Weekly Report March 17 to March 24, 2026

UN Human Rights Council Report on Haiti, March 2026 

The March 23, 2026, advance unedited report of the United Nations Human Rights Council presents a severe assessment of the human rights situation in Haiti, concluding that gang violence continues to drive widespread killings, injuries, sexual violence, kidnappings, displacement, and the collapse of essential services. Based on monitoring conducted by the Human Rights Service of BINUH and OHCHR between February 28, 2025, and January 15, 2026, the report finds reasonable grounds to believe that armed gangs remain the principal drivers of violence, particularly in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, while also expanding into Artibonite and Centre departments. Gangs continued to impose criminal governance through executions, extortion, forced displacement, sexual violence, trafficking, and coercion, including the use of children in criminal activity and exploitation of girls in sexual slavery and forced labor. 

The report states that between March 1, 2025, and January 15, 2026, at least 5,519 people were killed and 2,608 injured. Most casualties occurred during security operations against gangs, while gang attacks themselves accounted for 27 percent of casualties and acts of so-called popular justice by self-defense groups and mobs accounted for another 8 percent. The report also documents 1,495 incidents of sexual violence involving 1,578 survivors between March and December 2025, the overwhelming majority of them women and girls. It further highlights the growing trafficking of children by gangs, noting that weak family structures, lack of education, insecurity, and lack of social protection are feeding recruitment and exploitation. 

A major concern in the report is the conduct of security operations. While Haitian authorities and international partners have made some gains in limiting gang expansion in the capital, the report finds that operations by Haitian security forces, sometimes supported by the Multinational Security Support Mission and a private military contractor, resulted in high civilian casualties. It specifically raises serious concerns about drone strikes and helicopter gunfire conducted by Vectus Global, reportedly hired by the Haitian government, stating that some or even most such operations could amount to targeted killings inconsistent with international human rights law. Between March 1, 2025, and January 15, 2026, the report attributes at least 3,301 deaths and 1,691 injuries to security force operations, including numerous civilians killed by stray bullets or explosive blasts. It also documents allegations of summary executions and disproportionate use of force by Haitian police officers and the Miragoâne prosecutor. 

The report finds that Haiti’s institutions remain deeply weakened by corruption, impunity, and poor governance. There was some progress, including the reopening of the Port-au-Prince Court of First Instance, the creation of two specialized judicial units for mass crimes and financial crimes, and some anti-corruption investigations. However, impunity remains the norm in major massacre cases, sexual violence prosecutions remain limited, and the penitentiary system continues to suffer from extreme overcrowding, inhuman detention conditions, and prolonged pretrial detention, including for children. Politically, the report notes that the transition process has advanced toward planned August 2026 elections, but insecurity, gang control of territory, missing identity documents, and corruption continue to threaten the feasibility of free and fair voting. 

The humanitarian and social impact remains extreme. As of September 2025, Haiti had more than 1.4 million internally displaced persons, with children accounting for over half. By the end of August 2025, 1,606 schools were fully or partially closed, affecting more than 243,000 children. By January 2026, only 10 percent of national inpatient health facilities were fully operational, while food insecurity had reached 5.7 million people. The report concludes that Haiti’s crisis cannot be resolved through force alone. It calls on Haitian authorities to strengthen policing while complying with human rights standards, investigate abuses by state and private actors, accelerate anti-corruption and judicial reforms, protect victims, address child trafficking, and relocate displaced populations. It also urges Member States to support the deployment of the new Gang Suppression Force and UN Support Office in Haiti, strengthen sanctions and arms trafficking controls, and support community-based protection and accountability mechanisms. 

DoD OIG Audit of LOGCAP V Contract Supporting MSS Mission in Haiti  

The Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DoD OIG) conducted an audit of the Army’s management of the Logistics Civil Augmentation Program (LOGCAP V) contract supporting the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti. The audit, covering the period from mid-2024 through early 2025, focused on the effectiveness of contract oversight, financial controls, and operational delivery of critical life-support services. These services included food, water, infrastructure, and Role 2 medical support for deployed personnel operating in a complex and high-risk environment. 

The audit found that, from an operational standpoint, the contract was generally managed effectively. Oversight personnel, including Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs), conducted regular inspections and performance monitoring in accordance with established quality assurance surveillance plans. Field-level oversight was described as robust, with significantly more surveillance activities conducted than required. As a result, essential services, including medical support, were delivered without major reported deficiencies, enabling sustained operations for MSS personnel in Haiti. 

Despite these operational strengths, the audit identified significant deficiencies in financial oversight and internal controls. The most critical finding was that at least 18 contractor invoices, totaling approximately $240.1 million, were paid without proper review by the Procuring Contracting Officer. Required validation processes to determine whether costs were allowable, allocable, and reasonable were not performed. Instead, the Army relied on administrative reviews conducted by the Defense Contract Audit Agency, which are not designed to assess cost legitimacy prior to payment. This represents a material breakdown in financial controls and creates substantial risk that funds may have been improperly spent or insufficiently justified. 

The audit also highlighted the inherent risks associated with the cost-plus fixed fee structure of the LOGCAP V contract. This type of contract provides limited incentives for cost control, placing greater importance on government oversight. In the absence of proper invoice review procedures, the risk of overbilling, inefficiency, and financial waste is significantly increased. The findings indicate that while operational delivery mechanisms were functioning, the financial governance framework did not provide adequate safeguards. 

Another key issue identified in the report was the absence of a formal demobilization or transition plan for the contract. At the time of the audit, no structured plan existed to guide the eventual drawdown or transition of LOGCAP support to follow-on mission constructs. This gap was attributed in part to uncertainty in Department of Defense policy decisions regarding the future of the mission. However, the lack of planning introduces operational and financial risks, including potential delays, increased costs, and challenges in accountability for government-furnished equipment. 

The report further identified broader internal control weaknesses, particularly in the areas of oversight delegation and financial monitoring. While operational oversight mechanisms were well-established and actively executed, financial controls lagged behind, creating an imbalance between field execution and administrative accountability. This disconnect is especially significant in contingency environments such as Haiti, where rapid operational demands must be matched by disciplined contract management practices. 

In terms of medical support, the audit confirmed that Role 2 medical capabilities were included within the LOGCAP services, providing advanced trauma care, stabilization, and evacuation support. These services were not identified as problematic, and no deficiencies specific to medical delivery were noted. However, the report does not identify specific contractors responsible for these services, reflecting a broader pattern of anonymizing vendor identities in sensitive or ongoing operations. 

In conclusion, the DoD OIG determined that while the LOGCAP V contract effectively supported operational requirements for the MSS mission in Haiti, significant deficiencies in financial oversight and transition planning present substantial risks. The combination of effective field performance and weak financial controls creates a vulnerability that could undermine accountability and efficiency. The report recommends immediate corrective actions, including the implementation of proper invoice review procedures, retroactive validation of previously paid invoices, and the development of a formal demobilization plan. These measures are essential to ensure that ongoing and future operations are supported by both effective service delivery and sound financial governance. 

Chad to Deploy 800 Troops to Haiti as Multinational Force Expands  

Port-au-Prince, March 2026 — Chad is preparing to deploy approximately 800 police officers and gendarmes to Haiti by June 2026, marking one of the most significant reinforcements to the U.N.-backed Gang Suppression Force (GSF) since its expansion last year. The deployment comes at a critical moment, as Kenya begins a phased reduction of its contingent, signaling a transition from the initial Kenya-led mission toward a broader multinational security framework.

The GSF, which evolved from the earlier Multinational Security Support mission, is designed to reach a target strength of approximately 5,500 personnel by October 2026. However, progress toward that goal has been slow. The current force remains heavily reliant on Kenyan personnel, supplemented by smaller contingents from countries including Jamaica, Guatemala, El Salvador, The Bahamas, and Belize. 

Chad’s planned contribution reflects renewed international efforts to scale the mission, particularly as conditions in Haiti remain highly unstable. Armed gangs are assessed to control large portions of Port-au-Prince and key transport corridors, complicating stabilization efforts. The incoming Chadian contingent is expected to undergo training supported by international partners prior to deployment, although some operational details remain subject to evolving coordination. 

Beyond Chad, several additional countries have pledged support to the broader mission but have yet to fully deploy. These include Benin and Bangladesh, alongside earlier expressions of interest or support from nations such as Spain, Senegal, and Chile. To date, many of these commitments remain in the planning or pre-deployment phase, contributing to ongoing capability gaps within the force. 

Operationally, the GSF continues to face structural challenges, including limited manpower, equipment shortfalls, and logistical constraints that have slowed its effectiveness on the ground. Even after initial deployments, the mission has operated below planned capacity, with fewer personnel than originally projected during earlier phases. 

The introduction of a larger Chadian contingent is therefore viewed as a key test of whether the mission can transition from a politically supported framework into a fully operational force capable of generating sustained security gains. Success will depend on the speed of deployments, integration with the Haitian National Police, and the ability of contributing nations to maintain long-term commitments. 

While the planned expansion signals continued international engagement, the situation remains fluid. Until additional forces are deployed and operationalized, the GSF remains in a transitional phase, with its ultimate effectiveness dependent on whether pledged reinforcements materialize and translate into measurable improvements in security conditions on the ground. 

Kenyan Drawdown Signals Transition Phase in Haiti Security Mission as New Forces Prepare to Deploy 

On March 19, a contingent of 215 Kenyan police officers departed Haiti on March 18, returning to Nairobi in what officials describe as a planned transition rather than a withdrawal. The Kenyan deployment, initially seen as a critical step in addressing Haiti’s escalating gang violence, had generated significant public expectations upon arrival. Their low-profile departure, however, contrasts with the attention that accompanied the launch of the mission. 

According to Kenyan contingent spokesperson Jack Oumbaka, the reduction in personnel is part of a broader restructuring effort tied to the expansion of the multinational security mission. The transition is intended to facilitate the gradual build-up of a larger force, commonly referred to as the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), with a projected strength of approximately 5,500 personnel. This phased approach reflects an evolving operational strategy rather than a termination of Kenya’s involvement. 

Despite these plans, public sentiment in Haiti remains mixed. While the multinational mission has established a presence and supported limited operations, armed groups continue to control key areas, and measurable security gains have been uneven. The gap between initial expectations and current outcomes has contributed to growing frustration among segments of the population, particularly in heavily affected urban zones. 

As part of the next phase, additional international personnel are expected to deploy, including police units from Chad, which have reportedly undergone preparatory training abroad. Their arrival is anticipated to begin in the coming weeks as part of the effort to scale the mission’s operational capacity. Other contributing countries, including Caribbean and Latin American partners, are also expected to increase their presence incrementally. 

Observers assess that the effectiveness of the mission will depend on several factors, including force size, operational coordination with the Haitian National Police, and sustained international support. The Kenyan drawdown therefore represents a transitional moment in a longer-term security framework, rather than a decisive turning point. However, uncertainty remains among the population as to whether the expanded mission will deliver the level of security improvement that has been widely anticipated. 

Aircraft Runway Excursion in Les Cayes Highlights Infrastructure and Weather-Related Aviation Risks

On March 20^th, An aircraft operated by IBC Airways skidded off the runway while landing at Antoine Simon International Airport during heavy rainfall, coming to a stop just short of a major roadway. The flight, arriving from Miami with 10 passengers onboard, experienced braking difficulties due to a waterlogged runway. No injuries or fatalities were reported. 

According to preliminary information, the aircraft encountered poor visibility and adverse weather conditions during its approach, resulting in multiple holding patterns before clearance to land. Upon touchdown, the aircraft landed further along the runway than planned, reducing available stopping distance. The aircraft subsequently veered off the runway, struck part of the perimeter fence, and came to rest within the airport safety zone, avoiding a nearby roadway and adjacent market area. 

The incident occurred in close proximity to National Road 7 and a densely populated commercial zone near Station Quatre-Chemins, where roadside vendors and pedestrian activity are common. While no damage to persons on the ground was reported, the proximity of the aircraft to public areas underscores the potential severity of the event. Airport authorities secured the area immediately, and an investigation is underway to determine contributing factors. 

This event highlights ongoing concerns regarding aviation operations in Haiti, particularly as regional airports absorb increased traffic amid restrictions affecting Port-au-Prince. Infrastructure limitations, including runway drainage and weather resilience, combined with challenging operating conditions, continue to elevate operational risk. IBC Airways, currently the only U.S.-based carrier servicing Haiti, is conducting an internal review as authorities assess the incident. 

Arnel Bélizaire: Background, Threat Allegations, and 2026 Arrest Within Haiti’s Security Crisis 

The recent arrest of former Haitian parliamentarian Arnel Bélizaire has brought renewed focus to a long-standing pattern of legal controversy, alleged criminal activity, and security-related concerns surrounding one of Haiti’s most polarizing political figures. Bélizaire, who previously represented the Delmas/Tabarre constituency, was detained in Pétion-Ville in mid-March 2026 following a warrant issued by Haiti’s Central Directorate of Judicial Police (DCPJ). He faces serious charges including financing terrorism, conspiracy against the internal security of the state, and criminal association. Authorities have linked his arrest to a broader investigation targeting individuals suspected of supporting or enabling armed groups operating in Port-au-Prince. 

Bélizaire’s profile has been shaped by a combination of political activism and repeated legal issues. Prior to his entry into parliament in 2011, he had a documented history of criminal charges, including illegal weapons possession and alleged arms trafficking. He was previously incarcerated, escaped detention during the 2010 earthquake, and was later re-arrested. His political career has remained under scrutiny, with Haitian authorities and international actors, including the United States, citing concerns related to corruption and destabilizing activities. In recent years, he has also been subject to international sanctions. 

The current case is not Bélizaire’s first confrontation with authorities on national security grounds. In November 2019, Haitian judicial officials issued a warrant following statements he made on a radio program that were interpreted as threats against the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Union School in Canapé-Vert, and Brasserie La Couronne, Haiti’s Coca-Cola bottling facility. The case was treated as a matter of internal state security, prompting heightened protective measures at the identified locations. While details of the evidence were not publicly disclosed, the allegations contributed to a broader perception of Bélizaire as a figure linked to destabilizing rhetoric and activity. He denied the accusations, asserting that his statements were misinterpreted and politically motivated. 

In early February 2026, the DCPJ formally named Bélizaire in a wanted notice tied to an expanding investigation into alleged connections between political actors and armed groups. Authorities described the individuals involved as armed and dangerous, underscoring the severity of the case. Bélizaire remained at large for several weeks before his eventual arrest. His detention comes at a time when Haitian authorities are under increasing pressure to demonstrate action against both gang leadership and those accused of facilitating their operations. 

The broader operational environment in Haiti remains highly unstable. Armed groups continue to control significant portions of the capital and key transportation corridors, limiting state authority and complicating enforcement efforts. Within this context, Bélizaire’s recent political activity, including the reported registration of a new political party ahead of anticipated elections, has added a layer of political sensitivity to the case. He has publicly claimed that the charges against him are politically driven, a position consistent with his responses to prior legal actions. 

Bélizaire’s history includes multiple arrests on weapons-related charges, allegations of conspiracy against state security, and suspected links to armed networks. Several past cases were either unresolved or did not result in sustained prosecution, contributing to ongoing debate over the balance between political influence and judicial enforcement in Haiti. Authorities, however, continue to frame these cases as legitimate national security matters tied to broader efforts to counter organized violence. 

The significance of Bélizaire’s 2026 arrest extends beyond the individual case. It reflects an apparent shift in strategy by Haitian authorities toward targeting not only armed actors but also individuals suspected of providing financial, political, or logistical support to gang networks. This approach aligns with increasing international pressure to address the structural drivers of insecurity, including the relationships between political figures and criminal organizations. 

At the same time, the case highlights enduring institutional challenges, including limited judicial capacity, contested narratives of legitimacy, and the complexity of prosecuting high-profile individuals in a politically charged environment. As legal proceedings move forward, Bélizaire’s case is expected to remain a focal point in Haiti’s evolving security landscape, with implications for both domestic stability and international engagement. 

Senior Immigration Officials Arrested in Haiti Over Suspected Passport Irregularities 

Haitian authorities have detained the Director of Immigration, Antoine Jean Simon Fénélon, along with several senior staff members, as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in the issuance of passports. The arrests were carried out by the Central Directorate of Judicial Police (DCPJ) during an operation at the Immigration and Emigration Office (DIE) headquarters in Musseau. 

The operation also resulted in the arrest of key personnel involved in critical functions within the passport issuance process. Among those detained are Jean Osselin Lambert, head of the Information and Communications Technology department, and Jocelyn Azor, responsible for document production. Several employees assigned to the security verification unit were also taken into custody. Their roles suggest the investigation focuses on multiple stages of the passport processing system. 

According to preliminary information, the investigation centers on suspected irregularities including potential data falsification, circumvention of established security vetting procedures, and the issuance of passports to individuals who may not meet legal eligibility requirements. The involvement of both IT and verification personnel indicates authorities are examining whether internal controls were bypassed or manipulated within the system. 

During the operation, the office of the Director was sealed by investigators, a measure typically used to preserve physical and digital evidence. Those arrested have been transferred to the Port-au-Prince prosecutor’s office, where they remain in custody as judicial authorities continue their inquiry into the scope and implications of the case. 

Two Haitian Journalists Missing in Port-au-Prince, Families Seek Answers Amid Conflicting Reports 

The disappearance of two Haitian journalists, Osnel Espérance of Radio UniFM and Junior Célestin of Radio Télé Méga Star, has raised serious concerns within the media community and among civil society, as uncertainty continues to surround their fate. No confirmed information has been provided to their families, despite circulating rumors suggesting they may have been killed. These claims remain unverified. 

According to colleagues and family members, both journalists were last seen on March 13, 2026, while conducting a report in downtown Port-au-Prince, an area heavily affected by armed group activity. Since then, there has been no confirmed contact. Media executives, including Danielo Féquière of Radio UniFM and Genson Jean-Baptiste of Radio Méga Star, have publicly questioned the lack of official communication and response from authorities, including the Ministry of Culture and Communication. 

Family members continue to hold out hope that the journalists are still alive. Rosemanie Ernest, the wife of Osnel Espérance, and Françoise Espérance, his sister, have appealed for their safe release, emphasizing the ongoing distress faced by relatives since the disappearance. They have called on Haitian authorities to take urgent action to determine the journalists’ whereabouts and ensure their protection. 

The case reflects a broader pattern of increasing risk for journalists operating in Haiti, particularly in areas under the influence of armed groups. Local press associations and observers have highlighted a growing climate of insecurity, where kidnappings, intimidation, and violence against media workers have become more frequent. As of now, no official investigative findings have been released, and authorities have not publicly confirmed whether the case is being treated as a kidnapping or a homicide investigation. 

The disappearance of Espérance and Célestin underscores the deteriorating security environment in Port-au-Prince and the challenges faced by journalists reporting from high-risk zones. Their case remains unresolved, with families, colleagues, and the broader media community continuing to call for clarity, accountability, and immediate action from state authorities. 

Concerns Raised Over Civilian Risk Amid Reported Use of Explosive Drones in Haiti Anti-Gang Operations 

Security operations targeting armed gangs in Haiti are facing increased scrutiny following reports that drones carrying explosive payloads have been used in densely populated urban areas. In a policy brief, Combite pour la Paix et le Développement (CPD) called on Haitian authorities to more strictly regulate such tactics, citing heightened risks to civilians across the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area. 

Haiti’s security environment remains highly volatile, with gangs maintaining control over key neighborhoods and regularly clashing with the Haitian National Police. While intensified operations are underway to regain control, CPD emphasized that all use of force must comply with international standards, including legality, necessity, proportionality, and precaution. The organization reiterated that lethal force should only be used as a last resort in response to an imminent threat to life. 

According to information cited by CPD, the use of explosive-capable drones may have increased since early 2026 in areas such as Bel-Air, Delmas 6, Village de Dieu, and La Saline. Community-based reporting suggests dozens of fatalities and injuries, including civilians, although no official consolidated figures have been released and the data remains unverified. 

CPD also highlighted the complexity of operations in environments where gangs reportedly use civilians as human shields, increasing the risk of unintended harm. The organization called for stricter operational oversight, independent review mechanisms, and enhanced training in human rights standards, stressing the need to balance effective security operations with the protection of civilian populations. 

Security Forces Push Into Martissant 7 in Breakthrough Operation After Years of Gang Control 

Haitian Specialized PNH units have made notable progress in ongoing anti-gang operations across central Port-au-Prince, advancing through multiple high-risk zones and reclaiming previously contested areas. 

Operations reportedly extended from Avenue Christophe, near the Faculty of Human Sciences, through the Bicentenaire corridor and toward the Léogâne gateway. During these coordinated actions, several individuals identified as suspected gang members were neutralized as security forces moved to reestablish control. 

Authorities also entered the Sylvio Cator Stadium, which had allegedly been used as a refuge by armed groups. Access to the site required breaching sections of the facility’s perimeter, after which suspected gang members fled the area. 

These sustained operations enabled security forces to move into sections of Martissant 7, a strategic area that had remained under gang influence for several years. This development represents a significant shift in the operational landscape, marking the first reported law enforcement presence in the area in an extended period. 

The population continues to monitor these developments closely, with many viewing the advance as a potential step toward restoring safe passage along the southern access route into the capital and improving overall security conditions. 

Haiti Elections 2026: Prime Minister Engages International Partners on Electoral Budget and Security Framework 

Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé convened a high-level meeting on Monday to present and discuss the proposed budget for the organization of general elections scheduled for August 2026. The meeting brought together representatives from the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), government officials, and key international partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), and the Organization of American States (OAS). 

Among the participants were CEP President Jacques Desrosiers and the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative, Carlos Ruiz Massieu. The session focused on aligning financial, technical, and operational support required to advance Haiti’s electoral process within the current transitional framework. 

During the meeting, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s roadmap for the transition period that began on February 7, 2026. He emphasized that the organization of elections remains a central national priority, alongside restoring security and promoting economic recovery. He also referenced the National Pact for Stability and Elections, signed by more than 250 political and economic stakeholders and published in February 2025, as a key strategic foundation guiding the process. 

The government outlined four primary pillars supporting the electoral framework: strengthening national security, improving living conditions, reinforcing institutional and constitutional structures, and professionalizing the electoral system. In support of these objectives, the Prime Minister highlighted the establishment of a National Task Force dedicated to assisting the CEP by identifying risks and addressing operational constraints that could affect the electoral timeline. 

Fils-Aimé reiterated the government’s commitment to creating the necessary security conditions to ensure the credibility and successful execution of the upcoming elections, underscoring that stability will be a determining factor in the viability of the August 2026 vote. 

Concerns Raised Over Electoral Integrity in Haiti Amid Risks of Gang-Linked Political Infiltration 

The Civil Society Initiative (ISC) has expressed support for ongoing preparations by the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) to organize upcoming elections, while raising serious concerns regarding the integrity of the electoral process. The organization warned of potential infiltration by political parties with alleged links to armed groups among the more than 300 parties currently registered. 

ISC called on Haitian judicial authorities, including the justice system, the Central Directorate of Judicial Police (DCPJ), and the CEP, to implement robust vetting mechanisms to prevent individuals associated with criminal networks from participating in the electoral process. The organization emphasized that accountability must remain within Haiti’s sovereign institutions, underscoring the importance of domestic judicial enforcement in addressing such risks. 

The group also highlighted operational concerns related to voter registration. It cautioned that plans to conduct a full re-registration of voters could delay the electoral timeline and potentially disenfranchise segments of the population. ISC recommended leveraging existing national identification systems, including the ONI registry and previously issued identification cards, to streamline voter list compilation and maintain continuity with past electoral processes. 

Additionally, ISC underscored the critical role of financial oversight in ensuring credible elections. It noted that previous electoral cycles were heavily influenced by financial interests, calling for strict enforcement of campaign finance regulations. The organization urged relevant institutions, including the CEP, Ministry of Finance, Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC), and the Superior Court of Accounts, to rigorously monitor political funding and enforce transparency requirements. 

The statement concludes that restoring public confidence in the electoral process will depend on credible safeguards, effective oversight, and inclusive participation, all of which are essential to advancing Haiti’s broader efforts toward political stability and institutional recovery. 

Sunrise Airways Launches First Direct Cap-Haïtien–Boston Route 

Sunrise Airways has inaugurated a new direct flight route connecting Cap-Haïtien (CAP) to Boston (BOS), marking the first time a nonstop air link has been established between Haiti’s northern region and the United States. The launch represents a notable development in Haiti’s aviation sector and expands travel options for the Haitian diaspora in the Northeastern United States. 

The new route is part of Sunrise Airways’ broader strategy to enhance connectivity between Haiti and key diaspora hubs while supporting regional economic activity in Cap-Haïtien and surrounding areas. Improved access is expected to facilitate travel, commerce, and engagement between Haiti and Haitian communities abroad. 

Company leadership emphasized the symbolic and practical importance of the route, describing it as a direct connection that strengthens ties between Haiti and its diaspora. The initiative reflects ongoing efforts by regional carriers to address limited international access points, particularly as travel routes through Port-au-Prince remain constrained. 

The introduction of this service positions Cap-Haïtien as an increasingly important aviation gateway, offering an alternative entry point into Haiti and contributing to the gradual expansion of international air connectivity for the country. 

Dominican Authorities Deport Nearly 68,000 Haitians in Early 2026 Amid Intensified Migration Enforcement 

The General Directorate of Migration (DGM) reported that 30,799 Haitian nationals in irregular migration status were detained and deported to Haiti during February 2026. These actions were carried out through coordinated migration control operations conducted across multiple provinces, with the support of the Dominican armed forces and national police. 

According to official figures, the total number of Haitians deported during the first two months of 2026 has reached 67,940. The operations form part of an expanded enforcement effort aimed at strengthening border and internal migration controls. 

The DGM stated that it will continue to implement immigration measures in accordance with national laws and established procedures. Authorities also emphasized their commitment to ensuring that all detention and deportation processes are conducted with respect for human rights and in line with applicable standards.