Weekly Report May 09 to May 16

Gangs Advance amid State Retreat in Haiti, Communities Fall One by One

Mirebalais celebrated the night of May 11th 2025,  even as its residents found themselves under the rule of the Viv Ansanm criminal coalition. After joint assaults at the end of March by the 400 Mawozo and Taliban gangs, local self-defense groups and police forces were overrun, the town’s station and jail were ransacked, and the attackers soon pushed into neighboring Saut d’Eau. Passenger buses no longer cross the district, social media shows armed men dictating daily life, and nearby neighborhoods such as Solino and Nazon stand abandoned, their houses in ruins.

Elsewhere the commune of Croix-des-Bouquets offers a harsher example of lost authority. Beginning on February 29th,  2024 gangs stormed understaffed police posts, freed inmates from one of the country’s largest prisons, burned public offices, and now levy fees on vendors and drivers at every entrance. By contrast, Carrefour, seized in April 2024, fell with little bloodshed: police withdrew after abductions at the main station, and the gang leader Krisla now announces general strikes and sanitation days that businesses obey without resistance. Routine services continue, yet remittances and company earnings are taxed at the criminals’ discretion.

Port-au-Prince itself edges nearer to collapse. Since Martissant fell in 2021 gangs have captured wide sections of the capital, squeezing Carrefour-Feuilles, Avenue Christophe, Pacot, and parts of Turgeau, while frontline districts like Canapé-Vert cling to community patrols. Outlying communes such as Thomazeau, Ganthier, and Gressier stand deserted, and recent attempts by gunmen to reach Léogâne were repelled only by civilian brigades. No territory has been reclaimed since mid-2021, drone strikes yield limited effect, and officials debate war budgets and the hiring of private security companies without offering a public plan. Thousands of displaced families now wait in uncertainty for the state to reassert control.

Despite hopes pinned on the arrival of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM), the force has not prevented territorial losses nor reversed the gangs’ expansion. Several factors explain this inaction. First, the MSSM arrived with fewer than one thousand personnel, spread across a vast area without strategic saturation. Second, operational limitations, including unclear rules of engagement, lack of intelligence integration with the Haitian National Police, and dependency on local political will, have crippled initiative. Third, the MSSM remains largely static, focused on protecting fixed locations and logistical corridors rather than mounting sustained counteroffensives. Lastly, coordination gaps between MSSM leadership and Haitian authorities have fostered paralysis, with no unified command structure nor actionable national security strategy in place. As a result, the MSSM has served more as a symbolic presence than a deterrent force, enabling gangs to maneuver with minimal resistance.

The Lodge at Furcy, A Symbol of Haitian Ecotourism Lost to Gang Violence

Tucked into the pine-covered mountains of Furcy, Haiti, The Lodge at Furcy once stood as one of the country’s most beloved eco-tourism destinations. Located within driving distance of Port-au-Prince, the lodge offered respite from the capital’s heat and disorder, welcoming guests with its rustic architecture, mountain views, and a peaceful atmosphere that felt worlds away from the chaos below. For years, it served as a sanctuary for travelers, hikers, families, and diplomats seeking a tranquil retreat in the Haitian highlands. Today, The Lodge at Furcy lies in ruins, destroyed during a surge of gang violence that has swept across the country.

In January 2025, armed gangs launched a series of violent assaults on the Kenscoff region, including the Furcy area. According to a report issued by the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti, roughly one hundred gang members conducted coordinated attacks, resulting in at least thirty-one civilian deaths, twenty-seven injuries, and the destruction of more than seventy homes and buildings. While the report does not explicitly name The Lodge at Furcy, local accounts and photographic evidence confirm that the property was among those burned to the ground.

The Lodge at Furcy was more than a hotel. It was a symbol of what Haiti could be. Built in the early 2000s, the lodge promoted sustainable tourism and offered a rare success story in a country facing persistent instability. It employed dozens of local residents, sourced goods and food from nearby farmers, and encouraged environmental conservation. It brought together families, couples, hikers, and international guests who were eager to experience Haiti’s natural beauty and hospitality.

Its destruction is a devastating loss not only for the local economy but for Haiti’s national identity. The lodge represented a model of community investment, cultural pride, and economic resilience. It was a place that helped change the narrative about Haiti, offering beauty and hope in a time when both are in short supply.

As the violence in Haiti intensifies, areas like Furcy, once considered safe, have become vulnerable. Armed groups have expanded their reach beyond the capital, seeking control of strategic routes in the mountains. The attack on Furcy shows that no part of the country is immune from the current wave of insecurity, and it illustrates how deeply gangs are now embedded in the national landscape.

There has been no formal statement from the owners regarding plans to rebuild. With the region still under threat and government forces stretched thin, any reconstruction effort remains uncertain. The loss of The Lodge at Furcy serves as a painful example of how far the crisis has spread and how much Haiti stands to lose if stability is not restored.

A former employee, once a hiking guide at the lodge, reflected on the tragedy. “The Lodge gave us pride,” he said. “It showed people that there is more to Haiti than violence. Now it is gone, and we are left with nothing but ashes.”

Cap-Haïtien Police Arrest Port-au-Prince Gang Leader Tapè

On May 10, 2025, Cap-Haïtien police arrested Jameson “Tapè” Frédéric, a senior member of the Kraze Baryè gang and leader of the Tabarre 43 faction in Port-au-Prince. Frédéric was apprehended at a checkpoint in Barrière Bouteille after traveling from the capital. His brother, Youry Frédéric, was also taken into custody.

Police say Frédéric claimed he was en route to the Dominican Republic and fleeing gang life. However, his presence fits a broader pattern of suspected gang operatives relocating from Port-au-Prince to northern Haiti. Authorities consider Frédéric a top lieutenant of Vitel’Homme Innocent, one of the FBI’s most-wanted fugitives. He is also wanted in connection with the March 22 killing of a police officer and several kidnappings, though he denies any involvement.

The arrest follows a series of police operations in Cap-Haïtien. Days earlier, five members of the Koulou gang were killed in Nan Zonbi, and on May 11, anti-narcotics officers seized 78 pounds of marijuana in La Fossette and arrested three suspects.

Cap-Haïtien, considered one of Haiti’s safer cities, has seen heightened security under new police leadership. Divisional Inspector Arold Jean credited community cooperation and reinforced patrols for recent successes and urged residents to continue reporting suspicious activity.

Deadly Clashes in Anse-d’Hainault Leave Two Dead and Police Station Burned

Two individuals were shot and killed, and the police station in Anse-d’Hainault was set on fire on Monday, May 12, 2025, following a police operation that escalated into violent retaliation. The incident began after police arrested a local resident, prompting an attack on the station by individuals armed with knives. According to Frantz Saint Armand, the divisional commissioner and regional police director for Grand’Anse, the assault was carried out in reprisal for the arrest.

As the threat escalated, an officer on duty opened fire, resulting in two fatalities. The situation quickly spiraled out of control as an angry crowd responded by setting the police building ablaze. This outbreak of violence highlights growing concerns about the tense relationship between law enforcement and local communities, especially in a national climate already marked by instability and widespread mistrust of state institutions. Authorities have launched investigations to clarify the circumstances and assess the full extent of the damage.

Dominican Republic Deploys 800 Additional Soldiers to Strengthen Border Security at Dajabón

On Wednesday, May 14, four hundred soldiers arrived at the Beller Fortress of the Dominican Army in Dajabón. These troops will be deployed along the northern border, while additional units are expected to reinforce the southern region. In total, 800 new soldiers will be added to enhance military presence along the Haitian-Dominican border. According to Dominican authorities, the deployment is part of an intensified strategy to secure the national territory.

Colonel Felix Sánchez Familia, the commanding officer in the province of Dajabón, addressed the newly arrived soldiers, urging them to give their full commitment in service to their country. He reminded them that they are responsible for safeguarding a vital stretch of the national border and that their mission must be carried out in full compliance with laws and regulations. Their presence is intended to reinforce patrols and monitoring efforts in this highly sensitive zone.

The operation is part of a broader effort to bolster surveillance and control measures in cooperation with other national security agencies. A team from Listín Diario reported observing a Super Tucano aircraft flying over the area on Tuesday. This combat and surveillance plane is equipped with machine guns, bombs, and night vision capabilities, highlighting the seriousness of the security operations currently underway at the frontier.

Haitian Fuel Sector Near Collapse as Armed Gangs Control Transportation Routes

Haiti's petroleum industry is facing imminent paralysis as armed gangs tighten their grip on key transportation corridors across the country. According to fuel distributors and industry insiders, the cost of transporting petroleum products has surged dramatically, driven by extortion fees imposed by criminal groups who now control nearly all roadways entering and exiting Port au Prince. The Association of Petroleum Professionals (APPE) has formally warned Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils Aimé that without urgent state intervention, the nation’s entire economic foundation is at risk due to this unchecked insecurity.

Since the beginning of May 2025, fuel transporters report a doubling of the extortion fee at the Varreux terminal, rising from twenty-five thousand to fifty thousand gourdes just to exit the site. The situation worsens drastically for routes to northern provinces, where gangs demand up to six hundred thousand gourdes for passage to Cap Haïtien and up to seven hundred thousand gourdes to reach Hinche. Each journey includes multiple ransom points, often controlled by gangs like Izo, Canaan, and Savien. In total, a driver may be extorted at up to six checkpoints between the capital and the north. For fuel resellers who purchase nine thousand gallons of gasoline for around 4.6 million gourdes, the added costs erase profit margins and force a violation of state-regulated fuel pricing. In provinces, gas prices have jumped from just over seven hundred gourdes per gallon to as high as eight hundred fifty, far above the official rate of five hundred sixty gourdes.

The APPE’s letter to the Prime Minister warns of a total shutdown of the sector unless immediate and decisive action is taken to restore security. The group states that despite persistent efforts to sustain fuel supplies, their logistical capacity is at a breaking point. Transport via land and sea is both compromised, with armed groups also imposing fees between the Varreux terminal and its adjoining port facilities. Fuel companies now operate in fear, facing threats to drivers, loss of inventory, and a national distribution network on the verge of collapse. The association has requested an emergency meeting with the government to define practical measures that will ensure continued imports, storage, and fuel delivery.

These warnings arrive as Haiti remains under a state of emergency, declared nationwide on April thirty by the transitional presidential council. The government cited a catastrophic security environment affecting citizens and all major economic sectors. Yet even under these emergency powers, attacks continue across the country, including recent violence in Furcy and Turgeau. Key buildings have been destroyed, lives lost, and historic sites damaged beyond repair. The government claims it is mobilizing institutional resources to respond, but the absence of visible security gains has deepened public concern. As criminal organizations operate with impunity, the fuel crisis threatens to shut down not only transportation but also hospitals, agriculture, and the broader economy in the days ahead.

Kenya and Dominican Republic Deepen Security Cooperation in Support of Haiti Mission

Kenya and the Dominican Republic have formalized a strategic partnership to support the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) currently deployed in Haiti. During an official visit to Santo Domingo from May eleven to thirteen, Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi and Dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez signed a Memorandum of Understanding focused on the medical evacuation and repatriation of Kenyan personnel injured or killed in the line of duty. The agreement comes amid reports that twenty Kenyan officers have been injured since the mission began. These medical cases include a range of combat-related wounds requiring stabilization, evacuation, and longer-term recovery support. Both nations praised the courage of those serving in the mission and reaffirmed their shared commitment to improving regional stability.

The two diplomats also discussed the potential transformation of the MSSM into a hybrid mission, backed by a dedicated United Nations support office. This structure, currently under consideration by the UN Security Council, would be funded through permanent peacekeeping contributions. Mudavadi and Alvarez called on the international community, especially regional partners, to actively support the initiative and maintain a unified approach. Their collaboration aims to secure greater logistical and humanitarian assistance for ongoing operations in Haiti, where criminal gangs continue to pose a major threat to national and regional security.

Kenya has further demonstrated its long-term commitment to Haiti by announcing plans to open a consulate in Port au Prince, a decision already approved by its Council of Ministers. This diplomatic expansion highlights Kenya’s broader objective to support international peace and security while strengthening its presence in the Caribbean. The Dominican Republic, as Haiti’s closest neighbor, has emerged as a vital partner, providing critical logistical access and medical support to MSSM personnel. Both governments emphasized that their cooperation reflects a regional responsibility to assist the Haitian people in reclaiming safety and sovereignty.

Automeca Dealership in Port au Prince Looted and Destroyed by Fire

On the night of May 7th  2025, armed attackers looted and then set fire to the Automeca automobile dealership, a major commercial establishment located near the entrance of the Simon Pélé neighborhood along the airport road in Port au Prince. The dealership, which has operated in Haiti for fifty years and sold brands such as Isuzu, Subaru, and Volvo, as well as generators and heavy machinery, was left in ruins after the coordinated assault.

Significant material losses have been reported, although no casualties have yet been confirmed. Much of the dealership's inventory was either stolen or destroyed in the blaze. Equipment that could not be removed due to size or weight was deliberately set on fire. The intensity of the flames severely damaged the structure, leaving most of the building's walls scorched and unstable.

Local residents reported trying to reach emergency services without success throughout the night. Despite repeated calls since midnight, neither the fire department nor police had arrived by eight in the morning. Experts are now assessing the damage as the company initiates an inventory process. The destruction of Automeca marks another heavy blow to Haiti’s struggling private sector amid escalating lawlessness in the capital.

Haitian Police Intensify Operations, Kill and Arrest Gang Members Across Key Regions

In a major security operation in Kenscoff, the Haitian National Police (PNH) reported the deaths of over twenty armed individuals affiliated with the Viv Ansanm gang coalition. Among those killed were several close associates of notorious gang leader "Krisla," who operates out of Tibwa. The confrontation marks one of the most significant blows dealt to the coalition in recent weeks. Additional gang members were wounded during the exchange of gunfire.

In a separate operation in Clercine, Tabarre, security forces from the Motorized Intervention Brigade (CBIM) and the Departmental Law Enforcement Unit (UDMO West-2) fatally wounded several gang operatives. Among them was "Lougans," identified as the second-in-command of the Chien Méchant gang. Reinforcements sent by allied groups were also injured, including "Chalè," leader of the Tokyo-based gang, and "Supò," a gang figure from Drouillard who was reportedly preparing to take control of the Clercine zone.

Meanwhile, in Mirebalais on May third, police neutralized multiple armed individuals during a shootout. Officers recovered an assault rifle and ammunition following the confrontation. That same day, in Les Cayes, police arrested two suspects, Boduy Lataillade and Morpeau Eril, in connection with the April second murder of businessman Gerson Borgat, who was shot while driving his vehicle. The coordinated efforts across regions reflect a growing push by law enforcement to reclaim areas controlled by organized gangs.

BRH Reaffirmed Compliance Obligations for Financial Institutions

The Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH) issued a formal reminder to financial institutions regarding their obligation to exercise enhanced vigilance in transactions conducted by their clients. Institutions were instructed to assess and monitor client activity based on risk profiles established at the outset of the business relationship and updated regularly.

BRH further required financial entities to conduct systematic screening against international sanctions lists and to enforce internal compliance procedures previously approved by their boards of directors.

The central bank also emphasized that due diligence was to be maintained continuously across all financial and economic aspects of client operations. Institutions were directed to define and apply specific criteria for identifying suspicious activity that could indicate exposure to money laundering, terrorist financing, or the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Banks, money transfer operators, and electronic payment service providers were instructed to ensure that their agents and sub-agents adhered to institutional compliance programs. The BRH reserved the right to impose administrative sanctions in response to any violations of existing laws or regulatory frameworks.

New Municipal Police Commissioners Installed in Nippes and South Departments

On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, as part of the ongoing implementation of the action plan of Acting Director General Rameau Normil, seven newly appointed Municipal Police Commissioners from the 8th graduating class of the National Police Academy were installed in key posts across the Nippes Department.

The installation ceremony was overseen by Divisional Commissioner Pierre Michelet Louis Jeune, Departmental Director of the Nippes Police. Commissioners Sossou Jean Yves, Desroches Renold, Meralien Ernso, Saint Louis Silvera, and Bernabe Frito were assigned to the police stations of Anse-à-Veau, Petit-Trou de Nippes, Baradères, Arnault, and L’Asile, respectively. Commissioner Joseph Lindor was appointed Head of the Departmental Judicial Police Service, and Commissioner Cayimitte Charles Moïse was named Deputy Head of the Fond-des-Nègres Police Station.

Also on May 13, Divisional Commissioner Allan Serge Jolicœur, Departmental Director of the South Police, installed Commissioner Emmanuel Rocher as Head of the Port-Salut Police Station. Police Inspector Fanfan Francener was appointed Deputy Head of the same station.

Bahamas Rotated Advance Team Supporting Security Mission in Haiti

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Bahamas announced the rotation of its advance team assigned to the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) in Haiti. A new group of Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) officers departed Nassau on May 1, 2025, and arrived in Port-au-Prince shortly, thereafter, officially relieving the six officers who had been deployed since October 18, 2024. The rotation reaffirmed The Bahamas’ ongoing commitment to regional stability and support for Haiti’s security efforts.

Upon arrival, the incoming team was received by the Commander of the MSSM, Godfrey Otunge, along with the Bahamian Chargé d'Affaires in Haiti, Commander Julian Smith, and the mission’s Deputy Force Commander, Colonel Eldon Morgan.

Their presence underscored The Bahamas’ active participation in the multinational effort, working alongside partner nations to counter organized crime and restore public order in Haiti.

Although The Bahamas had confirmed in August 2024 its intention to deploy a full contingent of 150 troops, the larger deployment had not yet materialized. While no official explanation was given, reports suggested that funding and equipment procurement challenges were likely responsible for the delay. Nevertheless, The Bahamas remained firm in its diplomatic and operational support for the MSSM and its mission to enhance security for the Haitian people and the Caribbean region.

Haiti Launches Health Worker Recruitment Amid Systemic Strain

On May 12, 2025, as Haiti observed International Nurses Day, the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP) continued a nationwide recruitment campaign to address staffing gaps in the healthcare sector. The initiative includes the hiring of over 1,000 professionals, among them 430 nurses and 300 doctors, along with 100 dental surgeons, 100 pharmacists, and 100 medical biologists. The West and Artibonite departments are set to receive 60 and 50 professionals respectively, while the remaining eight departments will each receive 40. The plan also includes formal appointments for scholarship and specialist doctors.

In Port-de-Paix, 40 nurses were selected as part of the new wave of hires, with many assigned to understaffed facilities such as the Immaculate Conception Hospital and Aurichien Hospital in Saint-Louis du Nord. Several nurses in the region reported working between two to eight years without receiving a salary or formal appointment. Despite government announcements, no integration letters have yet been issued to the new recruits, and staffing levels remain critically low across the region. Similar conditions were observed at health centers such as the Chansolme Community Health Center.

The government also launched National Health Week in April to promote awareness and prevention, though local reports indicate the initiative has not reached rural or remote areas like Môles Saint-Nicolas. According to MSPP, the recruitment and public health efforts aim to restore basic services, improve infrastructure, and reduce economic strain through improved healthcare access. However, health facilities continue to face challenges due to delayed payments, insufficient staffing, and lack of equipment.

Breadfruit Supply Chain Disrupted by Gang Activity in Port au Prince

In Port au Prince, vendors of tonmtonm, a traditional breadfruit-based dish, are facing mounting challenges as insecurity disrupts the supply chain. Gang activity in key transit corridors has made it increasingly difficult to transport lam veritab, the breadfruit used to prepare the dish, from farming regions such as Grande Anse to the capital. Vendors report a sharp decline in customers and reduced access to ingredients, forcing them to scale back production. With streets less accessible and transport routes increasingly dangerous, the availability of breadfruit in urban centers has declined, weakening a local industry that also provides income for farmers, processors, and traders across several departments.

Breadfruit is the second most consumed fruit in Haiti after avocado and plays a vital role in national food security. However, the sector suffers from extreme post-harvest loss, with over 40,000 tons of the estimated 50,000-ton annual yield going to waste, representing a financial loss of up to 12 million dollars each year. Unlike export crops such as mango and coffee, breadfruit is consumed almost entirely within Haiti, yet limited investment in transformation facilities and storage has left much of its potential untapped. Experts and agricultural organizations continue to call for increased support to reduce losses, promote processing, and strengthen local supply chains that have been further strained by ongoing insecurity.

IDB Increases Hospital and Infrastructure Funding in Cap Haïtien During Official Visit

During a visit to Cap Haïtien on May 7, 2025, Ilan Goldfajn, President of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), announced a funding increase from 85 million to 100 million dollars for the renovation and expansion of Justinien University Hospital. The additional support will focus on improving emergency and surgical facilities before expanding into other areas of the hospital, which is one of Haiti’s oldest and most significant medical institutions. In the same visit, Goldfajn signed a revised agreement for a 125 million dollar water, sanitation, and hygiene initiative, intended to provide clean water access to over 130,000 households in northern Haiti. The IDB president also visited a local school supported by the World Food Program, as well as two industrial parks, and confirmed plans to explore additional infrastructure projects including a potential expansion of Cap Haïtien’s international airport.

Over the past five years, the IDB has invested over 670 million dollars in Haiti, with 243 million proposed in grant funding for the 2025 to 2026 fiscal year. This includes approximately 140 million dollars for youth training programs and hospital upgrades in Cap Haïtien. The recent commitment aims to strengthen public health services, expand job opportunities, and improve essential infrastructure in both urban and rural areas. Goldfajn also met with members of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council to discuss economic recovery strategies, emphasizing the role of energy, skills development, and connectivity in fostering long-term stability.

Governance Without Mandate: A Review of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council After One Year

More than a year after its formation on April 3, 2024, Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) remains in control of the executive branch without a functioning parliament, elected leadership, or established oversight mechanisms. Created following the resignation of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry amid escalating insecurity, the CPT was formed through a political accord endorsed by over 35 parties and civil society actors. The nine-member council includes seven voting members and two observers, representing a cross-section of political, religious, business, and civil society stakeholders. The council's rotating leadership model, designed to share power across representatives, currently places Fritz Alphonse Jean as coordinator, a role explicitly defined as administrative rather than presidential in function.

Despite its intended transitional nature, the CPT has drawn significant criticism over issues of legitimacy, constitutionality, and financial management. An investigation by Haiti’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC) cited alleged solicitation of bribes by three CPT members, though legal proceedings were halted under the justification of presidential immunity. Meanwhile, Haiti continues to operate without elections, as no legislative or municipal contests have occurred since 2016. All governance is conducted by decree, including that of two successive prime ministers appointed without parliamentary confirmation. A promised independent oversight body, the OCAG, has yet to be established. Financial disclosures and reports from the National Human Rights Defense Network indicate that each CPT member receives a compensation package valued at approximately $77,000 monthly, including allowances for housing, food, fuel, and discretionary expenses. The council’s annual cost to the Haitian state is estimated at $8.3 million, raising questions about transparency and fiscal responsibility in the absence of elected checks and balances.

Haitian Justice Ministry Requests Financial Measures Against Sanctioned Individuals

On May 12, 2025, the Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJSP) sent an official letter to Frantz Monclair, the Government Commissioner at the Court of First Instance of Port au Prince. In the correspondence, Minister Patrick Pélissier requested the implementation of precautionary measures against Haitian nationals who have been sanctioned by foreign embassies. While noting that the Haitian state holds no direct responsibility for these international sanctions, the minister emphasized the importance of reinforcing transparency and upholding the rule of law. He also called for a comprehensive audit of actions already taken in connection with the individuals involved.

Among the proposed measures is the immediate freezing of bank accounts belonging to those sanctioned by the United Nations, as well as accounts linked to alleged accomplices. These actions are in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2653 and the April 30, 2023 decree aimed at combating money laundering, terrorism financing, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The letter further urges the mobilization of specialized financial oversight institutions to investigate the economic and financial activities of the sanctioned individuals. The Ministry of Justice is still awaiting the formal transmission of relevant case files through diplomatic channels from the countries that issued the sanctions.

In his letter, Minister Pélissier also referenced a mutual legal assistance request submitted in March to the concerned embassies, seeking access to documentation necessary for Haitian judicial authorities to proceed. Several prominent political and business figures have already been sanctioned internationally, including former President Michel Martelly, who was designated by the United States in August 2024 for alleged drug trafficking, money laundering, and gang sponsorship. Canada previously imposed sanctions on Martelly and former Prime Ministers Laurent Lamothe and Jean Henry Céant in 2022 for similar allegations. The Ministry reiterated its commitment to uncovering the full truth in these matters in the interest of national justice, leaving the Port au Prince prosecutor's office with a growing caseload.

Jean Charles Moïse Shifts from Populist Firebrand to Behind-the-Scenes Political Strategist

Once regarded as the voice of Haiti’s disenfranchised, Jean Charles Moïse appears to be reshaping his political approach. Known for his impassioned rhetoric and fierce criticism of Haiti’s elite and foreign interference, the former mayor of Milot and founder of the Pitit Dessalines Party built his reputation on calls for national sovereignty and social justice. For years, he rallied large crowds and positioned himself as a champion of the masses.

Today, Moïse has adopted a quieter, more strategic posture. No longer a regular presence at mass demonstrations, he now operates through discreet negotiations, tactical alliances, and carefully controlled messaging. This transition reflects both the changing dynamics of Haiti’s political crisis and the toll of sustained street-level activism. His approach suggests a deliberate attempt to maintain relevance and influence in an increasingly unstable political environment.

However, this shift has drawn criticism from longtime supporters. Some former allies view his new strategy as a departure from the revolutionary ideals he once embodied. Disappointed voices within his base have accused him of abandoning the cause and compromising with the very forces he once opposed. As Haiti searches for credible leadership amid uncertainty, Moïse’s evolving role raises questions about whether his repositioning will signal a political resurgence or a gradual retreat from the national stage.

Germine Joly Denies Role in Missionary Kidnappings During U.S. Federal Trial

On May 14, 2025, Germine Joly, also known as Yonyon, appeared before a federal court in Washington and denied any involvement in the October 2021 kidnapping of 17 missionaries, including 16 Americans and one Canadian, in Haiti. Extradited to the United States in May 2022, Joly is accused of leading a large-scale arms trafficking and kidnapping network that operated from within a Haitian prison. In his testimony, Joly stated he was neither a member nor founder of the 400 Mawozo gang, which had claimed responsibility for the kidnapping. Although the gang alleged the missionaries escaped, investigators believe their release followed the payment of a ransom. The FBI has indicated that the kidnappers may have hoped to exchange the hostages for Joly’s release.

Joly had previously pleaded guilty in January 2024 to 48 charges, including money laundering and the trafficking of automatic weapons from Florida to Haiti. These weapons were allegedly used in violent crimes attributed to 400 Mawozo, including extortion and murder. During Wednesday’s proceedings, Joly admitted to selling weapons to gang members, including his cousin Joseph Wilson, known as Lanmò Sanjou, who is identified as the gang’s current leader and remains wanted by U.S. authorities. Despite this admission, Joly continues to deny direct involvement in the kidnappings. In response to new evidence, including text messages and financial transfers, federal prosecutors requested more time to present a rebuttal witness. Final arguments, originally scheduled for Wednesday, were postponed to Thursday. Joly has already received a 35-year sentence for arms trafficking and still faces 16 counts of kidnapping in the ongoing case.

Suspect Arrested in Saint Marc Admits Role in Gang Activities Linked to Baz 5 Secondes

On May 14, 2025, authorities in Saint Marc arrested Duferson Jeune, also known as "Sonson," in connection with the Haitian National Police’s (PNH) continued efforts to dismantle organized criminal networks in the Artibonite region. During questioning, Jeune admitted to being affiliated with the gang known as "Base 5 Secondes," which is active in the commune of Cabaret. He confessed to participating in multiple violent attacks and disclosed that he had used an AR-15 assault rifle while storing weapons on behalf of the gang. He also stated that several areas of Cabaret remain under gang control.

According to the PNH, this arrest represents a significant development in the fight against armed groups operating in the region. The suspect, expressing limited remorse, urged his former associates to abandon violence and stop targeting civilians. Authorities continue to focus on neutralizing gang influence in key areas as part of broader efforts to restore public safety and law enforcement presence.

Arnel Bélizaire Released Amid Controversy Over Legal Proceedings

On May 13, 2025, Former parliamentarian Arnel Bélizaire announced that his recent release was conditioned on the payment of an unspecified amount to the alleged victim as compensation. In a brief statement to the press, Bélizaire described the case against him as a form of “judicial kidnapping,” claiming it was a politically motivated effort designed to tarnish his reputation. He maintained that the accusations were baseless and the result of a fabricated plot.

Bélizaire, a polarizing figure in Haitian politics, has faced multiple legal challenges in the past, including allegations of plotting against state security and illegal possession of firearms. He previously served a two-year prison sentence and was released in December 2021. His latest release comes at a time of heightened political tension in Haiti. In his remarks, he called for a comprehensive reform of the judicial system to ensure its independence and rebuild public trust in legal institutions.

He was arrested in November 2019 in Jacmel, Haiti, on charges of conspiracy against the internal security of the state. Authorities accused him of making threats against the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, the Union School, and Brasserie La Couronne, a Coca-Cola bottling plant. At the time of his arrest, police reportedly seized a cache of weapons and ammunition. Bélizaire denied the allegations, asserting that his arrest was politically motivated due to his opposition to the government.