police personnel acting outside official authority. Haitian authorities have previously acknowledged this risk and undertaken investigations, disciplinary actions, and dismissals within the police ranks in response to such incidents. However, no determination has been made regarding the status or affiliation of the suspects involved in the Delmas 33 incident, and all information remains subject to verification as investigations continue.

Incremental Progress in Haiti’s Fight Against Gang Insecurity

In recent days, Haitian citizens and U.S. nationals of Haitian origin have been arrested or formally charged for their involvement in the trafficking of weapons and ammunition destined for Haiti. These actions, carried out both in Haiti and the United States, signal a tightening of enforcement on transnational arms flows that have long fueled gang violence. U.S. authorities have underscored that American territory will no longer serve as a permissive transit point for illicit weapons, while Haitian authorities have demonstrated renewed efforts to dismantle trafficking networks that exploit customs vulnerabilities and privileged access.

At the same time, residents of Port-au-Prince have observed intensified pressure on gang-controlled areas, particularly in Bel-Air and lower Delmas. Sustained law enforcement operations, supported by private security elements, have targeted gang hideouts, with repeated explosions, gunfire, and reports of casualties among criminal groups. While downtown Port-au-Prince remains far from fully secured, the current operations appear more coordinated and deliberate than previous efforts, suggesting improvements in intelligence sharing and operational planning.

Government sources have also indicated progress in logistical readiness. Supply chains for the Haitian National Police, the Haitian Armed Forces, and specialized anti-gang units are reportedly functional, with equipment and ammunition available and distribution no longer sporadic. Officials further claim that command-and-control friction between civilian authorities and security forces has diminished, allowing for more unified action across institutions.

Looking ahead, Mario Andresol, Secretary of State for Public Security, has stated that access to National Highways 1 and 2 could be restored by February 7, 2026, reopening ground links between Port-au-Prince and the North and South. While such a development would represent a major security milestone, officials acknowledge that this projection is based on planning assumptions rather.

The recent developments represent measured but fragile progress in Haiti’s security environment. Arrests linked to arms and ammunition trafficking are strategically important, particularly where they involve transnational networks operating between the United States and Haiti. However, the assessment indicates that the deterrent impact will remain limited unless these cases result in sustained prosecutions, convictions, and the dismantling of financing and logistics networks that support armed groups.

The analysis notes that current law enforcement operations in Bel-Air and lower Delmas are tactically significant and reflect improved coordination and intelligence-driven targeting. Nevertheless, historical patterns show that armed groups displaced from central urban areas frequently regroup in peripheral zones such as Cité Soleil, the Cabaret–Canaan corridor, or along major transport routes. Without persistent area-holding operations and a maintained security presence, territorial gains are likely to be temporary.

The reported normalization of supply chains for the Haitian National Police and allied security forces is identified as one of the more credible indicators of potential improvement. Reliable access to equipment and ammunition addresses a longstanding institutional weakness. However, logistics improvements alone are unlikely to be decisive unless accompanied by disciplined command structures, safeguards against corruption, and sustained political backing.

Regarding the stated objective of reopening National Highways 1 and 2 by early February 2026, the assessment considers this target ambitious but not impossible. Limited or controlled movement may resume if current operational momentum is maintained; however, full and unrestricted access remains uncertain given the length of the corridors, the adaptability of armed groups, and the requirement for continuous security coverage. Overall, the analysis concludes that while early 2026 may bring incremental security gains, long-term stabilization will depend on sustained pressure, judicial accountability, and the state’s ability to hold territory after clearing operations.

Armed Violence Forces MSF to Suspend Medical Services in Bel Air

The humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders (MSF) announced on Thursday, January 8, the suspension of its medical activities in the Bel Air neighborhood of Port-au-Prince following a sharp escalation in armed violence. MSF stated that the security situation no longer allows for the safe movement of patients, caregivers, or medical staff, placing both civilians and humanitarian personnel at unacceptable risk.

According to the organization, access to healthcare in Bel Air has become severely compromised as a result of ongoing clashes and insecurity. MSF also reported the death of a former volunteer who sustained injuries but was unable to receive timely medical assistance due to the deteriorating conditions. The organization expressed deep concern over the humanitarian consequences of the suspension, noting that residents of Bel Air are once again left with extremely limited access to emergency and primary healthcare services.

Over the past two years, MSF has repeatedly adjusted its operations in Haiti in response to fluctuating security conditions, particularly in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area:

• 2024: MSF intermittently suspended and resumed activities in several neighborhoods, including Cité Soleil and parts of downtown Port-au-Prince, due to heavy fighting between armed groups and security forces. Some trauma and emergency services were temporarily relocated or operated with reduced capacity during periods of intense violence.

• Early Mid 2025: MSF reopened or expanded limited services in areas such as Bel Air and Delmas following relative lulls in violence, focusing on emergency care, trauma treatment, and support to victims of urban violence. These resumptions were often conditional and subject to daily security assessments.

• Late 2025: Renewed clashes and shifting frontlines forced MSF to again suspend or scale back operations in multiple high-risk neighborhoods, including temporary closures of mobile clinics and fixed facilities where safe access could not be guaranteed.

• January 2026: The suspension of activities in Bel Air marks the latest closure linked directly to armed violence, underscoring the persistent instability affecting humanitarian access and continuity of care in the capital.

  
  

MSF has consistently stated that its ability to operate in Haiti depends on minimum security guarantees and respect for medical neutrality. The repeated openings and closures of its facilities over the past two years reflect the volatile security environment and the ongoing challenges faced by humanitarian actors attempting to deliver life-saving care amid sustained urban violence.

Armed Violence in Montrouis Forces Large-Scale Civilian Displacement

More than one thousand residents have been displaced following a series of violent attacks in Montrouis, according to a situation report released by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on January 6, 2026.

OCHA estimates that approximately 1,120 individuals, representing 225 households, have been compelled to flee their homes and seek refuge in other localities within the commune of Saint-Marc. The displacement stems from sustained attacks carried out by armed groups in Montrouis beginning on December 23, 2025.

The report underscores the growing impact of insecurity on civilian populations in the Artibonite region, where ongoing violence continues to disrupt livelihoods, overwhelm host communities, and increase humanitarian needs.

Weapons and Ammunition Seizure Reported in Quartier-Morin

A joint operation conducted on Tuesday, January 6, by agents of the Northern Anti-Drug Trafficking Brigade (BLTS) and Haitian Customs resulted in the seizure of a significant cache of firearms and ammunition in Quartier-Morin, northern Haiti. The operation took place at the Caribbean Terminal Services S.A. (CTSA) – Terminal 2, where authorities intercepted a container arriving from the United States.

According to the Haitian National Police (PNH), the container was found to contain nine pistols, nine magazines, and approximately 5,500 rounds of ammunition. Two individuals were arrested in connection with the shipment on suspicion of illegal firearms trafficking, and a judicial investigation has been opened to identify additional actors involved in the supply chain and intended distribution.

Based on current security reporting and market assessments, the estimated street value of the seized weapons and ammunition in Haiti is substantial. Handguns typically sell on the illicit market for approximately USD 2,500 to USD 4,000 per unit, depending on brand and condition. Ammunition prices vary widely due to scarcity but commonly range between USD 5 and USD 10 per round. On that basis, the total street value of the seized pistols and ammunition is conservatively estimated to exceed USD 50,000 to USD 70,000, underscoring the financial incentive driving arms trafficking networks.

Authorities stated that the seizure highlights ongoing efforts to disrupt illicit weapons flows entering the country through commercial ports. The PNH and customs officials reiterated that enhanced inspections and inter-agency cooperation remain critical to limiting the availability of firearms and ammunition that fuel armed violence across Haiti.

Northern Haiti Prisons Face Acute Humanitarian Crisis, NGO Warns

A new report released by the Haitian NGO Association of Volunteers for the Reintegration of Inmates (AVRED) has raised serious concerns about detention conditions at Prisons 1 and 2 in Fort-Liberté, describing them as inhumane and incompatible with basic human dignity. Following a series of monitoring visits conducted in December 2025, AVRED documented severe deficiencies affecting 312 inmates, including 279 convicted prisoners and 33 individuals in pretrial detention, who are held in conditions marked by neglect, overcrowding, and systemic failure.

According to the report, access to healthcare represents one of the most critical shortcomings. More than 300 detainees are reportedly dependent on a medical staff composed of a single doctor, three nurses, and two psychology interns, with little to no access to essential medicines or diagnostic resources. The absence of isolation areas has increased the risk of communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, HIV/AIDS, and scabies, raising concerns about the potential for a wider public health emergency if urgent interventions are not undertaken.

Infrastructure conditions at the Fort-Liberté facilities were also described as severely degraded. AVRED cited cracked and unsafe structures, a lack of electricity, overcrowded cells, inadequate access to potable water, overflowing septic systems, and a shortage of trained prison personnel. These factors contribute to heightened tension within the facilities and increase the risk of violence, escapes, and human rights violations. Food provision is equally alarming, with only two cooks responsible for preparing meals for the entire inmate population. The resulting meals are reportedly nutritionally inadequate, particularly for detainees suffering from chronic illnesses, further weakening already vulnerable individuals.

The report also highlights serious judicial and logistical consequences stemming from the lack of transport capacity. Without a functional service vehicle, detainees are unable to access hospitals during medical emergencies or appear before judicial authorities, leading to prolonged and unjustified pretrial detention. AVRED concludes that the situation in Fort-Liberté reflects broader structural weaknesses affecting Haiti’s penitentiary system, including chronic underfunding, overcrowding, and limited oversight. Nationally, Haitian prisons have long operated above capacity, with pretrial detainees often constituting more than half of the incarcerated population, and recurring reports from local and international observers have documented similar conditions in facilities such as Port-au-Prince, Cap-Haïtien, and Gonaïves. AVRED is calling for immediate action by Haitian authorities, supported by international partners, to strengthen healthcare and logistics, rehabilitate infrastructure, and ensure that detention in Haiti does not continue to amount to the deprivation of fundamental human rights.

Carrefour Paralyzed as Gangs Tighten Control Over Key Access Routes

Daily activity was largely paralyzed on Thursday January 8th as armed groups consolidated control over the commune of Carrefour, a strategic gateway at the southern entrance to Port-au-Prince. Public transportation was brought to a standstill, including buses and motorcycle taxis, effectively cutting off civilian movement. Schools and many businesses were forced to close, while public markets operated only on a limited basis amid heightened insecurity.

Local reporting indicates that armed individuals moved freely through several neighborhoods, conducting what were described as routine patrols to enforce control. These actions are attributed to the group led by Christ-Roi, also known as Krisla, who has maintained dominance over Carrefour for more than a year. According to multiple sources, Christ-Roi ordered his followers to secure and monitor all access routes into the commune in response to perceived threats from a rival gang operating in the Mariani area, at the southern exit of Carrefour, which is reportedly seeking to expand its influence northward.

Christ-Roi has emerged over the past two years as one of the most influential armed actors in southern Port-au-Prince, with his network controlling key roadways, extorting local businesses, and regulating movement in and out of Carrefour. His control of this commune has given him leverage over a major transit corridor linking the capital to the southern departments, making the area both economically and strategically significant. Security observers note that clashes or standoffs between armed groups in Carrefour and Mariani frequently result in sudden road closures and widespread disruption, affecting supply chains and civilian access to essential services.

International Pressure Mounts on Haiti’s Presidential Council as Sanctions Debate Intensifies

International scrutiny of Haiti’s political transition has increased markedly in recent weeks, with diplomatic pressure from the United States, Canada, and regional partners focusing on accountability, governance, and the future of the Presidential Council. According to reporting from Haitian and international media, the United States imposed visa restrictions in late November 2025 on at least one member of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council, citing concerns over instability and crime. These measures were widely interpreted as a warning signal rather than an isolated action, reflecting a broader shift toward conditional engagement with Haiti’s political leadership.

Local media have also reported that U.S. and Canadian diplomats conveyed messages to Haitian political actors indicating that additional sanctions could follow if democratic norms and credible transition benchmarks are not respected. These communications sparked public criticism from some political parties, which characterized the warnings as external pressure. Nonetheless, the reporting underscores a growing willingness by key international partners to use targeted measures to influence political outcomes in Haiti, particularly as insecurity and governance paralysis persist.

This approach builds on recent precedent. In 2022, Canada and the United States sanctioned several prominent Haitian political figures for alleged corruption, human rights abuses, or links to armed groups, establishing a framework for targeted financial and travel restrictions. At the multilateral level, the United Nations Security Council’s Resolution 2653 (2022) created a sanctions regime focused on individuals threatening peace and stability in Haiti. In parallel, international legal instruments such as the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption provide mechanisms that states can invoke to pursue asset freezes, prosecutions, and cross-border cooperation, though their application depends on national legal processes and coordinated political decisions.

The Organization of American States has reiterated that it is closely monitoring Haiti’s political crisis and has emphasized the importance of democratic governance and the rule of law in statements before its Permanent Council. However, as of now, publicly available local media reporting has not confirmed an official, multilateral decision by OAS member states to withdraw recognition of the Presidential Council on a specific date, nor the automatic activation of sanctions under inter-American or U.N. anti-corruption conventions. While the legal bases for such measures exist, their implementation would require coordinated action by sovereign states.

The current trajectory suggests an escalation from rhetorical pressure to selective enforcement actions, particularly by individual states such as the United States and Canada. Visa restrictions and the threat of targeted sanctions are low-cost, high-signal tools that allow governments to demonstrate resolve without committing to broader interventions. Their effectiveness, however, depends on consistency and follow-through, especially in the judicial and financial domains.

A collective decision by OAS member states to withdraw recognition of Haiti’s Presidential Council would represent a significant diplomatic step, but available evidence indicates that such a move has not yet been formalized. Divergent interests among regional governments, concerns about unintended consequences, and the absence of a clearly defined alternative political framework continue to complicate multilateral consensus.

According to an assessment by Halo Solutions Firm S.A., the most likely near-term outcome is a continuation of incremental, targeted measures rather than sweeping multilateral sanctions. Such actions may increase personal risk and reputational costs for individual political actors but are unlikely, on their own, to resolve Haiti’s broader governance crisis.

From a practical standpoint, meaningful impact will depend on whether diplomatic pressure is paired with a credible political roadmap, sustained international coordination, and measurable improvements in security and institutional capacity on the ground. Without these elements, sanctions and recognition debates risk becoming symbolic rather than transformational.