Weekly Report January 20 to January 27

Port-au-Prince Police Operations Reopen Key Downtown Corridors as Anti-Gang Push Continues

The Haitian National Police (HNP), supported by a joint task force, reported progress in central Port-au-Prince following coordinated security operations conducted on Monday, January 26. Police said the actions enabled the clearing and re-establishment of control along several strategic routes in the downtown area, with an emphasis on restoring mobility and reducing conditions that facilitate armed attacks.

According to police authorities, units cleared Avenue Magloire Ambroise, Ruelle Waag, and Rue Nicolas, near the Salomon Market, before advancing toward Chavannes Street, where securing operations were continuing. These corridors have been repeatedly disrupted by armed group activity in recent months, limiting access to commercial areas and essential services.

The HNP indicated that the downtown actions are part of a broader sequence of operations launched several days earlier, targeting axes linking Magloire Ambroise to the Salomon Market and extending toward key intersections such as Chavannes and Capois streets. The stated objective is a phased reoccupation of areas previously under gang influence, removal of barricades, and the gradual stabilization of neighborhoods to allow displaced residents and economic activity to return.

Local observers have reported a partial resumption of activity in nearby sectors, particularly around Champ de Mars, following the reopening of several roads. These developments coincide with recent leadership adjustments within the West Department of the police, including the appointment of Jacques Ader as departmental director, a move viewed internally as part of efforts to strengthen operational coordination.

The operations are unfolding within a broader security environment marked by sustained pressure on police forces and continued gang presence in multiple parts of the capital. Police officials have stated that operations will continue in the coming days to consolidate gains, secure reopened routes, and prevent armed groups from reestablishing positions in cleared areas, while acknowledging that long-term stabilization will require sustained operations and improved security conditions citywide.

Haiti Declares “War” on Criminal Gangs as Police Expand Operations and U.S.-Backed Training Accelerates

Haiti formally intensified its security campaign against criminal groups on Friday, January 23, with the graduation of the 35th promotion of the Haitian National Police (PNH) at the National Police Academy. The class, composed of 877 new officers including 156 women, represents the first cohort of the P4000 program, a fast-track police training and force-generation initiative designed to respond to the country’s acute security emergency. Authorities confirmed that training for the 36th promotion will begin on February 1, reinforcing an accelerated recruitment and deployment cycle as police operations expand nationwide.

Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, addressing the ceremony in his capacity as head of the Superior Council of the National Police, described P4000 as a strategic national response aimed at restoring and consolidating State authority. The program targets the training and deployment of 4,000 new police officers between 2026 and early 2027, with a focus on operational readiness, rapid field integration, and sustained presence in high-risk areas. Government officials emphasized that the initiative is intended not only to increase personnel numbers but also to modernize policing capabilities in urban operations, territorial control, and anti-gang missions.

International support was highlighted as a critical enabler of the program, particularly assistance from the United States through the Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. Speaking at the ceremony, Henry Wooster, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy, stated that Haiti’s security and stability remain a top U.S. priority. He noted that the significant increase in police staffing over the past 16 months reflects a strategic choice aligned with Haiti’s security realities, rather than a purely numerical objective, and underscored Washington’s support for sustained institutional strengthening of the PNH.

Officials pointed to recent operational gains and a relative reduction in violence during the end-of-year period as early indicators of the impact of improved training, revised rules of engagement, and closer coordination with international partners. Authorities expressed confidence that continued investment in P4000, combined with sustained pressure on armed groups, will enable the police to consolidate reclaimed territory, restore public confidence, and create the security conditions necessary for national stability, democratic recovery, and the eventual organization of credible elections.

Haitian National Police Capacity Strengthening Accelerates With International Support and Integrated Medical Care

The Haitian National Police (PNH) has made measurable progress in strengthening its institutional and operational capacity, according to the quarterly report on Haiti presented to the United Nations Security Council on January 21, 2026, by the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). The report highlights advances in strategic planning, recruitment, training, and mobility assets, reflecting sustained efforts to reinforce the police amid a complex and evolving security environment.

As of November 30, 2025, the PNH numbered 13,414 officers, including 1,770 women, representing 13.2 percent of the force. The reporting period underscored the risks faced by police personnel, with 14 officers killed between September and November, nine in the line of duty. Despite these losses, recruitment and training continued. Training for the 35th class proceeded with 876 recruits, including 160 women, while recruitment for the 36th class began on November 17 and is expected to include between 900 and 1,200 candidates. These efforts form part of a broader objective to increase police staffing by 4,000 officers by the first quarter of 2027.

The report also details improvements in operational capabilities through expanded equipment and infrastructure. The police vehicle fleet was reinforced with 10 armored vehicles acquired by the government and 30 armored vehicles donated by the United States Government through the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). By the end of December, 114 armored vehicles were operational, while others remained non-operational or had been lost due to destruction or seizure by armed groups. In support of joint security efforts, the government reassigned seven armored personnel carriers to the Armed Forces of Haiti to bolster anti-gang operations. Collectively, these measures reflect an ongoing effort to enhance the reach, resilience, and effectiveness of the PNH.

In parallel, international partners have played a central role in reinforcing police capabilities. INL has provided sustained support across training, logistics, and operational enablers aligned with Haiti’s security needs. A key component of this assistance includes funding for comprehensive medical support delivered by Hero Client Rescue.

Through INL-supported programs, the Haitian medical firm-Hero Client Rescue provides life-saving emergency and trauma care, mobile medical teams embedded alongside specialized PNH units, and rapid aeromedical evacuation for critically injured personnel, with a particular focus on units conducting anti-gang operations outside the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, where access to advanced medical facilities is limited and response times are critical. Between January and November, Hero Client Rescue treated 286 wounded PNH officers, the majority of whom sustained gunshot wounds while engaged in operations against armed gangs. This support extends beyond immediate battlefield stabilization to include post-injury medical aftercare and follow-up treatment, helping to reduce preventable fatalities, limit long-term disability, and sustain operational momentum.

In December, rehabilitation and refurbishment work carried out under the joint program supporting the professionalization of the Haitian National Police was completed at police stations in Jacmel, Les Cayes, and Jérémie. The BINUH report notes that, alongside these infrastructure improvements, the mission continued to promote rigorous background vetting of police recruits, respect for human rights standards, increased participation of women within the force, and measures aimed at reducing attrition and strengthening personnel retention.

BINUH also supported the police high command in the development, consultation, and formal adoption of the Haitian National Police Strategic Development Plan for 2026–2030. This process focused on establishing clear objectives, benchmarks, and performance indicators grounded in an assessment of institutional capacities and operational constraints. The plan was shaped through three stakeholder forums held in November and December, bringing together police leadership, international partners, and representatives of civil society, with the aim of fostering sustainable institutional development. Additional operational and logistical support is to be provided through coordination with the Gang Repression Force and BINUH.

In parallel, efforts to reinforce border and maritime security were carried out between October and December by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. These capacity-building activities included specialized training for border control units, self-defense instruction, scanner-operation training for customs officials, courses on boarding, search, and seizure procedures, and practical operational exercises for the coast guard, as outlined in BINUH’s report to the United Nations Security Council.

Haiti Security: Gang Suppression Force to Begin April Deployment as Regional Support Takes Shape

The first contingents of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) are expected to arrive in Haiti in April 2026, with full deployment projected by October 2026, according to a statement by Jack Christofides, the designated Special Representative of the GSF, who is set to formally assume his duties in February 2026. Christofides confirmed that funding for the mission has been approved for an initial one-year mandate, marking a key milestone in international efforts to support Haitian authorities in confronting entrenched gang violence.

As part of regional diplomatic coordination, Christofides recently met with Roberto Álvarez, the Dominican Republic’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Dominican Presidency indicated that discussions focused on cross-border cooperation and logistical support for the mission. Christofides welcomed the Dominican Republic’s willingness to collaborate and announced plans to make an official visit to Santo Domingo shortly after taking office to deepen coordination with Dominican authorities.

Parallel discussions have underscored the importance of maintaining a strong UN political and coordination framework. Minister Álvarez also met with Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). The two emphasized the urgency of renewing BINUH’s mandate, which expires on January 31, 2026, and reviewed priorities for a more effective international response to Haiti’s security and institutional crisis.

On the operational side, the Dominican government reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting medical evacuations of GSF personnel and providing logistical assistance from Dominican territory, a role widely viewed as critical to the sustainability of the mission. In addition, multiple countries from Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean have publicly indicated their intention to contribute personnel, equipment, or technical support to the GSF, with several contributions expected to align with the April 2026 initial deployment phase. While specific troop numbers and national contingents have not yet been formally announced, officials involved in planning describe the April–October timeline as a phased buildup designed to synchronize international support with Haitian National Police operations on the ground.

Rising Insecurity in Delmas: Kidnapping Threat Expands Across Multiple Neighborhoods

Kidnappings are once again increasing across the commune of Delmas, underscoring a worsening security environment that continues to affect residents, businesses, and daily movement. In the span of a single week, multiple abductions have been reported across several neighborhoods, indicating a sustained and expanding threat pattern. While reporting remains incomplete and continues to evolve, available information points to organized activity rather than isolated criminal acts.

Geographic Scope of Incidents

Reported cases extend from Delmas 31 through Delmas 75, including Delmas 31, 33, 41, 48, 63, and 65. Over the past weekend, a suspicious vehicle was also reported in Delmas 75 near Hôpital Espoir. In December, similar kidnapping incidents were recorded in Bourdon, including at least one confirmed case, suggesting continuity in both geographic focus and operational methods.

Recent Confirmed and Reported Cases

A confirmed incident occurred on Friday, January 23, at approximately 9:00 p.m. in Delmas 65, where three men abducted by heavily armed individuals. Witnesses reported that the perpetrators were traveling in a white Toyota Land Cruiser equipped with a flashing emergency light, commonly referred to locally as a “zo reken.” The abduction was described as rapid and well-coordinated, leaving little opportunity for intervention by bystanders or the victims themselves. Relatives and close associates have since issued public appeals for the victims’ safe return.

Additional kidnappings were reported on Saturday, January 24, in Delmas 31, where three individuals, including two young girls, were reportedly abducted. At the time of publication, the circumstances surrounding these incidents had not been formally clarified.

Later on, the evening of January 23, further abductions were reported in Delmas 65. According to witness accounts, at approximately 10:00 p.m., multiple individuals were taken by armed men operating in at least three vehicles. Residents stated that the assailants were wearing clothing resembling police uniforms, a tactic previously observed in other kidnapping cases in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area. Among those abducted was a young lawyer known within the neighborhood. No official confirmation or victim count had been issued by the Haitian National Police at the time of publication.

Suspect Profile and Tactics

Across reported incidents, witness testimonies consistently describe perpetrators wearing police-style uniforms. Several accounts also reference the use of vehicles equipped with flashing lights but lacking any visible insignia identifying them as belonging to the Haitian National Police or another recognized law enforcement unit.

Victims are most often intercepted while inside their vehicles. In some cases, assailants stop vehicles under the pretext of a police control or inspection. In other instances, individuals are approached while seated in parked cars or while waiting on sidewalks. These tactics appear deliberately designed to exploit public compliance with perceived law enforcement authority.

Perpetrators are reported to be armed and have demonstrated a willingness to use firearms in response to resistance.

Temporal Patterns

Most reported incidents have occurred during early morning hours and late afternoon or early evening, when lighting conditions are poor but daily movement remains active. However, kidnappings have also been reported outside these timeframes, including around 8:00 a.m. and approximately 4:00 p.m. On weekends, particularly Sundays, incidents occur during afternoon hours.

These patterns mirror earlier incidents recorded between 2022 and 2024 in the same zones, including kidnappings carried out in church parking lots on Sunday mornings. In several of those cases, perpetrators were also reported to be wearing police uniforms.

Evolving Kidnapping Risk Environment

Local security analysts warn that kidnapping-for-ransom activity in Haiti continues to rely heavily on impersonation, the exploitation of routine movement patterns, and operations conducted during periods of reduced visibility. Recurrent threat indicators include the use of unmarked vehicles fitted with emergency lights and the establishment of false checkpoints, tactics that significantly increase the risk of misidentification and complicate civilians’ ability to distinguish criminal activity from legitimate law enforcement operations.

January 2026 has marked a renewed escalation in kidnapping activity. This resurgence is unfolding alongside ongoing security operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks. Despite these efforts, kidnapping groups appear to be adapting their methods, reinforcing an environment of uncertainty and heightened risk.

Risk Monitoring and Preventive Measures

In response to these conditions, security practitioners emphasize the importance of localized threat monitoring and preventive mitigation. Haiti-based firms such as Halo Solutions Firm S.A. track Haiti-specific kidnapping-for-ransom indicators, including geographic clustering, temporal trends, impersonation tactics, evolving modus operandi and provide training, in order to support risk assessments for organizations and individuals operating in high-risk areas.

Targeted anti-kidnapping mitigation training is increasingly viewed as a critical component of duty-of-care planning for NGOs, international organizations, private companies, and humanitarian actors. Such training typically focuses on pre-incident risk reduction, movement planning, situational awareness, behavioral indicators, and post-incident response considerations, rather than confrontation.

Safety Considerations

Residents and travelers are advised to avoid affected areas whenever possible. Movements during hours of darkness or periods of low traffic should be minimized, and individuals should avoid waiting or parking on public streets for extended periods. When individuals are vulnerable and lack the means or training to defend themselves, resistance is strongly discouraged. At the same time, legitimate police checkpoints must be complied with, highlighting the operational challenge posed by the use of impersonation tactics.

As insecurity continues to evolve, residents and institutions face increasing pressure to balance essential activities with heightened vigilance, while broader questions remain regarding the durability of security gains in Delmas and across the wider Port-au-Prince metropolitan area.

ZED Airlines Suspends All Flights After Aircraft Fired Upon Near Port-au-Prince Airport

ZED Airlines S.A. has announced the immediate and indefinite suspension of all its flight operations following a serious security incident involving gunfire directed at two of its aircraft near Port-au-Prince’s main airport.

According to a statement issued by the airline on Sunday, January 25, two ZED Airlines aircraft operating commercial flights were fired upon while on final approach to Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP). The incident occurred as the aircraft descended over the Croix-des-Bouquets area, east of the capital, during the final phase of landing.

Flight-tracking data reviewed after the incident shows one of the aircraft descending from approximately 1,200 feet to about 400 feet above ground level while overflying the area. No casualties were reported among passengers or crew, and no immediate damage assessment has been publicly released.

Croix-des-Bouquets is an area largely controlled by the 400 Mawozo armed group, under the leadership of Lanmo Sanjou. The group has previously published videos openly threatening to shoot aircraft operating in and out of Port-au-Prince. Lanmo Sanjou, who rose to prominence as 400 Mawozo expanded its control over key transit corridors east of the capital, has become known for public intimidation campaigns targeting state authorities and critical infrastructure.

U.S. authorities have designated Lanmo Sanjou as a wanted individual in connection with serious transnational crimes. The United States has announced a reward of up to USD 2 million for information leading to his arrest or conviction, underscoring the level of concern surrounding his activities and influence.

ZED Airlines described the incident as a “force majeure event” that seriously compromises the safety of air operations. The company said its decision to halt all flights was taken in strict accordance with international aviation safety standards and its legal obligations as an air operator.

Among the aircraft involved was an Aeroregional-type plane, commonly used on the airline’s commercial routes between Haiti and Brazil. Until this incident, ZED Airlines was one of the few carriers still maintaining regular commercial air service between Port-au-Prince and Brazil.

The airline stated that the resumption of operations will depend on comprehensive technical and security assessments, formal instructions from competent authorities, and the conclusions of ongoing investigations. ZED Airlines said it will inform the public of any changes once conditions are validated by the relevant authorities.

Haiti’s Political Crisis Intensifies as U.S. Pressure Grows and CPT Move Against Prime Minister Faces Uncertainty

Haiti’s fragile political transition entered a more volatile phase this week following an attempt by a majority of members of the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) to dismiss Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, a move that has exposed deep internal divisions and drawn heightened attention from the United States and other international partners.

Lawyer and political figure André Michel denounced the initiative as illegitimate, arguing that it was taken without broad political consensus or the meaningful participation of organized political parties, civil society, and other social forces. He maintained that the CPT lacks the political and moral authority to take decisions of such magnitude in the absence of an inclusive framework and called for an urgent national dialogue aimed at producing a credible political agreement and paving the way for elections. Michel also reiterated that any such dialogue must categorically exclude armed groups.

At the same time, the attempted dismissal has triggered renewed scrutiny from Washington. On January 25, the United States announced visa restrictions and revocations against two CPT members and their immediate families, citing alleged links to armed gangs. The announcement was made by Tommy Pigott on behalf of the U.S. State Department, which framed the measures as part of a broader strategy to combat insecurity and deter political or financial support to criminal networks.

Although U.S. officials have not publicly taken a position on the legality of dismissing Prime Minister Fils-Aimé, diplomatic messaging in recent days has emphasized the need for stability, continuity of governance, and strict adherence to the agreed transition framework as the CPT approaches the end of its mandate on February 7, 2026. Several observers interpret this posture as a warning that any abrupt or contested change in government leadership could complicate international recognition, cooperation, and support, particularly if it is perceived as undermining institutional stability or enabling actors linked to insecurity.

Domestically, reactions remain sharply divided. Trade union leader Sonson Dumé accused the U.S. Embassy in Haiti and the Core Group of excessive interference in Haiti’s internal affairs, framing international pressure as a violation of national sovereignty and calling on social and labor organizations to mobilize. Conversely, the steering committee of the Montana Accord expressed support for the CPT members who voted to dismiss the prime minister, portraying the move as a political turning point and criticizing what it described as attempts by certain private-sector actors to influence the transition.

As of now, the dismissal of Prime Minister Fils-Aimé has not been universally recognized, and uncertainty persists over whether the CPT has both the legal authority and the political backing to enforce such a decision. With U.S. sanctions escalating, domestic actors deeply polarized, and the transition timeline nearing a critical deadline, Haiti’s governance framework faces mounting pressure, raising concerns about further institutional paralysis at a time when security and humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate.

Regional Emergency Talks in Panama as Haiti’s Crisis Deepens

Representatives from roughly thirty countries across Latin America and the Caribbean convened in Panama on Monday January 26th to craft an emergency response plan for Haiti, which is facing one of the most severe humanitarian and security crises in the region. The meeting comes amid escalating armed gang violence and a worsening economic and social collapse that has left large parts of the country beyond effective state control.

The talks are being led by the Association of Caribbean States, which has warned that international assistance remains critically insufficient. According to figures cited by the organization, donors have mobilized less than a quarter of the USD 908 million requested by the United Nations in February 2025 to support Haiti’s humanitarian needs, despite repeated appeals to governments and international partners.

Participants including Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Venezuela, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, and Panama aim to accelerate aid delivery for more than six million Haitians, nearly half the population expected to be affected by violence, economic deterioration, displacement, and shortages of basic services by 2026. Regional assessments indicate that armed groups exert influence over much of the national territory, while internal displacement continues to rise and the economy remains locked in a prolonged recession.

The Panama meeting is scheduled to continue through Tuesday. While officials describe the discussions as urgent and necessary, skepticism persists after years of high-level meetings on Haiti that have yielded limited tangible results. The latest initiative has revived questions about whether existing international approaches are adequate to address a crisis that is simultaneously humanitarian, political, economic, and security-related, or whether a fundamental shift in strategy is required to prevent further collapse.

UN Report: Armed Violence Claims Over 8,100 Lives in Haiti as Gangs Expand Nationwide

More than 8,100 Haitians were killed between January and November 2025 as a result of armed violence, according to a report released on January 15, 2026, by the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) and presented to the United Nations Security Council. The report describes 2025 as a decisive and alarming turning point, marked by the geographic expansion of armed gangs beyond Port-au-Prince and the growing erosion of state authority.

While gang activity was initially concentrated in the West Department, violence spread during the year to strategically important areas including Arcahaie, Mirebalais, Lascahobas, and much of the Artibonite region. Armed groups increasingly targeted individuals accused of cooperating with or resisting law enforcement, while sexual violence—primarily against women and girls—was systematically used as a method of punishment and intimidation. Armed assaults became more coordinated and frequent, with gangs employing military-grade weapons in both urban and peri-urban settings.

In response, the Haitian National Police (PNH), supported by the Armed Forces of Haiti and the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), intensified security operations throughout the year. These efforts enabled the temporary reopening of several major national roadways critical for commerce and humanitarian access, though the report cautions that security gains remain fragile and uneven.

The human toll continued to rise sharply outside the capital. While a 6.2 percent decrease in violence was recorded in Port-au-Prince during the final quarter of 2025, killings in provincial and rural areas nearly doubled in some regions. In Artibonite and the Central Plateau alone, 1,916 deaths were reported in 2025, compared to 1,050 during the same period in 2024. Between September 1 and November 30, the provisional death toll reached 1,991, including 142 women, 12 girls, and 44 boys. BINUH notes that these figures are likely understated due to restricted access to gang-controlled territories.

Beyond killings, gangs continued to rely on kidnapping for ransom, extortion, and the systematic destruction of property, severely disrupting access to health care, education, and other essential services. These activities further deepened food insecurity and economic hardship. The report also highlights a disturbing rise in child trafficking, with children increasingly recruited or coerced into roles supporting gang operations, including participation in violent attacks.

U.S. Embassy Calls for Accountability, Warns Administrative Impunity Threatens Haiti’s Stability

The U.S. Embassy in Haiti issued a public warning on Monday highlighting the destabilizing impact of administrative impunity within Haiti’s public sector, describing it as a serious risk to national stability and a matter of concern for U.S. interests. The message underscores that the continued tolerance of public officials who fail to perform their duties weakens state institutions and undermines security.

In the statement, U.S. Ambassador Henry Wooster stressed that stability and security depend on effective oversight and clear accountability mechanisms. He emphasized that state institutions have a fundamental obligation to deliver essential public services and to be held accountable when they fail to do so. Allowing officials to collect salaries and benefits without fulfilling their responsibilities, he warned, erodes governance and public trust.

The message explicitly equated administrative impunity with criminal impunity, arguing that both are equally harmful to security and institutional stability. By referencing U.S. interests, the embassy highlighted the broader regional and international implications of Haiti’s internal governance challenges, particularly with regard to security, migration, and economic spillover effects beyond Haiti’s borders.

The statement comes at a time of heightened national debate over public sector reform, anti-corruption efforts, persistent insecurity, and uncertainties surrounding the political transition and upcoming electoral milestones. As of the statement’s release, Haitian authorities had not issued an official response.

Haiti’s Private Sector Calls for Stability and Respect for the Transition Framework

Haiti’s leading business associations and chambers of commerce have issued a joint statement urging respect for the transition framework, institutional stability, continuity of the state, and the preservation of recent security gains, as the country navigates a period of heightened political tension ahead of key institutional deadlines.

The signatories warned that the current phase is particularly fragile and cautioned against political confrontations, unilateral decisions, or tactical maneuvering that could deepen instability and delay the electoral process. They described any action likely to plunge the country back into uncertainty or institutional paralysis as irresponsible, calling instead for dialogue, consensus, and leadership guided by the national interest and the rule of law. The statement explicitly endorsed the position articulated by Laurent Saint-Cyr, coordinator of the Transitional Presidential Council, who has advocated for inclusive dialogue and institutional responsibility as prerequisites for stability.

The private sector acknowledged tangible, though fragile, progress in addressing insecurity under Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, citing the efforts of the Haitian National Police, the Armed Forces of Haiti, and international partners. Business leaders warned that renewed political instability could disrupt security operations, weaken international support, and reverse gains against armed groups, aggravating the population’s suffering. The organizations reaffirmed their commitment to defending the rule of law and supporting a peaceful transition leading to credible elections and democratic renewal.

Explosive Drones Intensify Civilian Toll During Security Operations in Port-au-Prince

The use of explosive drones during recent security operations has significantly increased risks to civilians in densely populated neighborhoods under gang control, particularly in Bel Air. Accounts from residents, humanitarian organizations, and local media describe homes destroyed by drone blasts, families trapped in active combat zones, and civilians unable to relocate despite escalating violence.

Armed groups maintain tight control over parts of Bel Air, enforcing extortion, sexual violence, and coercion of residents to erect barricades against police incursions. As security forces launched operations to retake the area, police reportedly used loudspeakers to urge non-affiliated civilians to leave. However, no organized evacuation, transport, or protection mechanisms were put in place, leaving many residents exposed as fighting intensified.

The humanitarian impact has been acute. During the first two weeks of January, dozens of civilians were reported killed and many families displaced from Bel Air, Saint-Martin, and La Saline. Medical data illustrate the scale of the violence: the trauma hospital operated by Médecins Sans Frontières in Drouillard, Cité Soleil, approximately three kilometers from Bel Air, treated 101 patients with violence-related injuries during the same period. Among them were women and children suffering gunshot wounds, blast injuries, and stab wounds, exceeding the number of cases treated during the entire month of December 2025. In response to the deteriorating security environment, MSF temporarily suspended activities in Bel Air.

Residents describe explosive drones as a defining feature of the latest phase of operations. Drone strikes reportedly destroyed multiple houses, including in residential streets where civilians remained sheltering in place. Given the density of housing and the absence of safe exit corridors, observers warn that the true number of civilian casualties may be higher than reported. While authorities cite ongoing seizures of weapons and equipment as evidence of operational gains, human rights groups continue to call for clearer civilian protection measures and safeguards as drone use expands in urban security operations.

Haiti’s Customs Post Record Revenue Despite Economic and Security Strains

Haiti’s General Administration of Customs reported collecting approximately 102 million U.S. dollars in December 2025, the highest monthly total in the institution’s history. Officials announced the milestone during a press briefing in Pétion-Ville, noting that the performance slightly surpassed December 2024 collections despite declining import volumes, persistent gang violence, and a seventh consecutive year of economic contraction.

Customs officials attributed the results not to tougher penalties on importers but to internal reforms, including improved tax administration, tighter oversight of customs offices, and upgraded monitoring and intelligence systems. These measures significantly reduced clearance times, from an average of 21 days to a maximum of three days. At the same time, fines imposed on importers declined year over year, suggesting greater compliance rather than increased enforcement pressure.

The strong customs performance stands in contrast to broader economic trends. According to national statistics, Haiti’s economy continued to contract in 2025, with falling imports, declining exports, and reduced output across agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Analysts warn that sustained economic recovery in 2026 will depend largely on improvements in security, the reopening of trade routes, and political stabilization. In that context, December’s customs revenue surge is viewed as a rare positive signal, underscoring both the resilience of state institutions and the importance of restoring security to support long-term recovery.

Viv Ayiti Accuses Transitional Presidential Council of Corruption and Governance Abuses

The political organization Viv Ayiti has issued a strong public denunciation of the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), accusing it of having deviated from its original mandate and becoming an institution characterized by opacity, privilege, and alleged corruption. According to the organization, the CPT no longer reflects the principles of transparency and national interest that justified its creation, raising serious concerns about the direction of the political transition.

Central to Viv Ayiti’s allegations is a claim that the Minister of Economy and Finance, Alfred Métellus, authorized the disbursement of approximately USD 25 billion for the benefit of five presidential advisers. The organization alleges that these funds were linked to a political vote that resulted in the removal of former Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé. While acknowledging that no official evidence has yet been made public, Viv Ayiti described the alleged transaction as a form of political bargaining and called for immediate clarification and independent investigations, warning that the absence of an official response risks deepening public distrust.

The organization’s leaders, Biron Odigé and Rony Timothé, also criticized what they described as the excessive lifestyle of CPT members, citing claims that each adviser is assigned multiple armored vehicles, including vehicles for family members, despite the country’s severe economic hardship and insecurity. Viv Ayiti further expressed concern over reported efforts by some advisers to influence or remove senior security officials at a time when the Haitian National Police is engaged in operations against armed gangs. The group warned that unless transparency and accountability are urgently restored, the credibility and legitimacy of the transitional process could be irreparably damaged.

PNH Warns Porous Borders Are Driving Haiti’s Security Crisis

The Director General of the Haitian National Police (PNH), Vladimir Paraison, has identified the porous land and maritime borders as one of Haiti’s most critical security vulnerabilities, warning that weak controls are facilitating the illegal flow of weapons, ammunition, and criminal actors into the country. Speaking to the media on January 20, he stressed that the lack of effective oversight at unofficial crossings significantly fuels armed violence.

According to Paraison, Haiti has roughly 110 crossing points along its 382-kilometer land border with the Dominican Republic, yet only four are officially monitored by Haitian authorities. This leaves more than 100 routes effectively uncontrolled, creating ideal conditions for cross-border trafficking. He questioned how weapons continue to circulate widely in a country with no domestic arms or ammunition production, calling for urgent reinforcement of border surveillance.

The PNH chief also highlighted serious maritime security gaps, particularly along Haiti’s southern coastline, where clandestine sea arrivals remain frequent. He cited a recent case in Camp Perrin in which police arrested suspects following a homicide, including three foreign nationals without travel documents, underscoring the scale of the problem. In response, the PNH is expanding maritime surveillance, with officers undergoing specialized training abroad and new equipment expected to enhance coast guard capabilities.

Paraison said the government is also advancing a long-term plan to strengthen border and port security through a proposed 10-year partnership with an international consortium. The project, which includes significant private investment, aims to improve customs controls, secure entry and exit points, and increase state revenues, while on-the-ground enforcement would remain the responsibility of the PNH, customs authorities, and the Ministry of the Interior.