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Situation in Haiti
- Armed gangs from Canaan stormed Mirebalais on 31 March, freeing over 500 inmates and clashing with the Haitian National Police (PNH). At least 30 gang members were killed, and three officers were injured. The attack forced thousands to flee to nearby towns.
- The PNH used kamikaze drones against gang strongholds in Port-au-Prince on 19 March, killing several gang members. While effective, the strikes remain controversial due to frequent missed targets. Meanwhile, barricades were set up, and civilians mobilized for self-defense.
- In Kenscoff, members of the Viv Ansanm gang coalition attacked the towns of Boucan and Depanse on 24 March, looting and burning homes. Several residents were killed.
- Heavily armed individuals opened fire on two public transit vans between Delmas 19 and 30 on 14 March, killing a driver and injuring over 20 passengers, three of whom died in the hospital. Businesses in Delmas closed following the attack.
- The U.S. Coast Guard returned nearly 100 migrants to Haiti after intercepting them on an overloaded boat off the country’s coast on 27 March. They were headed toward the Turks and Caicos islands when they were stopped about 35 miles north of Cap-Hatien.
- An armored police vehicle broke down in downtown Port-au-Prince on 20 March and was set on fire by a Molotov cocktail on Capois Street. This is the second armored vehicle set on fire in less than eight days.
- The Haitian government relocated nearly 20 schools from gang-controlled areas. While the plan allows students to continue learning, overcrowding, teacher shortages, and instability persist. Experts warn that without long-term solutions, the education system remains at risk.
- The Ministry of Public Health and the World Health Organization assessed two displacement sites in Kenscoff, identifying urgent health and sanitation needs. With the UN Central Emergency Response Fund, they continue aiding displaced populations.
- Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and interim director of the PNH Rameau Normil inspected new equipment and tested a professional surveillance drone on 24 March to enhance police operations.
Situation on the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT)
- The CPT has established a Special National Public Procurement Commission to fast-track national security and defense issues. Coordinated by the Prime Minister’s Office, it includes representatives from defense, police, and oversight bodies to streamline procurement for law enforcement.
Situation on the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission
- Gangs ambushed and set fire to three armored vehicles, including one from the MSS mission, on 25 March. One Kenyan officer, Benedict Kabiru, was missing and has since been confirmed dead. The attack occurred during an operation against the Gran Grief gang in Artibonite.
- A source within the MSS mission confirmed that negotiations are ongoing to have Benedict Kabiru’s body released. The gang holding Kabiru’s body is Viv Ansanm, led by Jimmy Cherizier, alias Barbecue.
- Two Kenyan police officers have been injured in clashes with gangs over the past week during routine patrols in Port-au-Prince. One officer was shot in the head when a bullet pierced his helmet, the other was hit in the ear after a gunshot penetrated the walls of an armored vehicle.
- Consequently, 20 armored vehicles have been grounded after officers reported they failed to stop bullets. MSS mission officials plan to present concerns about protective gear to U.S. officials, which continues to fund the mission despite limited contributions from other countries.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Kenya’s President William Ruto on 25 March, reaffirming U.S. support for the MSS mission.
- Kenyan Commander Godfrey Otunge of the MSS mission received 1,000 Individual First Aid Kits (IFAKs) donated by the German government. The IFAKs are aimed at improving medical preparedness for mission personnel injured in operations.
International situation
- The Trump administration will revoke parole status for 530,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans starting 24 April, ending their temporary legal protections granted under Biden. The decision could make many vulnerable to deportation through expedited removal.
- André Michel urged CARICOM Chair Mia Mottley to request special consideration for Haitians in the U.S. during a meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio on 26 March, citing Haiti’s humanitarian crisis and the economic impact of returning migrants.
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with the CPT President Fritz Jean on 26 March to discuss the escalating gang violence in Haiti. Rubio condemned the violence and highlighted the need for regional cooperation to restore peace.
- Meanwhile, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holmes urged increased support for the PNH to combat the gangs, while U.S. lawmakers called for more action and funding to address the crisis.
- A Boston judge declined to hear arguments in a lawsuit to stop the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haitian immigrants and Venezuelans, since a California ruling already paused the termination for Venezuelans. The case remains open for future action if needed.
Links of interest
Gangs tighten grip on Mirebalais after deadly raid frees 500 inmates, forcing residents to flee
New attack on Kenscoff; Shooting on 2 vans, at least 24 victims
Coast Guard intercepts a migrant boat with nearly 100 people from Haiti on board
2nd armored vehicle set on fire
Can relocating students save Haiti’s education system?
Accelerated Defense procurement
Kenyan mission in Haiti says one of its cops is missing. Gang videos show lifeless body
Kenyan police officer killed after gang ambush, Haiti says
Talks opened with Haiti’s Barbecue for release of murdered Kenyan’s body
Kenyan police in Haiti suffer more casualties in clashes with gangs
Germany : Donation of 1,000 First Aid Kits to the MMSS
Trump revokes legal status for 530,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans
André Michel advocates maintaining the Biden Program for Haiti
Fritz Jean and Marco Rubio Hold Talks on Haiti’s Security Crisis
Boston judge won’t hear lawsuit on Haitian, Venezuelan immigrant protections
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