Weekly Report June 03 to June 10

Vitelhomme’s Flight and the Strained Fight Against Gangs in Haiti

Despite significant gains made by the Haitian National Police (HNP) in recent weeks, a high-profile operation in Dumay on Saturday nearly led to the capture of notorious gang leader Vitelhomme Innocent but ended in failure. Police pursued two suspicious vehicles, one of which, escorted by armed men, was ultimately abandoned. Inside, authorities discovered weapons, a briefcase, and medical documents indicating Vitelhomme may be seriously ill. Despite obtaining his exact location, police say no drone strike was authorized by the Prime Minister’s Task Force, raising concerns over delays and coordination failures at the highest levels of security leadership.

This missed opportunity has reignited criticism of national security coordination, particularly the role of Prime Minister-led forces and the leadership of PNH Director General Rameau Normil. Many within the police force are expressing frustration at what they see as political interference or a lack of decisive action. The inaction following a precise intelligence tip has fueled growing suspicions of internal dysfunction, undermining trust in the very institutions responsible for combating Haiti’s deepening gang crisis.

At the same time, other operations have demonstrated the HNP’s growing operational momentum. In Pernier, a long-time stronghold of Vitelhomme Innocent, police forces mounted an assault that left the gang leader wounded and fleeing, carried by two men and visibly unable to walk. The powerful imagery of a defeated gang leader undercuts the myth of his invincibility and highlights the weakening grip of the "Viv Ansanm" coalition. While tactical air support remains vital to neutralize remaining strongholds, these advances show that with adequate support, the HNP is capable of reclaiming control and restoring stability to the nation.

Investigation Links Wagner Funding to Kémi Séba Amid Controversial Gang Ceasefire Initiative in Haiti

Franco-Beninese pan-Africanist activist Kémi Séba is at the center of renewed controversy following revelations that he received substantial financial support from Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary organization accused of serious human rights abuses across Africa. At the same time, Séba has launched a high-profile appeal to Haitian gangs, calling on them to end violence against civilians and instead redirect their efforts against what he describes as Haiti’s true oppressors foreign actors and domestic collaborators responsible for arming and destabilizing the nation.

An investigation published by Jeune Afrique on March 31, 2023, in collaboration with Sources (Arte/CAPA), Die Welt, All Eyes On Wagner, and the Dossier Center, uncovered that Séba received over $440,000 between May 2018 and July 2019 from entities tied to Prigozhin. Internal documents describe a coordinated initiative labeled the “Kémi Project,” which included political advising, research support, assistance in founding a pan-African political party, and efforts to expand Séba’s media influence. Wagner reportedly provided Séba with material and strategic backing for over a year as part of Russia's broader influence operations in Africa.

In parallel with these revelations, Séba has emerged as a polarizing figure in Haiti, where he recently held a press conference announcing that several gang leaders had responded positively to his call for a ceasefire. He claimed that upon his arrival in Haiti, multiple gang leaders contacted him to express interest in redirecting their actions against the so-called “real enemies of the Haitian nation” those who had supplied weapons and sowed division among the population. According to Séba, the most influential gang leaders are now considering rebranding themselves as a “citizen force” resisting neocolonial domination.

Seba argued that this movement toward national unity and self-reliance threatens foreign powers such as the United States, France, and Canada, whom he accused of opposing his presence in Haiti. Drawing on historical references such as the Bois Caïman ceremony that preceded Haiti’s revolution, he urged Haitians to reject foreign intervention and reclaim their sovereignty through collective strength. Séba concluded with a provocative warning, stating that a successful revolution in Haiti would pose a greater threat to Western oligarchies than the Cuban Revolution ever did, given Haiti’s symbolic and geographic proximity to the United States.

This convergence of Wagner-backed influence operations and Séba’s escalating political role in Haiti has raised alarms among international observers. As Haiti grapples with deepening insecurity and social fragmentation, the potential alignment of local armed groups with a foreign-funded pan-Africanist agenda adds a complex new layer to the country’s volatile landscape.

Gang Infighting in Santo Sparks Violence, Displacement, and Civilian Casualties.

A violent conflict erupted in the Pon Kade area near Lakou Bastien in Santo 25, stemming from a dispute between allied gangs over a security barrier. According to information obtained by local sources, the barrier had been erected by the Chen Mechan gang during a period of hostility with the 400 Mawozo group. Now allied under the Viv Ansanm criminal coalition, members of 400 Mawozo considered the barricade unnecessary and attempted to dismantle it. Their efforts were met with resistance from Chen Mechan, who refused to remove the structure.

Earlier in the week, 400 Mawozo members had partially opened the barrier to allow motorcycles through. By Friday evening, June 6, 2025, they attempted to clear the way for cars, leading to violent clashes. Heavy gunfire broke out across multiple areas, including Carrefour Marassa, Santo, and Lilavois.

Clashes escalated between a coalition of 400 Mawozo fighters and allied groups, namely the Taliban gang, led by Wilson Joseph (alias Lanmò San Jou), and Jeff Larose (alias Gwo lwa) against the Chen Mechan gang, led by Claudy Célestin. These confrontations resulted in the assassination of two key leaders from a rival faction aligned with Chen Mechan within a 48-hour period.

At approximately 10 p.m. on Friday, 400 Mawozo operatives attacked the stronghold of gang leader Nazbè in Carrefour Marassa. Nazbè, a former police officer, and one of his associates were killed. Videos showing their bodies circulated widely on social media. The violence intensified through retaliatory attacks targeting Nazbè's allies and Chen Mechan members, involving arson, looting, and summary executions. Several businesses were vandalized and robbed.

The hostilities forced hundreds of residents to flee their homes, with many crossing the Grise River into Tabarre. Others remained trapped in their homes, pleading for assistance as the gunfire continued. Although a brief calm was observed on Saturday afternoon following a social media appeal for peace by Jimmy Chérizier, alias Barbecue, the situation remained volatile.

On Sunday, tensions reignited when a new gang leader, Lucner (alias Kanbwa), was appointed to replace Nazbè. He was killed shortly after attempting to prevent further looting, sparking new confrontations later that day. Reports of civilian casualties and injuries are still circulating, although independent verification is pending.

As of Monday, June 9, the Cul-de-Sac plain remained tense. Schools and businesses remained closed, acts of vandalism continued, and armored police vehicles were deployed near Carrefour Marassa. Despite the visible security presence, full control has yet to be reestablished.

Arson Attack Devastates Mirebalais Market, Leaving Community in Crisis.

In the early hours of Monday morning, flames continued to smolder at the Mirebalais municipal market following a devastating arson attack reportedly carried out by gangs from Croix-des-Bouquets and Canaan. The fire, which erupted on Sunday, caused significant losses for local merchants who had already suffered repeated assaults in recent months. Despite the severity of the incident, the Haitian National Police had not launched any operations or strategic responses against the armed groups, who have maintained a presence in Mirebalais and Saut-d’Eau for over two months. At a press conference, Mackenzie Jacques, departmental police director for the Centre, defended the force's inaction, emphasizing caution and strategic planning over rushed intervention. “I know how and when I’m going to get in,” he stated, brushing aside criticism of the police’s passivity following the attack on the new market in the Benoît Batraville neighborhood.

The destruction of the market dealt a heavy blow to the Mirebalais community. Ylionel Béllamour, a prominent local figure, mourned the loss of what he described as a symbol of modernity in Haiti. Vendors like Marianne Innocent shared similar anguish, recounting how they lost everything, including simple items like aprons left behind before the attack. In nearby Hinche, displaced merchants now shelter in makeshift camps, where discussions center on their economic ruin. For many women without access to insurance, savings, or formal support, the market was their only source of livelihood. One elderly vendor, known as Mant Za, pleaded for assistance, saying she could no longer work and feared dying without help to restart her business. The fire not only destroyed infrastructure but also exposed the fragility of local economies amid unchecked insecurity, reinforcing the urgent need for decisive action to protect vulnerable communities.

Domestic Flights to Resume in Haiti After Months of Gang-Related Suspension

After being suspended for several months due to gang-related violence and widespread insecurity, domestic flights between Port-au-Prince and provincial cities are set to resume. On Thursday, the Haitian government and Sunrise Airways formalized this long-awaited restart by signing a memorandum of understanding.

“This is an important step that will allow citizens to resume their daily activities by giving them the ability to travel to other parts of the country,” stated Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, who was joined by key figures from the aviation sector during the ceremony.

Present at the signing were Philippe Bayard, CEO of Sunrise Airways; Yves Ducarmel François, Director of the National Airport Authority (AAN); and Réginald Guignard, Director of Haiti’s Civil Aviation Office (OFNAC). The official restart of domestic flights is scheduled for June 12.

Risky Overland Journey from Port-au-Prince to Cap-Haïtien Highlights Insecurity and Infrastructure Decay

Travelers attempting to leave Port-au-Prince for Cap-Haïtien to catch international flights faced severe challenges. With no available charter flights and the Civil Protection helicopter grounded for repairs, options were limited to either a commercial helicopter seat or a risky overland bus journey along National Route #1. Despite persistent threats from gangs that control large portions of the road, many passengers opted for the bus, paying up to 6,500 gourdes for the one-way trip.

Departing from Delmas 33, one of the few zones still under government control, the journey north was punctuated by multiple gang checkpoints. Passengers were warned against filming, required to present ID at three major gang-controlled roadblocks, and were subject to luggage searches and informal tolls. The presence of armed brigades in Arcahaie and Artibonite further emphasized gang dominance.

Past Gonaïves, the trip stabilized, though road conditions worsened near Morne Puilboreau. Upon reaching Cap-Haïtien, travelers were met with poor sanitation and visible municipal neglect, contrasting sharply with the urgency and tension of the journey.

Failed Assassination Attempt Exposes Growing Fractures Among Gang Leaders

An incident in the Tilapli area has highlighted the growing instability and internal tensions among local gang leaders. In the early hours of the morning of June 8th, at approximately 1:00 a.m., a gang member named Azor, affiliated with the Hermano group was shot and killed while allegedly attempting to assassinate Renel Destina, also known as “Tilapli. The incident has sparked widespread rumors of internal betrayal, with the name “Granjipon” quickly emerging as a central figure in the plot.

Initial reports suggest that Granjipon played an active role in orchestrating the failed assassination. Following Azor’s death, Granjipon reportedly fled the area without a trace, raising suspicions of disarray and growing mistrust within gang networks. His sudden disappearance may indicate deeper fractures among gang leadership and a possible power shift underway.

This episode underscores the vulnerability of prominent gang figures, many of whom are reportedly preparing to abandon their current strongholds and relocate potentially outside the country. These uncertainties have created anxiety among lower-ranking members, who fear being scapegoated or caught in the crossfire of leadership transitions.

UN Appeals for $46 Million to Combat Worsening Hunger Crisis in Haiti

The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) has launched an urgent appeal for $46 million to provide life-saving assistance to 2 million Haitians suffering from severe food insecurity, including 8,500 individuals facing catastrophic hunger. Lola Castro, WFP’s regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean, recently returned from Haiti and described the situation as dramatic. Haiti is one of only five countries in the world with people classified in Phase 5 of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), the highest level of food insecurity. With over 1 million people displaced by escalating gang violence, and half the country’s population in urgent need of food, Castro warned that Haiti cannot afford to be forgotten.

The WFP, which has already assisted 1.3 million people in 2025 using leftover funds from the previous year, is now facing an acute funding crisis. The agency currently has food stocks available only through July, with no reserves to respond to emergencies such as hurricanes or further displacement. Unlike in previous years when the WFP maintained stockpiles for up to 500,000 people, this year’s hurricane season begins with empty warehouses and no cash available for local procurement or rapid response. Without immediate funding, WFP will also be forced to cut its daily school meal program from 500,000 children to 250,000.

Castro emphasized that with the requested $46 million, WFP could continue providing food to the most vulnerable 2 million Haitians, sustain school meal programs, and offer social protection for displaced populations living in camps. She urged the international community to act swiftly, warning that even a single storm could plunge hundreds of thousands into deeper humanitarian crisis. “We really need to stop this and to hold the line on hunger,” she said, calling on global donors not to overlook Haiti amid competing global emergencies.

Death of SWAT Officer Highlights Mounting Toll on Haitian Police Amid Worsening Security Crisis

The killing of SWAT officer Esdras Hilaire during an anti-gang operation in Pacot on June 4 marks yet another tragic loss for the Haitian National Police (PNH), as the country faces a rapidly deteriorating security landscape. Hilaire, a member of the PNH's elite 30th promotion, was fatally shot in the neck while participating in an operation to remove members of the "Viv Ansanm" gang coalition from the upscale Port-au-Prince neighborhood. Despite the efforts of fellow officers to evacuate him, he died from his injuries, prompting the National Union of Haitian Police Officers (SYNAPOHA) to express condolences and praise recent police efforts in Mirebalais, Pétion-Ville, and Kenscoff.

Hilaire's death brings the total number of officers killed in gang-related violence to at least four in under two months. These incidents include the killings of Officer Garry Lyma in Mirebalais and two divisional inspectors near the airport in early April, as well as ongoing attacks in Kenscoff and Delmas. Armed groups now control over 28 neighborhoods with 25 of them in the West Department displacing more than a million people and routinely outgunning security forces. Although a UN-backed multinational mission has deployed to support Haitian authorities, attacks on police and public institutions continue unabated.

The Center for Analysis and Research in Human Rights (CARDH) warns that without systemic reforms, Haiti risks falling entirely under the control of terrorist groups. Between January and March 2025, more than 1,600 people were killed and over 160 kidnapped. In addition to lives lost, 102 public institutions and over 600 private facilities have been damaged or destroyed. CARDH has urged the Haitian government and international partners to invest in robust, long-term solutions, including specialized counterterrorism units, expanded security forces, and critical infrastructure.

Haiti Braces for High-Risk Hurricane Season Amid Displacement and Humanitarian Crisis

As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season begins, Haiti faces an alarming convergence of natural disaster risk and ongoing humanitarian turmoil. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a 60 percent chance of an above-average season, forecasting 13 to 19 named storms, six to 10 hurricanes, and up to five major hurricanes with winds exceeding 110 mph. Warmer-than-normal ocean temperatures are fueling concerns that storms will be more powerful and longer-lasting. NOAA and climate experts warn that even a single major storm could cause devastating consequences in regions already struggling with insecurity and infrastructure collapse.

More than one million Haitians have been displaced by gang violence, with roughly 200,000 now living in informal camps, many located in flood-prone areas lacking proper shelter, sanitation, or drainage. Last April, flooding at a displacement site on the grounds of the Ministry of Public Works left families wading through water and scrambling to build makeshift defenses against ongoing rainfall. The United Nations has highlighted the acute vulnerability of these populations and is working with Haitian authorities to improve early warning systems and emergency response plans. However, humanitarian access remains limited due to gang control, and aid agencies report a critical shortage of pre-positioned emergency supplies across the country due to underfunding.

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric warned that Haiti's emergency response systems are dangerously overstretched. “Funding remains a major obstacle,” he said, cautioning that without immediate international support, Haiti could be overwhelmed by even a moderate storm. Climate scientists have also noted that hurricanes are intensifying more rapidly due to climate change, giving communities less time to prepare. As the season progresses through November, the threat looms large for a country already destabilized by violence, displacement, and fragile infrastructure. Aid organizations stress that time is running out to prevent another humanitarian catastrophe.

Gang Executes 84-Year-Old Businessman in Gros-Morne Despite Partial Ransom Payment

The Kokorat San Ras gang has claimed another victim in the Artibonite region, executing 84-year-old businessman Élie Limage despite receiving a partial ransom payment. The killing has sent shockwaves through the community of Gros-Morne, where the businessman was abducted from within his own establishment just one week prior.

Limage, owner of the "Beau Rivage" hotel, was kidnapped along with two others while on the premises of his business. According to Hubert Cénéac, interim executive agent at the Gros-Morne mayor’s office, the gang had demanded $300,000 USD for his release and also seized two of his vehicles.

Family members pleaded with the kidnappers, urging them to reduce the ransom amount due to financial constraints. Nevertheless, after accepting part of the payment, the gang executed Limage near his private residence. The two other individuals abducted alongside him reportedly remain in captivity.

Armed Gangs Raid “Lilèt Kwesan” in La Gonâve, Assault Residents and Loot Property

Residents of "Lilèt Kwesan," a small island area off the La Gonâve Arrondissement, were violently attacked by armed gang members on Saturday, June 7, 2025. According to reliable sources, the assailants arrived by boat and subjected the local population to abuse and theft.

Eyewitnesses reported that the gang members beat residents, forcibly broke into homes, and stole personal belongings. The raid highlights the growing control that gangs exert across both land and maritime routes in Haiti. For over three years, criminal groups have dominated the southern and northern waters of the La Gonâve Gulf.

In the early hours of Sunday, June 8, around 2 a.m., the gang stole a boat named Dinwa and two 250-horsepower engines while it was anchored off Kaliko. When Ednel Désir assumed the role of Deputy Representative for the La Gonâve Arrondissement in March 2025, he pledged to improve maritime security. However, since then, gangs have hijacked at least 12 vessels along this route.

Haitian Police Union Opposes Use of Foreign Contractors Amid Ongoing Security Crisis

The Haitian National Police Union (SPNH-17) has voiced strong opposition to the government’s reported plan to hire foreign contractors to address the country’s ongoing security crisis. In a statement released, the union emphasized that reinforcing the Haitian National Police (PNH) and the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd’H) is essential for achieving long-term stability.

SPNH-17 called for public funds to be allocated toward equipping and training national security institutions, rather than toward private contractors. The union stated that Haitian forces are best positioned to ensure public safety and security.

According to a report by The New York Times, the Haitian government has entered into a confidential agreement with Erik Prince, founder of the private military company Blackwater. Citing sources from both Haitian and U.S. government circles, the investigation indicates that Prince’s team has been operational since March 2025, conducting drone surveillance and preparing for the deployment of approximately 150 personnel later this summer. The report also notes preparations for a shipment of weapons intended for operations in Haiti.

Gangs Force Residents to Build Fortifications in Delmas

Armed gangs controlling parts of the capital have reportedly begun constructing fortified barriers to prevent police intervention. According to local sources, residents of neighborhoods such as Solino, Nazon, and Delmas 30 are being forcibly mobilized to assist in the construction. Individuals are compelled to work as laborers, carry materials, or transport water and cement under threat of violence.

These operations are allegedly led by a gang leader known as Jouma, who oversees heavily armed groups enforcing participation. Witnesses say refusal to cooperate results in public beatings, home intrusions, and other forms of physical abuse. Despite the escalating situation, law enforcement has yet to enter the affected areas, opting instead to fire sporadically from the nearby airport road, now considered a high-risk zone.

Concerns Raised Over Military Deployment for Private Security in Haiti

Concerns are emerging regarding the continued use of Haitian Armed Forces (FAD’H) personnel for private security assignments, despite ongoing insecurity across the country. Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, security details surrounding political figures, both current and former have significantly increased, with FAD’H elements visibly involved. This has prompted ongoing calls from civil society for the reallocation of military resources toward public security operations.

Organizations such as the Réseau Citoyen pour la Sécurité et le Bien-Être Social have expressed concern that military personnel remain assigned to the protection of individuals no longer holding public office. Legal experts, including constitutional law specialist Jean-Benoît Dérisier, argue that such assignments lack a clear legal framework. The stated mission of the FAD’H includes national defense and support in times of disaster, not individual protection, raising questions about the scope of their current operations.

Amid rising gang violence and persistent insecurity in several neighborhoods, community leaders continue to request the deployment of military forces to assist in high-risk zones. However, their presence remains limited in these areas. The allocation of military personnel to non-operational tasks has sparked calls for clearer oversight and a more strategic use of available forces to address Haiti's broader security challenges.

Rue Valssaint in Delmas Marked by Series of Targeted Killings

Rue Valssaint, located between Delmas 19 and Delmas 31, has increasingly become a hotspot for targeted killings carried out by unidentified individuals. Once a quiet passage, the street has witnessed a surge in violent incidents in recent months, often occurring in broad daylight. Around 11:25 a.m. on Saturday, automatic gunfire erupted in the area, prompting panic among pedestrians, merchants, and drivers. Shortly after, the body of a young man, approximately 30 years old, was discovered on the street, riddled with bullets.

Witnesses reported that the assailants were riding motorcycles and opened fire before fleeing the scene. Residents say these attacks have become alarmingly frequent, with similar incidents taking place at night or early in the morning. Local vendors and residents describe a growing climate of fear and note that Rue Valssaint, despite connecting two major areas, remains largely overlooked and deserted, with few businesses and little foot traffic.

Residents have expressed frustration over the lack of police presence and municipal response. They report that bodies sometimes remain on the street for days before being removed, contributing to a sense of abandonment. Community members are now calling for urgent action, including increased police patrols and systematic investigations into the repeated acts of violence affecting their neighborhood.

Security Operations Advance as Authorities Regain Control in Key Neighborhoods

Recent coordinated operations by the Haitian National Police (PNH) have resulted in the reclaiming of several key areas in and around Port-au-Prince. According to official reports, neighborhoods such as Kenscoff, Fusy, Pacot, and the former stronghold of the Kraze Baryè gang, led by Vitelhomme Innocent, have been brought back under police control. These actions follow months of territorial expansion by armed groups across the capital and other provincial cities, contributing to widespread instability.

Residents displaced by ongoing violence have expressed a desire to return to their homes, following progress made by law enforcement. The broader context, however, remains marked by longstanding challenges including a weakened state infrastructure, economic hardship, and institutional constraints. Observers note that areas recently secured will require continued oversight and re-establishment of public services to maintain stability.

The next phase of recovery will depend on coordinated efforts to reinforce local governance, infrastructure, and public administration. The current security gains will need to be supported by sustained investment in critical services and infrastructure to address the underlying factors contributing to instability.

PNH Arrests Two Suspected Members of "Viv Ansanm" Criminal Coalition in Delmas

The Haitian National Police (PNH) confirmed the arrest of two individuals suspected of being members of the "Viv Ansanm" criminal coalition. Jordany Pierre Paul, 40, and Jean Mario Bien-Aimé, 29, were apprehended during an operation conducted at a hotel in Delmas 57. According to the official police statement, Pierre Paul had previously sustained serious back injuries during earlier operations targeting strongholds linked to the coalition. Bien-Aimé is suspected of acting in coordination with Pierre Paul. Both individuals are currently in custody pending judicial proceedings.

This operation is part of a broader strategy by the PNH to dismantle organized crime networks operating in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince. The "Viv Ansanm" coalition, led by Jimmy Chérizier (alias "Barbecue"), is a merger of the G9 and G-Pèp armed groups and holds influence over several districts in the capital. Despite the widespread presence of these armed factions, police operations continue in an effort to restore public safety amid a broader climate of national insecurity.