In a week marked by both conflict and cultural celebration, Haiti witnessed significant events across various sectors. On November 2nd, 2025, a major police operation targeted a gang led by ‘Jouma’ in the Simon Pelé and Village Solidarité neighborhoods. Elite units, including SWAT, UTAG, and UDMO, employed kamikaze drones to dismantle fortified gang positions, clearing strategic routes between Cité Militaire and Simon Pelé. While official casualty figures remain undisclosed, preliminary reports indicate numerous gang members were killed, alongside civilian casualties. Simultaneously, Voodoo practitioners celebrated ‘Gede,’ a ritual festival honoring the bond between the living and the dead through songs, offerings, and invocations. In Petit-Goâve, the discovery of five more bodies near the Ladique River raised the death toll from Tropical Storm Melissa to 36. On the diplomatic front, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a photo exhibition at the Jean Price Mars Diplomatic Academy, showcasing Haiti’s diplomatic history from the League of Nations to the United Nations. In the arts, Prime Minister Alix Didier Gils-Aimé congratulated Yanick Lahens for winning the 2025 French Academy Novel Prize for her work ‘Passagères de nuit.’ Sports enthusiasts celebrated Fantastik’s double victory at the Super 8 basketball tournament in Cap-Haïtien, with standout performances from Marcelus Jimmy and Démis Devens.
标签： Haiti
海地
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Elections : Urgent need to regulate online disinformation
As Haiti prepares for its 2025 elections, a critical gap in the draft Electoral Decree has raised concerns about the integrity of the democratic process. The current draft, under public consultation, lacks specific provisions to address online disinformation, social media-sponsored campaigns, and the protection of candidates from cyber harassment. This oversight poses a significant threat to the credibility and fairness of the elections, particularly in a nation where 2.65 million active social media users—representing 22.4% of the total population and 35.4% of adults—rely heavily on platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, and TikTok for political engagement. Without regulation, the electoral process is vulnerable to manipulation, opaque financing, and cyberviolence, which could undermine public trust and democratic stability. Key risks include the rapid spread of rumors, deepfakes, and falsified content; untraceable political advertising; harassment of candidates, especially women; and the erosion of voter confidence. To address these challenges, experts recommend integrating a clear legal framework into the Electoral Decree, mandating transparency for sponsored messages, and establishing a National Digital Electoral Monitoring Unit to detect and respond to threats swiftly. These measures, aligned with international best practices, aim to safeguard the right to information, ensure campaign transparency, and protect democratic participation. The author, Jean Marie Altéma, a specialist in digital strategy and governance, urges electoral authorities, policymakers, media, civil society, and international partners to act urgently to preserve the integrity of Haiti’s elections and uphold democratic peace.
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Brazil : How to apply for a Family Reunification Visa (VITEM XI)
In a significant move to support Haitian families, Brazil has streamlined the process for obtaining Family Reunification Visas (VITEM XI) through a collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). As of March 2025, approximately 180,000 Haitians reside in Brazil, with children born to Haitian parents in the country enjoying equal civil rights, including access to healthcare and education, as stated by Brazilian Ambassador Luis Fernando de Carvalho. The Visa Application Center for Brazil (CAVB), managed by IOM since 2015, exclusively assists Haitian citizens in applying for temporary humanitarian and family reunification visas. The center provides comprehensive administrative support, including form completion, document verification, and secure document transfer. However, CAVB staff do not influence visa decisions, which remain the sole responsibility of the Brazilian Embassy in Port-au-Prince. Applicants must submit a range of documents, including a valid passport, recent photos, a criminal record extract, and notarized copies of residence permits and identity documents. Notably, for 2025, notarized documents can be submitted via email, though the embassy may request physical copies if necessary. To schedule an appointment, applicants must verify their documents with a call center agent. The CAVB is located in Port-au-Prince and requires a confirmed appointment for visits.
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Economy : Towards the implementation of the One-Stop Investment Window
On October 30, 2025, Haiti took a significant step toward modernizing its investment landscape with the convening of the Steering Committee for the Electronic Single Window for Investment (GUI). Chaired by James Monazard, Minister of Commerce and Industry, the meeting marked the continuation of efforts to implement this transformative project, which was first initiated in 2019 and officially launched in July 2025. The GUI aims to centralize administrative procedures for investors on a single digital platform, drawing inspiration from successful models in Rwanda, Jamaica, Singapore, and Guyana. Minister Monazard emphasized the project’s potential to make Haiti a competitive economic destination by fostering transparency, reliability, and efficiency. Currently, investors face a cumbersome process involving over 12 steps and six institutions, often taking up to nine months to complete. The GUI seeks to streamline this process, leveraging technological advancements and addressing Haiti’s unique challenges. Marie Fatima Léonne C. Prophète, Director General of the Investment Facilitation Center (CFI), highlighted the project’s broader goals: attracting foreign direct investment, encouraging diaspora participation, and enhancing institutional coordination. The initiative is supported by a robust governance structure, including a Steering Committee and Technical Secretariat, with involvement from key institutions such as the General Customs Administration, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the Bank of the Republic of Haiti. Upcoming steps include developing a technological prototype, drafting specifications, and creating user manuals. However, challenges remain, including system interoperability, digital payment accessibility, and the establishment of a legal framework for electronic signatures. Despite these hurdles, the GUI represents a bold effort to modernize Haiti’s administration, reduce registration times, and boost investor confidence. If successful, the project could revolutionize the country’s business climate, contributing to the CFI’s strategic goals of 60 new investment projects and 35,000 jobs by 2027.
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Justice: A fugitive police officer wanted for rape on minor
The Ministry for the Status of Women and Women’s Rights (MCFDF) has expressed deep outrage following reports that a 16-year-old girl was allegedly raped by Sévère Aly, a Haitian National Police (PNH) officer stationed in Saint-Marc. The incident, which occurred in July 2025, has drawn widespread condemnation from government officials and the public alike. Minister Pedrica Saint-Jean, speaking on behalf of the MCFDF, strongly denounced the act, emphasizing the betrayal of trust by a public servant sworn to protect citizens. The Ministry has called on the PNH and the Ministry of Justice to take immediate administrative and legal actions to ensure the perpetrator is held accountable under the 2005 Decree on sexual assault. The Haitian National Police has confirmed that Officer Aly is currently a fugitive and that a warrant for his arrest has been issued. The Inspector General’s Office has been notified, and the PNH High Command has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for ethical or legal violations. The institution has pledged full cooperation with the justice system to ensure accountability and uphold the rule of law. The case has sparked calls for systemic reforms to prevent such abuses of power in the future.
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News : Zapping…
Haiti has been thrust into the spotlight following a series of significant events that underscore the nation’s ongoing struggles and resilience. In a devastating act of violence, Université Soleil d’Haïti (USH), founded by former senator Jean Renel Sénatus, was reduced to ashes in an arson attack. This institution, a beacon of education, now lies in ruins, symbolizing the fragility of Haiti’s social infrastructure. Simultaneously, the home of Elysée Blaise, interim executive agent at Montrouis City Hall, and his mother’s residence were torched by members of the notorious ‘Taliban’ gang, further highlighting the pervasive insecurity plaguing the region. Amidst these challenges, Haiti finds hope in Melissa Queenie Sapini, a Haitian-American journalist and social activist, who will represent the nation at the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand. Sapini, co-founder of The Two Queens Foundation, continues to champion education and literacy in Haiti. On the diplomatic front, Laurent Saint-Cyr, President pro tempore of Haiti’s Transition Council, arrived in Doha, Qatar, to participate in the Second World Summit for Social Development, signaling Haiti’s commitment to global collaboration. Meanwhile, Port-au-Prince undergoes critical road rehabilitation on Faustin 1er Road, with temporary closures aimed at ensuring safety and efficiency. In a gesture of solidarity, the United States has extended aid to Haitians affected by Hurricane Melissa, distributing essential supplies through the International Organization for Migration (IOM). These events collectively paint a picture of a nation grappling with adversity while striving for progress and international engagement.
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Post-Melissa : 2 tons of medical supplies delivered to the Western Health Directorate
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which brought devastating floods to Haiti, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) has stepped up its efforts to assist the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP). The torrential rains have led to tragic consequences, including 31 fatalities, 20 injuries, and 21 individuals still missing as of October 31. Over 1,000 homes have been inundated, 10 health facilities compromised, and more than 15,000 people displaced, now residing in temporary shelters. PAHO/WHO field teams are actively working alongside the MSPP to ensure uninterrupted access to essential health services and to mitigate the risk of disease outbreaks. These teams are conducting assessments in shelters and health facilities across the affected regions to bolster local response capabilities. At the behest of Dr. Bertrand Sinal, MSPP Minister, nearly 2 tons of medical supplies have been dispatched to the West Health Directorate. This crucial delivery was facilitated by the European Union’s Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and the Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA), aiming to enhance healthcare provision in the impacted areas. Additionally, medical supplies and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) equipment are being strategically positioned to swiftly address any potential cholera resurgence. Despite these efforts, significant health needs persist, and ongoing support is imperative to aid the affected populations amidst challenging operational conditions. Communication barriers are impeding the flow of information from health facilities and displacement sites, thereby complicating coordination and rapid response efforts. Moreover, obstructed roadways are hampering the land-based delivery of aid, while financial constraints could delay the execution of critical health interventions.
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FLASH : Capacity Building Program for Political Parties (video)
On November 1st, 2025, Haiti’s Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, alongside members of the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT), inaugurated the Political Party Capacity Building Program at the Karibe Convention Center in Port-au-Prince. This ambitious initiative aims to empower over a thousand representatives from political parties across all ten departments, fostering a revitalized political landscape and strengthening democratic culture. The program is designed to create conditions for free, inclusive, and peaceful elections, marking a significant step in Haiti’s transitional governance. Training sessions will be conducted through three regional hubs: Port-au-Prince (West), Cap-Haitien (North), and Les Cayes (South). Developed by Haitian professionals, the program emphasizes national expertise and sustainability, structured around three key modules. The Center for the Promotion of Democracy and Participatory Education (CPDEP) will focus on organizational and functional strengthening, addressing internal governance, electoral legislation, and political ethics. Groupe Croissance S.A. will enhance leadership and financial capacity, promoting transparency and responsible resource management. Meanwhile, DAGMAR S.A. will lead efforts in communication and technological strengthening, equipping parties with digital tools and modern political communication strategies. The launch also introduced a new digital platform developed by the Information Technology and Statistics Support Group (GSIS) for registering political parties and their members. This platform aims to modernize and increase transparency in Haiti’s political system, providing the state with a reliable and secure database. Prime Minister Fils-Aimé emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting political parties in the electoral process, urging them to embrace governance based on competence, tolerance, and transparency. The first training sessions are set to begin in November 2025. As of October 22, 2025, the Ministry of Justice confirmed that over 220 political parties had registered for the upcoming elections, a 34% increase compared to the previous cycle.
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Health : Haiti and the Dominican Republic united for prevention
In a significant move to address public health challenges, officials from Haiti and the Dominican Republic convened in the border region of Dajabón to enhance epidemiological surveillance and foster bilateral cooperation. The meeting focused on mitigating health risks, particularly in light of the cholera alert in Haiti and the prevalence of respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses in the region. Haitian representatives expressed their commitment to collaboration, highlighting the potential for future joint initiatives. Dominican authorities reassured that no cholera cases have been reported in their northern border area, attributing this to effective public health campaigns promoting education, sanitation, and hygiene. Both nations pledged to bolster early warning systems, technical cooperation, and training programs for healthcare workers. These initiatives will emphasize early disease detection, rapid response, and the exchange of real-time epidemiological data. Additionally, vaccination and disinfection campaigns will be coordinated in high-risk zones. The collaboration also aims to engage local communities through awareness programs on hygiene and disease prevention, ultimately strengthening the resilience of border populations and reducing the risk of cross-border contagion.
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Politic : Laurent Saint-Cyr in Doha, Qatar
Laurent Saint-Cyr, the President pro tempore and Coordinator of Haiti’s Transition Council, embarked on a crucial diplomatic mission to Doha, Qatar, on October 31, 2025. His participation in the Second World Summit on Social Development marks a pivotal moment for Haiti, which is grappling with a deepening humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the imminent threat of Hurricane Melissa. Saint-Cyr emphasized that this visit is far from symbolic, stating, ‘We will continue our work on the ground, alongside our diplomatic efforts, to ensure that resolving the Haitian crisis remains a top priority among all major global emergencies.’ The summit, attended by heads of state, government leaders, and international organizations, provides Haiti with a unique platform to secure financial and technical assistance, strengthen security, and lay the groundwork for free and credible elections. During his stay, Saint-Cyr will also engage with Qatari authorities to further discussions initiated at the 80th United Nations General Assembly, aiming to mobilize essential resources and partnerships. Back in Haiti, the Transition Council and the government remain actively engaged in coordinating relief efforts and providing support to communities most affected by the hurricane.