Weekly Report May 27 to June 03

Armed Attack in Kébo Leaves Eight Dead Amid Gang Activity in Pernier Area

At least eight individuals were killed Monday June 02 in the Kébo area, located between Pernier and Route de Frères, following an armed assault reportedly carried out by members of the 400 Mawozo gang.

Witnesses at the scene indicated that the assailants were heavily armed and may have been acting in support of gang leader Vitel'Homme Innocent, who was recently injured during a targeted operation. The attack occurred early in the morning and resulted in the destruction of multiple homes by fire.

As of midday, no official statement had been released by Haitian authorities. The full circumstances of the incident remain under investigation. The event occurred within a broader context of clashes between rival armed groups and ongoing operations by the Haitian National Police and other unidentified forces.

CARDH Report Highlights Worsening Gang Control and Cautions Against Use of Foreign Military Contractors in Haiti

The Centre for Analysis and Research in Human Rights (CARDH) has published a detailed report marking four years since the gang-led offensive in Martissant, documenting the accelerating territorial control of armed groups across Haiti. The report also raises critical concerns regarding current discussions to employ the U.S.-based private military contractor Academi, formerly known as Blackwater, to support national security operations.

The report recounts the events of June 1, 2021, when the Gran Ravin and Village de Dieu gangs launched a coordinated assault against rival factions in Ti Bwa, a neighborhood in the Martissant area. Following days of heavy fighting, which spread from Martissant 2A to Martissant 23 and Pont Bréyard, the Haitian National Police (HNP) was forced to abandon the local substation. The state later designated the area a "lost territory," a classification for zones under complete gang control and devoid of state presence.

In total, CARDH has identified 28 lost territories, including 25 in the West Department. These include Martissant, 1st to 5th Avenue of Bolosse, Bicentenaire and Portail-Léogâne, downtown Port-au-Prince, Carrefour-Feuilles, Bas-Peu-Chose, Champ-de-Mars, Solino, Nazon, Christ-Roi, Poste-Marchant, Lower Turgeau, Lower Delmas and Pacot, Chateaublond, Kenscoff, Saut-d’Eau, Mirebalais, and Carrefour.

This widespread territorial loss has triggered a massive wave of internal displacement, impacting 102 public institutions and 622 private institutions, many of which have been vandalized or destroyed. Among those affected are 80 private higher education institutions, 33 vocational schools, and 496 traditional schools in Port-au-Prince, Delmas, Kenscoff, Gressier, and Mariani, all forced to relocate due to ongoing gang violence.

According to CARDH figures, these gang takeovers have resulted in 1,064,935 internally displaced persons. A total of 4,716 people have been killed, including 136 police officers reported as killed or missing, and 3,363 individuals have been kidnapped.

According to CARDH, these territorial losses are the result of an organized and deliberate strategy. In each captured zone, gang leaders have established parallel structures of authority. These include unauthorized taxation, road checkpoint enforcement, informal judicial processes, and targeted violence. Criminal groups are reported to intercept supply trucks, impose transit fees, and carry out systematic kidnappings to fund their operations. The model used in Martissant has been replicated in other strategic areas, leading to the fragmentation of national governance.

Simultaneously, CARDH expressed firm opposition to reported negotiations between Haitian authorities a U.S.-based private military contractor with a controversial history, including its involvement in the 2007 Nisour Square incident in Baghdad, where 14 civilians were killed. A May 28, 2025, New York Times investigation confirmed preliminary discussions regarding potential operational deployment in Haiti. CARDH warns that the use of private security firms without a defined legal framework, international oversight, and clear human rights guarantees may lead to further instability and public distrust. The organization also notes the risk of non-transparent contracts, lack of accountability, and precedent-setting foreign intervention without local consent.

In response, CARDH recommends a national security strategy centered on reinforcing state institutions. Key proposals include:

· Modernization of the legal framework governing the Haitian National Police,

· Lifting the arms embargo on officially recognized Haitian law enforcement agencies to address equipment shortages,

· Creation of a high-security detention facility for gang leaders to prevent continued coordination of criminal activity from within prisons,

· Establishment of a technologically equipped anti-gang task force, and

· Formation of a specialized tribunal to prosecute organized crime and serious offenses.

The report also urges a long-term disarmament and reintegration initiative targeting youth involved in gangs and calls for the creation of a national emergency task force composed of legal experts, security professionals, and civil society representatives. This task force would be responsible for designing a comprehensive, nationally owned security framework and managing coordination with international partners under Haitian leadership.

CARDH concludes that addressing the current security crisis requires structural reform, not outsourced security. It emphasizes that any international support must respect Haiti's sovereignty, adhere to the rule of law, and complement, not replace, domestic capacity-building efforts.

Restricted Access and Armed Clashes Disrupt Daily Life in Cité Militaire and Simon-Pelé

Armed groups from Simon-Pelé have entrenched themselves in Cité Militaire and Village Solidarité, turning once-quiet neighborhoods into hubs of criminal activity. Ongoing clashes between Haitian National Police units and armed gangs in these areas, particularly along the road to the airport, have severely restricted movement for local residents. Many inhabitants are reportedly confined to their homes due to frequent gunfire and heavy police presence, with armored patrols engaged in operations around Delmas 19, Simon-Pelé, and Cité Militaire.

Witnesses say police have prohibited civilians from using the airport road, citing concerns that individuals from Simon-Pelé may be affiliated with gangs. This directive has made evacuation and daily transit nearly impossible for residents. Fear of retaliation further discourages movement, exacerbating the isolation of these communities. While security operations continue, local residents face mounting challenges in accessing essential services and report a lack of visible government support in addressing their worsening situation.

New OAS Secretary General Prioritizes Haiti in Inaugural Address

Albert Ramdin, the newly appointed Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), has identified the humanitarian crisis in Haiti as a primary focus of his tenure. In his inaugural address before the OAS Permanent Council on Friday, Ramdin emphasized that no other country in the hemisphere faces greater threats to democracy, security, human rights, and development than Haiti.

Ramdin, a diplomat from Suriname and the first Caribbean national to assume the role, succeeds Luis Almagro following his unanimous election in March. He announced plans to revitalize the Group of Friends of Haiti, a coordination platform designed to align international efforts in partnership with CARICOM and the United Nations. The initiative aims to strengthen multilateral support for Haiti amid its ongoing political and humanitarian challenges.

In his remarks, Ramdin also raised concerns about the upcoming expiration of the mandate of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council, set for February, urging immediate international engagement. While he affirmed that his leadership will be driven by concrete outcomes, he provided no further detail on his plans for other crisis-affected countries, including Venezuela.

Body of Kenyan Officer Killed in Haiti Remains Missing Amid Rising Security Concerns

Over two months after the death of Kenyan police officer Benedict Kabiru during an operation in Savien, Artibonite, the whereabouts of his remains remain unknown. Kabiru, who was deployed as part of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS), was killed on March 24, 2025, during a joint effort to dislodge armed gangs entrenched in the region.

Unlike a fellow Kenyan officer, Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai, who was killed in February and whose remains were recovered and repatriated, Kabiru’s body has not been located. Haitian and Kenyan authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the status of the search, prompting widespread speculation. Multiple local sources report that armed groups in the area may be in possession of the body and have allegedly demanded a ransom for its return.

The Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) has extended condolences to Kabiru’s family and reiterated its commitment to addressing the country’s security crisis. However, the continued absence of clear updates has raised concerns about the safety of international personnel operating in Haiti and the Haitian government’s capacity to respond effectively in crisis situations

Ambassador Henry Wooster Appointed as New U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Haiti

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced the appointment of Ambassador Henry T. Wooster as the new Chargé d’Affaires to lead the U.S. Embassy in Haiti, succeeding Ambassador Dennis B. Hankins.

In a public statement, Secretary Rubio stated, “I am pleased to announce that Ambassador Henry Wooster will serve as Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Haiti. Ambassador Wooster has a proven track record of uniting people and identifying creative solutions. Given his experience in Washington and his leadership abroad, I know he is the right person to lead this mission at a critical time.”

Ambassador Wooster currently serves as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs. From 2020 to 2023, he served as U.S. Ambassador to Jordan. His prior roles include Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Maghreb and Egypt, Deputy Chief of Mission in Paris, and Acting Chargé d’Affaires in Amman. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, he has held a range of diplomatic positions across the Middle East, Central Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean, including earlier service as Consul at the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince.

Wooster has also served as Political Counselor in Islamabad, Director for Central Asia at the National Security Council, and Foreign Policy Advisor to the Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command. Additional roles include Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Iran, Director of the Office of Iranian Affairs, Deputy Director of the Provincial Affairs Office in Baghdad, Special Assistant to Deputy Secretary Jack Lew, Iran Desk Officer, Political Officer in Moscow, Executive Officer at the U.S. Mission to NATO, Officer in the Office of Russian Affairs, and Political Officer in Tbilisi. He began his career as an officer in the U.S. Army and holds degrees from Yale University, M.A., and Amherst College, B.A.

Ambassador Wooster replaces Ambassador Dennis B. Hankins, a senior Foreign Service officer with over 30 years of experience, including previous service in Haiti. Ambassador Hankins was nominated by President Biden in 2023 and confirmed by the Senate, following the departure of Chargé d’Affaires Eric Stromayer and Ambassador Michele B. Sison.

Collapse of Jean Denis Stronghold Raises Concerns Over State Response in Artibonite Security Crisis

In a significant escalation of violence in the Artibonite department, the locality of Jean Denis, long regarded as a bastion of community resistance against gang activity, was overtaken by the Gran Grif gang in a coordinated assault early Wednesday morning. The attack, which began at approximately 5:00 a.m., marked the fall of a symbolic stronghold maintained by the Revolutionary Coalition to Save the Artibonite, a local armed self-defense group.

The offensive follows an earlier incursion on Monday and culminated in the complete occupation of Jean Denis by Wednesday. According to reports from local leaders in surrounding neighborhoods, including Sedrèn, Koutèt, Negriyèl, and Akasya, the situation is dire. Community journalist Kester Jean characterized the event as a catastrophic turning point, citing the numerical and tactical superiority of the Gran Grif gang, which reportedly divided into four units to execute the assault.

Despite the proximity of law enforcement, including the Pat Chwal police station located approximately 20 minutes away, no intervention was made by the Haitian National Police (PNH) or the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS). A police source, speaking anonymously, expressed confusion over the lack of operational orders, especially given the strategic and symbolic importance of Jean Denis in the region’s anti-gang defense.

During the occupation, Gran Grif leader Luckson Élan publicly claimed victory in a widely circulated video, which also depicted the removal of a culturally significant monument, a sculpted ox head, believed by locals to offer mystical protection to the area. The monument was transported to Savien as a symbolic act of dominance. In his remarks, Élan taunted coalition leader Ti Mépri and his forces, suggesting that they must either reclaim the monument or negotiate for peace.

André Saint Louis, an agricultural technician and community figure close to the coalition, confirmed that while coalition members remain unharmed, several civilians were killed and the extent of material losses is substantial. He reported that the coalition initially chose to delay engagement to prevent mass casualties and is preparing to release a comprehensive assessment of the incident in the coming days.

Saint Louis further questioned the absence of official support, publicly criticizing Departmental Director Caleb Exantus and Chief Commissioner Max Vital Altis for their lack of response. The attack has triggered widespread displacement, with many residents fleeing to Saint Marc. Observers in the city report a growing influx of displaced persons, while local broadcasts and civic organizations are openly questioning the silence and inaction of departmental authorities.

For the past six years, Jean Denis has been viewed as one of the few relatively stable zones in the Artibonite department. Its coalition, despite facing criticism for occasional excesses, has played a central role in limiting the expansion of armed groups and supporting local law enforcement, particularly during attacks on the Pat Chwal station. The fall of Jean Denis represents a strategic and symbolic loss, raising urgent concerns about the capacity and willingness of state institutions to protect vulnerable communities in gang-controlled areas.

Kenscoff Remains Tense as Police Operations Continue Against Armed Groups

Despite recent gains by law enforcement, the commune of Kenscoff remains under pressure due to ongoing criminal activity in several localities. While police operations have led to the recovery of certain areas, some zones continue to be occupied by armed groups responsible for acts of violence, including arson and the killing of civilians.

According to Mayor Massillon Jean, police conducted an operation on Tuesday in the Platon Furcy area aimed at dislodging armed actors. Several gang members were reported killed during the intervention, and one police officer sustained a leg injury. The officer is in stable condition, and his injuries are not considered life-threatening. Authorities were able to remove a barricade erected by the gang in Furcy, a move Mayor Jean described as a significant step forward.

The mayor also confirmed that previous police operations had successfully secured other areas, including Viard, Lazontyè, and Godet. As a result, normal traffic flow has resumed, public institutions have reopened, and the municipal market is once again operational. However, Mayor Jean acknowledged that criminal elements remain active in locations such as Carrefour Berthe, Carrefour Badio, Depanse, Kay Jacques, and Nan Kwoupi, where further security interventions are still required.

PNH Reports Operational Gains in May as Gang Violence Persists Across Multiple Regions

The Haitian National Police (PNH) presented its monthly operational report for May during a press conference led by spokesperson Commissioner Michel-Ange Louis-Jeune. While the institution did not disclose casualty figures from confrontations with armed groups, the report highlighted the seizure of 91 firearms, including assault rifles, along with a substantial cache of ammunition. Approximately 100 individuals were arrested, and various electronic devices, including two laptops and 16 communication radios, were recovered. Commissioner Louis-Jeune referenced a high-risk operation in the known stronghold of gang leader Vitelhomme Innocent, located in the Kraze Baryè zone, where several homes were searched and weapons confiscated. However, he declined to confirm reports of injuries to the gang leader.

The PNH also provided an overview of the criminal strategies employed by gangs operating under the “Viv Ansanm” coalition. According to the spokesperson, these groups engage in coordinated acts of violence such as arson, looting, rape, kidnapping, and the destruction of public and private infrastructure, often mobilizing 50 to 60 members, primarily during night operations on weekends. These gangs reportedly use civilians as human shields and force them to erect barricades, further complicating police response efforts. Louis-Jeune emphasized the PNH’s commitment to verifiable intelligence and refrained from commenting on recent drone-related activity in Village-de-Dieu involving the gang leader known as Izo 5 Seconds.

In addition to ongoing operations in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, the PNH has increased activity in provincial towns, particularly in response to attempts by gang actors to expand their influence. On May 8, Jamesson Frédéric, also known as Papè, a close collaborator of Vitelhomme Innocent, was arrested in Cap-Haïtien while attempting to establish a criminal base in Limonade. He later confessed to several high-profile murders and acts of arson, including the killing of Police Commissioner Evangelot and BRI agent Ketelaire Morisseau. His brother, Youri Frédéric, was also taken into custody. Two additional suspects, Anselo Varice (alias Satan) and Evalmir Fabien, were apprehended in a parallel operation by the SDPJ. Despite gains in reclaimed territories such as Turgeau, Pacot, and parts of Kenscoff, the PNH acknowledges that multiple areas remain under significant threat from organized armed groups.

Armed Gang Attempt Repelled in Vivy Mitchell Residential Area

Armed individuals affiliated with the “Kraze Baryè” gang, a member of the “Viv Ansanm” coalition, attempted to launch an incursion early Thursday morning, May 29 into the residential neighborhood of Vivy Mitchell, located in the commune of Pétion-Ville.

The attack was repelled by local residents with support from members of specialized units of the Haitian National Police (PNH), according to Hervé Saintilus, former Secretary of State for Literacy. Sustained gunfire was reported during the morning hours, triggering widespread panic among residents and a temporary suspension of activity throughout the area.

Although no civilian casualties were reported, several homes were set on fire during the assault, including the residence of former presidential spokesperson Lucien Jura. This incident occurred just days after a targeted law enforcement operation in Torcel aimed at neutralizing elements of the Kraze Baryè gang, which is led by Vitelhomme Innocent.

By midday, a relative calm had returned to the neighborhood, but residents remained on high alert, fearing the possibility of further attacks.

Haitian Defense Minister Outlines Plans to Strengthen Armed Forces Amid Limited International Support

During the 10th edition of Mardis de la Nation, a weekly government-led public forum aimed at promoting transparency and dialogue on national priorities, Haiti’s Minister of Defense, Jean-Michel Moïse, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAD’H) in response to escalating insecurity. Acknowledging the operational limitations of both the FAD’H and the Haitian National Police (PNH) in addressing gang violence, he underscored the urgent need for expanded international cooperation.

For the 2024–2025 fiscal year, the Ministry of Defense has been allocated a budget of 7.38 billion gourdes, approximately USD 56 million at current exchange rates. This funding supports a total of 1,091 personnel and encompasses the full scope of the ministry, including the FAD’H as well as administrative and logistical units. The minister also announced plans to construct new military bases and modernize existing defense infrastructure as part of broader institutional reforms.

At the regional level, Mexico has agreed to train 700 Haitian military recruits in successive waves. Additional discussions are ongoing with Colombia and other international partners to enhance Haiti’s access to technical and military support. According to the minister, FAD’H personnel have already been deployed to secure key strategic locations in Port-au-Prince.

However, despite these commitments, the majority of international aid continues to be directed toward the PNH, the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), and, more recently, paramilitary components aligned with the Primature/CPT task force. In contrast, the FAD’H remains largely excluded from the dominant security framework, receiving only marginal support in comparison to other security actors operating in the country.

MSS Establishes Forward Operating Base at APN Port to Secure Critical Infrastructure in Port-au-Prince

After months of preparation and uncertainty, the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), led by the Kenyan contingent, has officially announced the establishment of a Forward Operating Base (FOB) within the Port of the National Port Authority (APN) in Port-au-Prince. The announcement, made in a statement dated May 26, marks a significant step forward in the mission’s engagement on the ground.

Following a prolonged period of limited visibility and preliminary field exercises, the MSS is now focusing its efforts on the protection of Haiti’s critical infrastructure, including airports, seaports, hospitals, schools, and communication towers. The stated objective is to ensure the continuity of essential public services, prevent acts of sabotage, and reinforce state authority in strategically sensitive zones.

The APN Port, Haiti’s primary maritime entry point, has been identified as a top priority. According to the MSS statement, a joint assessment was recently conducted in coordination with the Haitian National Police (PNH) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This evaluation aims to re-establish full governmental control over the port, which has frequently been threatened by armed groups.

“We are committed to ensuring the safe and uninterrupted operation of the port,” stated a representative of the MSS.

This initiative comes amid a series of attacks in recent months on key infrastructure, including the international airport, which also serves as the headquarters for the MSS. The creation of the APN base represents a turning point in the mission’s gradual operational build-up. More than a year after the initial deployment announcement, the Kenyan-led force is now taking visible and decisive action to fulfill its security mandate.

Following an extended phase of training and strategic planning, the MSS now seeks to assure the public and international stakeholders of its readiness and resolve: it is present, and it is operational.

Draft Constitution Faces Strong Opposition from Former Lawmaker Jean-Marcel Lumerant

Former Member of Parliament Jean-Marcel Lumerant has publicly rejected approximately 70 percent of the provisions contained in the newly proposed Haitian Constitution. Submitted last week by the Constitutional Steering Committee to the transitional executive, the draft text, according to Lumerant, fails to reflect the country’s socio-political realities.

Lumerant specifically criticized the proposal to elevate communal sections to the status of full communes, arguing that these areas lack the necessary infrastructure to support such a transformation. He also expressed strong disapproval of the proposed restructuring of the legislative branch, describing it as a drastic reduction that turns Parliament into a “shadow of its former self.”

Despite his overall disapproval, Lumerant acknowledged certain positive aspects of the draft, including the removal of municipal governance cartels and the proposed harmonization of elected officials’ terms of office.

In response to the criticism, Enex Jean-Charles, President of the Constitutional Steering Committee, defended the committee’s decisions. He rejected the notion that the new draft disproportionately strengthens the powers of the President of the Republic. According to Jean-Charles, national consultations revealed a consensus that the Head of State should no longer be viewed as a “political minor,” lacking real authority.

Addressing the controversial proposal to convert communal sections into communes, Jean-Charles stated that the initiative is intended to bring public administration closer to the people. He also confirmed that former deputy Jerry Tardieu collaborated with the committee and submitted specific recommendations for the draft.

As for the role of governors in the new constitutional framework, Jean-Charles clarified that these positions refer to the heads of departmental councils, a governance structure already present in the current Constitution.

Calls Grow for Government Transparency on Use of Foreign Mercenaries in Anti-Gang Operations

A growing number of voices are demanding that the Haitian government issue an official statement regarding the presence of foreign mercenaries allegedly contracted to combat heavily armed gangs that continue to terrorize the population.

Former Colonel Himmler Rébu emphasized that criminal gangs are not the sole contributors to the nation’s deteriorating security climate. He stressed the importance of also confronting so-called “white-collar criminals,” or “bandits in ties,” who he argues are instrumental in perpetuating national instability.

“If we focus only on the street-level gang members, we will not achieve a lasting solution,” said Rébu, urging the government to clarify the origin of funds used to finance the deployment of these foreign security operatives.

This position was echoed by Réginald Delva, former Minister of the Interior and former Secretary of State for Public Security. Delva asserted that the objectives and scope of this collaboration can only be fully understood if the contractual terms between the government and these operatives are disclosed. “It is imperative that the government communicate transparently about the presence of these armed agents, while ensuring effective coordination with existing security forces, including the national police, the army, and the Multinational Security Support Mission,” he stated.

Ashley Laraque, spokesperson for the Association of Haitian Military Personnel, expressed support for the collaboration, describing it as a necessary response to the threat posed by organized gangs. However, he also called on authorities to prioritize the long-term strengthening of the Haitian National Police and the Armed Forces of Haiti to ensure that terrorist elements do not regain ground in the future.

Mass Killing in Artibonite Highlights Escalating Role of Self-Defense Brigades in Haiti

Source: The Miami Herald

A rice planter harvesting his crop in Haiti's Artibonite region reported hearing bursts of automatic gunfire and marching footsteps before fleeing to the Maranatha Baptist Church of the Haitian Evangelical Baptist Union. Inside, 86-year-old Pastor Jean Jacques Brutus and members of his congregation were gathered in prayer.

According to the Miami Herald, the church became the site of a mass killing allegedly carried out by local self-defense brigades, groups originally formed to protect communities from gangs. Eyewitness accounts state that several individuals, armed with machetes, forcibly entered the church, attacked the congregants, and beheaded Pastor Brutus along with 14 other individuals.

The attack occurred in the community of Préval, located in the rice-producing Artibonite region. Survivors, including the planter interviewed by the Herald, said that machetes were used during the killings and that those seeking refuge were targeted and killed.

The Miami Herald also reported that three days after the incident in Préval, members of another self-defense brigade stormed a customs office in Malpasse, near the border with the Dominican Republic. Armed individuals attacked customs agents, ransacked the office, and seized vehicles carrying lithium batteries. A customs officer told the Herald that the attackers now control the border area and have set up checkpoints where they collect informal fees from cargo truck drivers.

The Haitian Constitution only recognizes the national police and the army as official security forces. A customs agent quoted by the Herald stated that any armed group operating outside of those entities qualifies as illegal under national law.

Brigade activity in the countryside and along strategic border points has increased amid a weakened response from the Haitian National Police and an under-resourced international security mission led by Kenya. According to the Miami Herald, some brigades have assumed control over key areas, acting independently of the government and security forces.

The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti reported that of the 1,617 killings and 580 injuries documented in the first three months of the year, nearly 10 percent were attributed to violence carried out by self-defense brigades. The UN has expressed concern that while these groups fill security vacuums in some regions, they are also responsible for significant human rights abuses.

According to interviews conducted by the Herald, the attack in Préval involved seven different brigades from nearby communities. Residents were reportedly targeted for refusing to pay protection fees or participate in brigade operations. Witnesses claim that buildings, including the church, school, and rice mills, were burned during the incident. Bodies were later dragged into the street and set on fire.

Local sources cited by the Herald confirmed that at least 55 people were killed. Some bodies were decapitated, and a number of individuals remain unaccounted for. Residents attempting to recover the remains of family members were blocked by armed brigade members.

The funeral for Pastor Brutus took place at Eben Ezer Baptist Church in Saint Marc. Only three bodies were recovered: Brutus, his sister-in-law, and another congregant. In the aftermath, the Roman Catholic Church’s Episcopal Conference in Haiti released a statement condemning the violence and urging the interim government to restore order and bring those responsible to justice.

Haitian Gang Leaders Expected to Propose Ceasefire in Response to Kemi Seba's Appeal

In response to a ceasefire initiative launched by Pan-African activist Stellio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi, widely known as Kemi Seba, several prominent Haitian gang leaders are reportedly preparing to present a formal proposal in support of the effort.

During a press conference held Monday, Seba confirmed that numerous gang leaders had expressed willingness to reconsider their actions and align with his call to cease violence against the Haitian population. “Since our arrival in Haiti, we have been contacted by several gang leaders. In the coming days, we will publicly share the proposals they have submitted in response to our appeal,” he stated.

Seba, a Beninese national and outspoken advocate for Pan-African unity, urged armed groups to shift their focus away from harming civilians and instead confront those responsible for arming and manipulating them. “The enemies of the gangs are not the Haitian people,” he said, “but rather those who supplied them with weapons to use against their own communities.”

According to Seba, leaders of some of the country’s most influential gangs are now exploring the possibility of forming a grassroots citizen force aimed at resisting neocolonial influence. “This is precisely why the American, French, and Canadian governments are wary of our presence,” he asserted. “They want Black people to believe their enemy is another Black person.”

Emphasizing themes of solidarity and self-determination, Seba called on Haitians to recognize their shared heritage and historical strength. “When gangs realize they share a common enemy, the colonial mindset that has dominated for so long begins to unravel,” he said.

He concluded by encouraging Haitians to draw inspiration from the unity shown during the historic Bois Caïman ceremony, asserting that the nation’s path forward lies in self-reliance, not foreign intervention. “Haiti represents a geostrategic concern for Western powers,” Seba said. “Your proximity to the United States means that if a true revolution takes root here, it could present a far greater challenge than what they faced in Cuba.”

Strengthening Institutional Integrity: Canada and UNODC Equip Haiti's Anti-Corruption Unit with Strategic Resources

The Anti-Corruption Unit of Haiti (ULCC) has received a critical infusion of operational assets, including high-performance vehicles and computing equipment, through a collaborative initiative between the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Government of Canada. This material support is designed to bolster the agency’s capacity to fulfill its mandate amid ongoing challenges posed by entrenched corruption and organized crime.

The official handover ceremony was attended by Canadian Ambassador to Haiti André François Giroux and UNODC Regional Director Sylvie Bertrand, who engaged in substantive discussions with ULCC leadership regarding the structural and societal implications of corruption in the Haitian context. The initiative underscores a shared commitment to advancing institutional accountability and transparency as foundational pillars of democratic governance.

On the social platform X, ULCC Director General Hans Jacques Ludwig Joseph publicly thanked Canada for its sustained support, noting that the enhanced logistical and technical capabilities provided through this partnership will significantly augment the agency’s effectiveness in executing investigations and preventative initiatives.

UNODC Advisor Adrian Banu emphasized that corruption transcends mere financial malfeasance, highlighting its broader consequences, including the erosion of public trust, the stunting of socioeconomic development, and the deterioration of community cohesion. Banu reiterated the imperative of cultivating transparency and accountability at every level of public administration as essential tools in dismantling systemic corruption.

This latest contribution forms part of a broader series of coordinated interventions led by Canada and the UNODC to reinforce the operational resilience of Haitian institutions. Notably, in February 2025, the Haitian National Police (PNH) received 73 vehicles, including 54 marked patrol cars, aimed at enhancing law enforcement’s capacity to respond to criminal activity across the country.

The ongoing support for the ULCC represents a strategic investment in institutional integrity, signaling international recognition of the critical role governance reform plays in Haiti’s path toward stability and self-reliance.

RNDDH Exposes Systemic Violations of Detainee Rights in Haitian Police Stations

The National Human Rights Defense Network (RNDDH) has issued a grave report detailing the deplorable conditions of detention within seven police stations and three sub-police stations in Haiti’s West department, inspected between April and May 2025. Originally intended for temporary custody, these facilities are now functioning as de facto prisons, a development driven by the decommissioning of civilian detention centers due to escalating insecurity. The report highlights overcrowding, lack of medical care, absence of legal proceedings, and prolonged unlawful detention as critical violations of both Haitian law and international human rights conventions. Notably, in the Port-au-Prince police station, 92 individuals are confined in two cells designed to hold no more than ten detainees each, reflecting a systemic collapse of legal safeguards and institutional oversight.

The RNDDH underscores that these facilities present an immediate threat to human dignity and public health. Cells are reportedly devoid of basic necessities, including natural light, ventilation, and hygiene infrastructure. They are often infested with vermin and insects, enveloped in unbearable heat, and permeated by noxious odors that pose significant health hazards to detainees and police personnel alike. Although some police officials attempt rudimentary sanitation measures, the report asserts that these efforts are insufficient in mitigating the chronic environmental and sanitary deficiencies that define the carceral landscape. Further exacerbating these conditions is the lack of family visits and regular food supply, forcing detainees to rely on the limited generosity of their peers or the ad hoc support of police station staff to avoid starvation.

In response to these systemic failures, the RNDDH has issued a series of urgent recommendations. These include the immediate adjudication of long-standing pretrial detention cases, the expedited transfer of convicted individuals to functioning penitentiary institutions, and the direct summoning of defendants in minor offense cases to correctional courts. Additionally, the organization advocates for the electrification of police facilities and the provision of adequate sanitation supplies to ensure basic health and safety standards. The RNDDH’s findings constitute a direct indictment of state inaction and call for an immediate realignment of Haiti’s custodial policies with international human rights norms to restore legality, human dignity, and institutional credibility in the country’s penal framework.