Weekly Report November 5 to November 12, 2025

Sustained Clashes in Tabarre and Carrefour Marassa

Heavy gunfire has continued for several consecutive days across Tabarre 27 and Carrefour Marassa, plunging surrounding communities into fear and chaos. According to multiple sources, terrorist elements affiliated with the Viv Ansanm terrorist coalition, including factions formerly associated with 400 Mawozo and Chen Mechan, have launched coordinated assaults against police units attempting to secure the area. Witnesses reported that these terrorists unloaded several truckloads of rocks near the Tabarre bridge to create barricades and obstruct police access routes.

Police officials had stated earlier that they had regained control of the bridge and surrounding corridors. However, as of Monday night, local reports contradicted those claims, describing ongoing gunfire, continued clashes, and renewed incursions by Viv Ansanm terrorists. Law enforcement deployed several armored vehicles along with an engineering vehicle known as “Satan” to dismantle fortified positions stretching from Croix-des-Bouquets toward Tabarre in an effort to reestablish access to the Apaid business compound in Santo 19, which had been looted and heavily damaged by armed groups.

The Tabarre Bridge holds significant strategic value as one of the principal gateways linking the capital, Port-au-Prince, to the northeastern and southeastern corridors of Haiti, including the main route to the Dominican Republic border crossing at Malpasse. Its position along National Route 8 (RN8) makes it a vital artery for commercial, humanitarian, and security operations, facilitating the movement of goods, personnel, and aid between the metropolitan area and the border region. Control of the bridge effectively determines access to key logistical hubs such as Croix-des-Bouquets, Ganthier, and Fonds-Parisien, as well as the only direct ground route toward Santo Domingo. For this reason, both security forces and terrorist groups recognize the bridge as a strategic chokepoint, with its stability directly affecting trade, border security, and the overall flow of national commerce.

In response, Viv Ansanm gunmen ambushed advancing police units, triggering prolonged exchanges of fire that spread toward Cité Doudoune, Clercine, and Shada. Residents have remained indoors for days, some taking refuge in schools after classes were suspended. Population displacement continues across Cité Doudoune and nearby neighborhoods, while major roads in Damien and Butte Boyer remain blocked.

Medical teams from Médecins Sans Frontières in Tabarre have treated several gunshot victims in critical condition. Activity in Croix-des-Missions, Fleuriot, and Santo has been paralyzed amid the fighting. Late Monday, Viv Ansanm leader Lamno San Jou released a video threatening large-scale violence in Tabarre if police operations continue. Authorities and humanitarian organizations have urged residents to remain sheltered or evacuate safely as hostilities persist across the Plaine du Cul-de-Sac.

Haiti: BINUH Reports Over 1,200 Deaths Amid Escalating Violence

Haiti’s armed violence continues to escalate at an alarming rate. According to the latest quarterly report from the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), at least 1,247 people were killed and 710 others wounded between July and September 2025. BINUH reports that 61 percent of victims were killed during police operations against gangs, 30 percent by criminal groups, and 9 percent by civilians or vigilante elements. Authorities claim to have regained control of several areas of Port-au-Prince, including Delmas 19, Airport Road, and Turgeau.

Despite these efforts, violence has continued to expand beyond the capital into the Artibonite and Central Departments, where civilian attacks have sharply increased. The report details ongoing sexual violence, forced recruitment of children, and human trafficking, all used by armed groups to strengthen their territorial dominance. BINUH also documented 39 victims of explosive drone attacks, signaling the growing use of unmanned aerial weapons in the conflict. The office noted 79 extrajudicial killings, including 78 allegedly committed by police officers and one by a government commissioner in Miragoâne.

Security forces have suffered losses as well, with eight officers killed and 17 wounded during the same period. The violence has driven an estimated 1.4 million people from their homes, forcing many to live in overcrowded and unsafe conditions. In response, the Haitian government has appointed ten new government commissioners to reinforce specialized judicial units targeting mass crimes, sexual violence, and financial offenses. BINUH urged the authorities to accelerate police vetting, prosecute officers implicated in abuses, and operationalize these judicial hubs without delay.

The UN office further recommended creating reintegration programs for minors recruited by gangs and establishing a national disarmament and reintegration body. It called on the international community to keep Haiti on the global agenda and to support the deployment of the Force for the Repression of Gangs (FRG) authorized under UN Security Council Resolution 2793. Regional governments were also urged to strengthen controls on arms shipments to Haiti in compliance with UN sanctions to curtail the flow of weapons that continues to fuel the country’s violence.

U.S. Ambassador Wooster Acknowledges Arms Trafficking into Haiti, Vows Enhanced Response

During the “Presse Café” broadcast on Friday, November 7, the United States Ambassador to Haiti, Henry T. Wooster, publicly acknowledged that firearms are being illegally transported into Haiti from the United States, often through third countries. He emphasized that the U.S. government is committed to disrupting this destabilizing supply chain. According to the U.S. Embassy, more than 23,000 weapons, ammunition, cash, and narcotics destined for Haiti were intercepted this year by U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and partner agencies.

Ambassador Wooster noted that U.S. law enforcement operations have recently resulted in the conviction of two individuals for purchasing and shipping firearms to Haiti, along with additional arrests and sanctions against four others accused of supporting armed gang networks. He reaffirmed U.S. readiness to assist Haitian authorities in tracing initial firearm purchasers, mapping supply chains, and dismantling trafficking networks operating across national borders.

The Ambassador called for strengthened international cooperation between Haiti, the United States, and transit countries to halt the flow of weapons, ammunition, and narcotics that fuel gang violence. He stressed that Haiti’s security challenges are directly linked to regional stability and U.S. interests, pledging continued support for Haitian efforts to enhance border control, intelligence sharing, and criminal investigations.

Regional officials have also reported that the island of Hispaniola has become a critical transit point for illicit arms, with neighboring authorities recently seizing multiple firearm shipments and thousands of cartridges destined for Haiti. These developments underscore the transnational scope of the arms trade and the urgent need for coordinated international action to contain it.

Les Cayes Welcomes First International Flight as IBC Airways Launches New Era of Air Connectivity in Southern Haiti

A historic milestone was reached on Monday morning when an IBC Airways commercial aircraft touched down at Antoine-Simon Airport at exactly 10:00 a.m. with 30 passengers on board. The landing marked the first direct international flight to the southern region, a long-awaited development that has energized local residents, business owners, and members of the Haitian diaspora.

More than a symbolic aviation event, the flight represents a turning point for southern Haiti’s economic and logistical recovery. For years, Sunrise Airways had maintained near-total control over both domestic and international routes departing from Haiti. The resulting monopoly led to steadily rising ticket prices, recurring delays, and widespread dissatisfaction among passengers who felt neglected by the lack of alternatives.

“The population was exhausted, and Sunrise had lost public confidence,” explained economist Mike Bellot. “It wasn’t only about ticket prices; people were frustrated with poor communication and a lack of reliability. Many believed the airline was capitalizing on the country’s instability.”

IBC Airways officials confirmed that the new Les Cayes route is part of a broader expansion plan, which includes regular cargo service to support regional trade and humanitarian logistics, as well as potential charter operations connecting Les Cayes to Providenciales, Miami, and Santo Domingo. The airline also plans to introduce interline connections for medical evacuations and express freight through its U.S. network, improving access for businesses, NGOs, and travelers alike.

While fares remain comparable to other regional carriers, passengers expressed optimism about having a credible alternative. The arrival of IBC Airways has already sparked discussions about the revitalization of Antoine-Simon Airport, new tourism partnerships, and the possible return of regular flights to destinations such as Cap-Haïtien, Port-au-Prince, and Turks and Caicos. Whether additional carriers will join the market remains uncertain, but the resumption of international service through Les Cayes marks a decisive step toward restoring Haiti’s southern region as a viable commercial and tourism hub.

Haiti Strengthens Army with Seven Armored Vehicles Amid Deepening Security Crisis

The Haitian government has officially delivered seven armored vehicles to the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd’H) as part of an ongoing effort to modernize the country’s defense sector and reinforce state authority. The handover ceremony, held at the Prime Minister’s Office, was presided over by Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and Presidential Advisor Leslie Voltaire, in the presence of senior civilian and military officials.

The vehicles, identified as Senator RAM MRAPs manufactured by Roshel Smart Armored Vehicles of Canada, were supplied as part of an initial order aimed at strengthening Haiti’s national defense capacity. Government officials described the acquisition as a “symbol of modernization” and a step toward restoring national sovereignty amid the country’s escalating insecurity.

However, security analysts remain skeptical about the practical value of the new fleet. The armored vehicles are designed for conventional combat, not the asymmetric, close-quarters warfare Haiti faces daily in gang-controlled areas such as Cité Soleil, Croix-des-Bouquets, and Martissant. “These vehicles are not suited for congested urban environments where mobility, intelligence, and tactical flexibility are far more decisive than armor,” one defense expert commented, noting that similar vehicles in other conflicts have been neutralized by improvised explosives, drones, or handheld anti-armor weapons.

Beyond tactical limitations, the procurement poses significant logistical and financial challenges. Maintaining the armored fleet will require stable fuel supplies, specialized parts, and a corps of trained technicians with expertise typically provided by manufacturer-certified personnel. Without direct technical support contracts and access to spare parts, even minor mechanical issues could render the vehicles inoperable.

While the FAd’H is tasked with supporting border control and logistics operations, the Haitian National Police (PNH) remain the primary force confronting armed groups. The lack of unified command structures, overlapping jurisdictions, and limited intelligence-sharing between agencies have repeatedly undermined efforts to regain control of critical urban zones.

The re-emergence of Haiti’s army remains deeply controversial given its complex and troubled history. The FAd’H was formally disbanded in 1995 under President Jean-Bertrand Aristide after decades of political interference, military coups, and widespread human rights abuses. Its dissolution came amid democratic reforms that transferred internal security responsibilities to the newly created Haitian National Police.

After more than two decades, the armed forces were reconstituted in 2017, with a stated mission focused on border protection, disaster response, and infrastructure support. Yet, since its revival, the FAd’H has struggled to clearly define its role in a country facing primarily internal security threats driven by organized crime and political instability.

Ultimately, while the acquisition of the Roshel Senator armored vehicles symbolizes a renewed national defense posture, experts warn that without proper integration, maintenance, and interagency coordination, the initiative risks becoming more symbolic than strategic.

Haitian Prime Minister Fils-Aimé Calls for Unified Coordination Ahead of Elections

Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé convened a high-level meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office bringing together national and international actors involved in Haiti’s upcoming elections. Participants included members of the ministerial cabinet, representatives from the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), the Haitian National Police (PNH), the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd’H), and technical and financial partners from the international community. The meeting aimed to strengthen coordination, assess logistical and security conditions, and ensure a transparent and credible electoral process.

During the discussions, Prime Minister Fils-Aimé underscored the government’s responsibility to lead and safeguard Haiti’s electoral sovereignty while maintaining cooperation with international partners. He confirmed that the Haitian state has already contributed $70 million since 2021 to the UNDP-managed common electoral fund and that an additional three billion gourdes are included in the 2025–2026 budget to support political parties’ participation. The government has also launched a capacity-building program for more than 225 registered political parties.

Despite these announcements, observers and political analysts remain skeptical about the feasibility of holding free and credible elections under current conditions. Widespread insecurity, persistent gang control over key transport routes, and deep political fragmentation continue to threaten the timeline and integrity of the process. Many doubt that the CEP, still under review and without broad consensus, can effectively organize national elections before mid-2026. As optimism fades, the government’s pledges are seen by many as aspirational steps toward rebuilding confidence rather than indicators of immediate progress toward a functioning electoral framework.

82 Percent of Haitian Prisoners Await Trial as UN Warns of “Inhuman and Degrading” Conditions

Haiti’s justice system is on the brink of collapse, according to a new United Nations report that reveals more than fifty inmates died between July and September 2025 amid overcrowding, hunger, and neglect. The UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) attributes the deaths primarily to malnutrition, lack of medical care, and unsanitary conditions, describing the situation in the country’s detention centers as “inhuman and degrading.”

The report underscores a deep systemic crisis: 82 percent of Haiti’s detainees are still awaiting trial, many for minor offenses. UN human rights expert William O’Neill described the country’s prisons as “overcrowded cells without light or air, where prisoners lack everything.” Facilities in Port-au-Prince, Cap-Haïtien, and other regions are operating at more than triple their intended capacity, with limited access to clean water and no consistent medical supervision.

The collapse of the justice system has been compounded by gang dominance over much of the capital. Following mass prison breaks in 2024 orchestrated by armed groups, the courts in Port-au-Prince remain largely nonfunctional, trapping detainees indefinitely and worsening prison overcrowding.

The UN, through BINUH and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), has initiated programs to train correctional officers, rehabilitate detention centers, and assist judicial authorities. The Haitian government has also pledged to build new prison facilities across three departments to relieve pressure on existing institutions.

Yet experts caution that these steps will not be enough without genuine political reform and sustained funding. “Without political will and concrete results,” O’Neill warned, “Haitian prisons will remain a broken mirror of the rule of law.” The crisis, he added, mirrors Haiti’s broader institutional decay, where insecurity, impunity, and corruption have turned pretrial detention into a cycle of suffering and death.

Wave of Suicides in Juanpas, Mirebalais: Despair Deepens as Insecurity and Poverty Tighten Grip

A wave of suicides has shaken the rural locality of Juanpas in Mirebalais, where at least a dozen residents are believed to have taken their own lives in recent weeks. The Mouvman Peyizan Papay (MPP), one of Haiti’s oldest and most influential peasant organizations, conducted a field investigation revealing that mounting insecurity, displacement, and economic collapse have driven entire families into despair.

Founded in 1973 by agronomist and activist Chavannes Jean-Baptiste, the MPP is a grassroots movement advocating for food sovereignty, land reform, and rural development in Haiti’s Central Plateau. Over the decades, it has been a cornerstone of Haiti’s peasant resistance, organizing thousands of small farmers into cooperatives and defending rural livelihoods. Today, Jean-Baptiste and the MPP find themselves not mobilizing for reform but documenting a wave of despair sweeping through their own communities.

According to the MPP report, between late October and early November 2025, roughly ten residents of Juanpas, mostly small farmers and traders ended their lives amid what Jean-Baptiste described as “abject and unbearable living conditions.” Many had lost their homes, land, and means of subsistence since April 2025, when the Viv Ansanm armed coalition seized control of the Central Plateau lowlands. The occupation forced hundreds of families to flee Mirebalais and nearby communes, taking refuge in makeshift camps where hunger, humiliation, and hopelessness have become routine.

For displaced families, survival is a daily struggle. Local businesses have collapsed, markets stand empty, and schools remain closed. Jean-Baptiste said many victims “chose death over shame,” unable to bear the pain of not being able to provide for their families. Humanitarian organizations have echoed his warnings, noting a growing mental health emergency across Haiti’s interior regions as prolonged insecurity fuels depression and suicide.

UNICEF and Haitian Police Strengthen Partnership to Protect Children Exploited by Gangs

UNICEF representatives from New York and Haiti met with the leadership of the Haitian National Police (PNH) to address the alarming rise in crimes against children trapped under gang influence. The UN agency expressed deep concern over escalating cases of abduction, murder, sexual violence, and exploitation, while commending the ongoing efforts of the PNH’s Juvenile Protection Brigade. Both sides reviewed the implementation of a 2024 joint protocol aimed at rehabilitating and reintegrating children recruited or coerced by armed groups.

The PNH reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children as a core responsibility of the Haitian state, highlighting the near collapse of juvenile detention facilities and the emergence of new criminal threats, including organ trafficking. The meeting concluded with an agreement to strengthen police capacity, expand prevention campaigns, and finalize the “Hand Over” protocol to ensure the safe transfer and care of children affected by armed violence. Representatives from UNICEF, BINUH, and other UN bodies also participated in a workshop to develop stronger strategies for preventing grave violations against children in Haiti’s conflict-affected areas.

Record 310,000 Haitians Repatriated from the Dominican Republic in 2025 Amid Mounting Humanitarian Strain

The Dominican Republic’s General Directorate of Immigration (DGM) announced the repatriation of 310,499 Haitian nationals between January and October 2025, marking a 72 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Authorities describe the figure as “historic,” reflecting an intensified migration control campaign that has seen more than 5,100 operations carried out nationwide with the support of security forces.

Dominican officials maintain that their policy focuses on deterring irregular migration, tightening border controls, and ensuring “orderly returns.” However, human rights observers and local aid organizations report growing humanitarian concerns at the border. Thousands of deportees, including pregnant women, minors, and the elderly arrive in Haiti daily, often without access to basic medical screening or emergency care. The abrupt influx has overwhelmed limited facilities in Ouanaminthe, Belladère, and Malpasse, where clinics are short on medicines, equipment, and staff.

Health workers on the Haitian side warn that medical care for returning migrants is virtually nonexistent, as most border communities lack functioning hospitals or coordinated support from national authorities. Many deportees, exhausted after days in detention, arrive malnourished or sick, only to be released into areas controlled by gangs or lacking shelter. Humanitarian organizations have urged both governments and international partners to establish emergency medical posts and reception centers to prevent the situation from escalating into a public health crisis.

OAS Unveils Updated $2.6 Billion Roadmap for Haiti as Security Crisis Deepens

The Organization of American States (OAS) has released Version 3 of its Roadmap for Stability and Peace in Haiti; a $2.6 billion plan designed to restore order and rebuild the country’s shattered institutions. The revised strategy places new emphasis on the security pillar, aligning closely with UN Security Council Resolution 2793, which authorizes the creation of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) to replace the Multinational Security Mission (MSS).

The OAS framework outlines logistical and operational coordination through the SECURE-Haiti program, in partnership with the GSF and the Haitian National Police. This includes establishing field infrastructure, strengthening police command capacity, managing intelligence data, and supporting joint counter-gang operations across Port-au-Prince and major transit corridors. The plan underscores security as the foundation for all other reforms, with a focus on stabilizing key population centers before national elections can take place.

However, the organization’s leadership expressed frustration that many member states have not yet converted their commitments into tangible contributions. Despite broad declarations of support, funding and resource mobilization remain slow, delaying the deployment of essential personnel and equipment. Secretary General Albert Ramdin warned that “time is running out” as gangs continue to expand operations with “apparent freedom.” He urged nations to move from “statements of solidarity to concrete action,” cautioning that without immediate financial and logistical backing, the roadmap risks becoming another unfulfilled blueprint rather than a turning point in Haiti’s recovery.

FAES Serves 27,000 Hot Meals Amid Mounting Food Crisis in Port-au-Prince

The Haitian government’s social assistance arm, FAES, carried out a large-scale humanitarian operation on Monday, November 3, distributing 27,000 hot meals to displaced families across Port-au-Prince and Pétion-Ville via its Mobile Canteen program. The effort was deployed at strategic locations including Lycée Marie Jeanne in Bois-Verna, Club International in Frères, and several sites in Lalue and Avenue Christophe, reflecting FAES’s commitment to providing urgent support to the most vulnerable amid a dire humanitarian context.

FAES — formally the “Fonds d’Assistance Économique et Sociale” — is an autonomous public financial entity created in 1990 and placed under the tutelage of the Ministry of Economy and Finance. It implements social-protection projects, community infrastructure, education, and assistance initiatives nationwide. Its funding comes from the Haitian state budget and key donors: for example, the Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID) has financed major FAES programs such as the “Programme de Renforcement des Filets de Sécurité pour les Populations Vulnérables.”

On the same day as the meal distribution, FAES launched its new Off-Site Restaurants program at the Karibe Hotel, attended by over 100 stakeholders including the Minister of Social Affairs, Georges Wilbert Franck, and FAES Director-General Serge Gabriel Colin. The program will supply 105 restaurants nationwide, reinforcing the government’s attempt to improve food security and strengthen community-based social safety nets. Colin emphasized that the initiative supports the government’s broader social agenda and the day-to-day dignity of vulnerable families. Minister Franck commended the initiative and reiterated the state’s obligation to guarantee affordable access to hot meals for the most at-risk populations.

Port-au-Prince Firefighters Receive Advanced Training Through Canada-Haiti Civil Security Partnership

The Port-au-Prince City Hall has launched a major capacity-building program for its Municipal Fire Department (SIMPAP), in partnership with the Haitian government and the Canadian Peace and Security Officers Training Association (CPSOTA). The initiative, coordinated by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, aims to enhance the technical and operational skills of firefighters responsible for protecting Haiti’s capital.

Thirty municipal firefighters are currently participating in a 15-day intensive training session at the Karibe Convention Center. The program covers essential modules such as fire behavior, prevention techniques, command hierarchy, equipment operation, and emergency response coordination. Officials say the goal is to modernize Port-au-Prince’s firefighting capacity and improve the city’s preparation for fires, natural disasters, and other emergencies.

CPSOTA, a Canadian humanitarian organization with a long history of collaboration in Haiti, is recognized internationally for its expertise in civil security and crisis management training. By partnering with local authorities, the association seeks to strengthen Haiti’s first-responder network, ensuring faster, more professional, and more coordinated responses to emergencies in one of the region’s most disaster-prone cities.

Fears of Cholera Surge in Haiti After Hurricane Melissa Flooding

Health authorities in Haiti are sounding the alarm over a possible resurgence of cholera in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which brought severe flooding, contaminated drinking water sources, and crippled sanitation systems across several regions.

The Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP) reports nearly 2,900 suspected cases and 27 deaths since January, with a recent surge in Pétion-Ville, where 139 new infections and five deaths occurred in a single week. Health Minister Sinal Bertrand warned that floodwaters likely spread the bacteria in urban and rural wells, emphasizing that “access to clean water, sanitation, and public awareness are crucial in fighting waterborne diseases.”

Human Rights Watch estimates higher figures with 48 cholera-related deaths and 186 confirmed cases and notes that over one-third of victims are children under nine. The organization linked the uptick to deteriorating hygiene conditions, worsening insecurity, and the collapse of Haiti’s healthcare infrastructure, where more than 30 hospitals have ceased operations following gang attacks, vandalism, and fires.

To contain the spread, the MSPP has launched hygiene, fumigation, and water purification campaigns in collaboration with DINEPA, FAES, and the Ministry of Public Works. However, limited capacity and unsafe working conditions continue to undermine the response. The ministry’s recent investigation traced the origin of several infections in Pétion-Ville’s Pèlerin 5 area to contaminated wells surrounded by domestic waste.

The resurgence of cholera, Haiti’s deadliest modern epidemic, which killed nearly 10,000 people after the 2010 UN-linked outbreak has renewed calls for urgent international support. In response, the European Union has pledged €5 million, and the United States committed $8.5 million through UNICEF, the IOM, Catholic Relief Services, and the World Food Programme. These funds, directed to humanitarian partners rather than the Haitian government, aim to restore water access and strengthen disease surveillance in displacement camps and flood-affected areas.

Hinche: Protests Continue After the Death of Professor and Lawyer Junior Chérilus

The city of Hinche remains tense after the fatal shooting of Maître Junior Chérilus, a respected lawyer, professor, and journalist, during a demonstration on Monday near the Central Department administrative complex. Early reports indicate that the protest began over an administrative order requiring employees to return appointment letters to the local delegation. During the confrontation, shots were fired, killing Chérilus and injuring several others.

By Tuesday morning, the city was still disrupted with sporadic barricades, halted traffic, and most businesses closed. Residents have continued demonstrations demanding accountability, while local authorities and civic groups called for calm. According to multiple local outlets, the situation was aggravated by frustration over administrative management and broader insecurity affecting the Central Department.

Judicial authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Departmental Delegate Frédéric Océan, accused of murder and criminal conspiracy in connection with the incident. Reports suggest that the shooting may have involved individuals assigned to the delegate’s security team, though the precise circumstances remain under investigation.

Regional observers note that the events in Hinche reflect a pattern of tension in Haiti’s interior departments, where frustration with governance and security issues often leads to local unrest. Authorities have increased patrols near key government buildings and are urging citizens to remain peaceful while the investigation continues.

Five BSAP Officers Arrested After Deadly Shooting in Limbé

Five agents of the Brigade de Sécurité des Aires Protégées (BSAP) were taken into custody on Saturday, November 8 by the Police Nationale d’Haïti (PNH) Northern Directorate (DDN) following a fatal incident in the municipality of Limbé. The arrest comes after a motorcyclist was shot and killed during an altercation, and Officer Edner Étienne has been identified as the suspected shooter among the detained.

According to PNH statements, the tragedy stemmed from a dispute between BSAP agents and civilians, which quickly escalated into fatal violence. In the aftermath, outraged residents set fire to the town hall, the local tax office (DGI) and the BSAP base in Limbé, reflecting the depth of public anger. The PNH strongly condemned the conduct of the officers, stating their actions were “completely contrary to their duty to protect and serve the public,” and pledged a full investigation and accountability.

The BSAP was originally created as a specialized environmental enforcement unit under the Agence Nationale des Aires Protégées (ANAP) and the Ministry of Environment, with a mission to protect Haiti’s designated “aires protégées” including forests, watersheds, and ecological sites. Over time, however, the BSAP’s role expanded controversially. Government decrees in 2025 authorized its involvement alongside the PNH and the Forces Armées d’Haïti (FAd’H) in joint anti-gang operations.

This expanded role has raised concerns among analysts: the BSAP is not formally structured as a police or military unit, and critics argue many of its agents lack relevant training for high-risk law-enforcement operations. In particular, questions persist about oversight, rules of engagement, and how quickly its agents were deployed into civilian policing tasks. Some view the Limbé incident as evidence of the risks inherent in this blurred mandate.

As the investigation unfolds, local authorities and civil-society groups are calling for clearer rules, stronger supervision and a review of the BSAP’s integration into Haiti’s security architecture to prevent further such tragedies and ensure that units entrusted with public safety actually uphold that responsibility.