Washington D.C. witnessed a significant diplomatic gathering on December 11, 2025, as the Organization of American States convened the third meeting of its Group of Friends of Haiti. The session featured Laurent Saint-Cyr, President pro tempore and Coordinator of Haiti’s Transition Council, as special guest, marking a pivotal moment in international support for the Caribbean nation.
The assembly conducted a comprehensive review of recent developments following OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin’s fact-finding mission to Haiti. Delegates examined progress on the established roadmap while strengthening coordination mechanisms between the OAS, United Nations, CARICOM, and Haitian transitional authorities. Participants unanimously emphasized the critical importance of Haitian-led processes encompassing security initiatives, governance frameworks for 2026, and preparations for credible electoral proceedings.
President Saint-Cyr acknowledged the OAS’s steadfast solidarity while declaring the joint roadmap had entered a decisive implementation phase. He identified security restoration as the nation’s paramount priority, stressing the urgent need to transform international commitments into concrete actions. “The magnitude of needs demands expanded, immediate, and sustained engagement,” Saint-Cyr asserted, calling upon the entire diplomatic group to intensify support measures.
The transitional leader specifically highlighted the essential deployment of the Gang Repression Force (FRG) as imperative for ensuring successful elections. Both OAS and Inter-American Development Bank representatives reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Haiti’s National Identification Office in modernizing electoral registers and enhancing technical capacities for free, inclusive voting processes. Additional priorities included developing modern prison infrastructure and reintegrating children forcibly recruited by armed groups.
Secretary General Ramdin pledged continued close collaboration with Haitian authorities and international partners, particularly focusing on security enhancement, governance strengthening, and national identity card issuance—fundamental prerequisites for democratic elections. “Our collective efforts remain dedicated to achieving the peace, stability, and democratic renewal that the Haitian people rightfully deserve,” Ramdin affirmed.
Concluding the meeting, Saint-Cyr reiterated the Transitional Council’s determination to restore security, execute the roadmap, organize elections, and protect vulnerable populations while acknowledging that “Haiti cannot overcome challenges of this magnitude without international partnership.”