标签： Haiti

As Haiti commemorated the 222nd anniversary of its independence on January 1, 2026, diplomatic messages from international partners and diaspora consulates highlighted both the nation’s historic resilience and contemporary struggles. The occasion marked the world’s first independent Black republic, established in 1804 after a successful slave rebellion.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio conveyed America’s continued commitment to supporting Haiti’s security and democratic processes. “We stand with the people of Haiti on your Independence Day,” Rubio stated, emphasizing ongoing efforts to establish a Gang Suppression Force to combat violent groups designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations by the U.S. government. The Secretary also acknowledged progress by Haiti’s transitional government toward conducting the country’s first national elections in a decade.

Across the Haitian diaspora, consular officials struck a balance between celebration and solemn reflection. The Consulate General in Chicago evoked the legacy of revolutionary leaders Jean-Jacques Dessalines and the Indigenous Army, calling for national unity amid ongoing challenges. “Building a stable and prosperous Haiti is a daily endeavor that demands the patriotism and commitment of each and every one of us,” their message read.

From Montreal, consular officials emphasized that “peace remains the essential condition for building a prosperous and sustainable future,” while the Santiago Consulate in the Dominican Republic highlighted how Haiti’s national identity was “built on the rejection of injustice and arbitrary rule.”

The messages collectively acknowledged Haiti’s profound historical significance while addressing current security concerns and governance challenges. Despite political instability and security crises, the international community reaffirmed its support for Haiti’s sovereignty and democratic development as the nation enters its 223rd year of independence.

In a profound address marking World Peace Day, Pope Leo XIV has issued a resonant call for a “disarmed and disarming peace” specifically addressing the protracted crisis in Haiti. This theological framework presents a dual approach to resolving the nation’s violent turmoil, offering a spiritual counterpoint to ongoing security preparations.

Bishop Gontrand Décoste of Jérémie provided authoritative interpretation of the papal message, clarifying its practical implications for the Caribbean nation. He explained that “disarmed peace” necessitates the total elimination of firearms and complete cessation of armed hostilities across Haitian territory. Simultaneously, “disarming peace” represents a diplomatic process encouraging armed factions to voluntarily relinquish weapons, thereby facilitating the restoration of state authority and national security infrastructure.

The pontiff’s intervention arrives amid escalating gang dominance that continues to paralyze Haiti’s economy through systematic road blockades and regional narcotics trafficking. Bishop Décoste condemned how certain entities “profit from insecurity and ammunition sales while the population endures abject poverty,” highlighting the economic dimensions of the security crisis.

Despite these challenges, the Haitian church demonstrates remarkable resilience. Four decades after Pope John Paul II’s historic visitation, the prophetic declaration that “Haiti will live” continues to inspire spiritual resistance through Marian pilgrimages in Port-au-Prince. These processions have evolved into acts of collective faith against overwhelming darkness, embodying the conviction that “evil will not prevail” as emphasized in Leo XIV’s message.

For marginalized communities bearing the brunt of violence, this papal communication reaffirms that the current crisis represents a conquerable challenge rather than an inevitable fate, emphasizing unity and faith as foundational to national recovery. The spiritual appeal coincides with practical preparations for the anticipated April 2026 deployment of an international security force aimed at suppressing gang operations.

In a decisive blow against organized crime, Haitian National Police (PNH) forces conducted a major tactical operation in the Bel-Air neighborhood on December 30, 2025. The targeted raid focused on the stronghold of notorious gang leader Jamesley, resulting in the neutralization of multiple armed combatants and the confiscation of a substantial weapons cache. Despite these successes, authorities confirmed that Jamesley himself evaded capture during the operation.

The seized contraband included sophisticated military-grade equipment: a Mavic surveillance drone, multiple handguns (9mm and .22mm pistols), high-caliber assault weapons including an M16 rifle, Kalashnikov rifle, and 9mm submachine guns, complemented by three 12-gauge shotguns. Law enforcement also recovered critical logistical support equipment including weapon magazines, communication radios, power batteries, and various bladed weapons such as machetes and axes.

Most notably, the operation intercepted a massive ammunition stockpile totaling several thousand rounds. The haul included 4,094 rounds of 5.56mm caliber and 867 rounds of 7.62mm caliber ammunition, indicating substantial offensive capabilities. All confiscated materials underwent formal registration and certification by the Weapons Service of the PNH’s Logistics Directorate.

The operation marks a strategic victory for Haitian authorities, with specialized units successfully degrading the armed group’s logistical infrastructure. While Jamesley remains at large, police officials emphasized that his operational capacity has been severely compromised through the equipment seizure. In a symbolic conclusion, PNH’s heavy equipment unit completely demolished Jamesley’s residential compound.

PNH leadership reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to pursuing, dismantling, and permanently eradicating criminal enterprises to restore national security, public order, and state authority for the benefit of all Haitian citizens.

In a significant counter-trafficking operation on December 29, 2025, Haitian law enforcement intercepted a substantial cache of illicit weapons and ammunition at the Port of Cap-Haïtien. The joint operation conducted by the Anti-Narcotics Brigade (BLTS) and Customs authorities uncovered the concealed arsenal within shipping containers that had originated from the United States.

Authorities discovered the weapons meticulously hidden inside boxes within a container operated by international shipping giant CMA CGM. The seizure included sophisticated military-grade equipment: three firearms comprising two 9mm pistols (manufactured by Ruger and Taurus) and one high-caliber 7.62mm AK-47 assault rifle. The inventory further revealed eight magazines (four for each caliber) alongside 1,800 rounds of 9mm ammunition systematically packaged across 36 boxes containing 50 rounds each.

During the operation at the CTSA 2 terminal, law enforcement apprehended 43-year-old Jean Marie Clément Thelusma, identified as both the owner of the contraband and a suspected arms trafficker. Thelusma was taken into custody at the scene following the discovery.

This successful interdiction highlights enhanced coordination between specialized units of the Haitian National Police (PNH) and customs authorities, demonstrating considerable progress in securing the nation’s critical entry points against transnational trafficking networks. The operation marks a substantial victory in Haiti’s ongoing efforts to combat organized crime and stabilize regional security.

Significant progress is being made on the comprehensive modernization of Haiti’s Antoine Simon International Airport in Les Cayes, with construction reaching 80% completion by mid-December. The ambitious renovation project, which commenced in September 2025, remains on track for its initial December 31st delivery deadline despite challenging circumstances.

The transformative initiative has already achieved a critical milestone: formal approval from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was granted in early December. This authorization officially permits direct flight operations between the United States and Les Cayes, marking a substantial advancement for regional connectivity and economic prospects.

A specialized task force from Haiti’s National Airport Authority (AAN) is currently overseeing operations on-site to ensure rigorous adherence to international aviation standards. This oversight team includes representatives from three key regulatory bodies: the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Haiti’s own National Civil Aviation Office (OFNAC).

The renovation project, executed by Haitian construction firm SD Construction S.A. under the technical supervision of BETA Consulting Engineers, encompasses comprehensive terminal enhancements designed to elevate passenger experience. Key improvements include complete reconfiguration of passenger flow systems with repositioned check-in counters and security checkpoints, establishment of dedicated sovereign service areas for immigration and customs processing, and enhanced traveler comfort through new international departure and VIP lounges complemented by full terminal air conditioning.

Beyond terminal improvements, substantial security and technical infrastructure upgrades are simultaneously progressing. These include installation of temporary lighting systems, construction of a new Road Access and Screening Post (PARIF), and imminent commissioning of specialized technical rooms housing advanced IT and video surveillance systems. While these interventions represent temporary solutions pending a future master plan development, they ensure immediate operational capability meeting stringent international security protocols.