A private security firm owned by American businessman Erik Prince will deploy hundreds of foreign security contractors in Haiti to fight gang violence. Prince, founder of Blackwater—the security firm implicated in a 2007 massacre in Iraq—announced a 10-year contract with the Transitional Presidential Council, Haiti’s transitional government, to assist with security and tax collection. The government admitted to using foreign contractors in June but has not clarified contract terms or payments. Local and international experts have warned that outsourcing security to foreign private companies could severely undermine Haiti’s sovereignty and weaken accountability for crimes committed by such companies operating without oversight. Critics also note that the approach diverts attention and resources away from strengthening Haiti’s underfunded and understaffed police forces, as well as the Kenyan-led international police mission already deployed in the country. They warn of the risks of the conflict escalating.

Sources: The Guardian, Ap News, Haitian Times

On 18 September, Haiti's government announced the creation of a Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) to oversee the country's next elections, planned for 2026. Haiti last held elections in 2016. A previous CEP, formed in 2021, was dissolved by then-Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who accused it of partisanship and decided to delay the elections prompting wide social criticism. The new CEP appointment has been presented by the transitional government as a key step toward securing free and fair elections and restoring democratic stability. According to the Decree appointing the members of the CEP and setting their mandate, the CEP should consist of nine members representing various sectors. However, the government has so far appointed only seven members, drawn from groups representing journalists, farmers, universities, religious organizations, and unions. The two remaining seats, intended for representatives of the human rights and women’s rights sectors, remain vacant, as these groups have not yet appointed their representatives. They are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Update: On 13 December, the two remaining members of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) were sworn in. Yves Marie Edouard was appointed as the representative for the women's organizations sector, while Rose Thérèse Magalie Georges will represent the human rights sector. The appointments were made amid widespread criticism and demonstrations questioning the CEP's legitimacy.

Sources: Haitian Times (1) , Aljazeera, BBC, Haiti Libre, Le Quotidien 509, Haiti Times (2)

The first UN-backed contingent of police from Kenya, has arrived in Haiti to address a surge in gang violence that led to a severe humanitarian crisis in the country. The mission is the result of UN Security Council Resolution 2699, approved in 2023, with the mandate of providing “operational support” to the Haitian National Police to regain control of the country. Additional forces from the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Chad, and Jamaica are expected to join the contingent as well. Their mission is to stabilize Haiti's security crisis, including gangs’ control of 80 per cent of the capital, and to regain control of key infrastructure such as airports, ports and hospitals and highways. After months of anticipation, there is caution due to past failures of foreign interventions in Haiti to secure lasting peace, as well as scandals that have emerged around them. These include the UN’s previous mission, which ended in 2017 and faced criticism for sexual abuse and cholera outbreaks. The Kenyan police will support but not replace the Haitian National Police, aiming to restore order while avoiding a security vacuum post-mission.

Sources: Haitian Times, New York Times, AP News, El Pais, UN Security Council

The Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) of Haiti has appointed Garry Conille as the new Prime Minister, following the selection of Fritz Belizaire in late April. That process was tainted by allegations of procedural irregularities. The decision regarding Conille comes amid escalating gang violence in Port-au-Prince. Conille, a UN development specialist, had been UNICEF's regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean since January 2023 and had served as Haiti's prime minister from 2011 to 2012. The date for the installation of Conille's government is yet to be announced, with Boisvert managing affairs in the meantime. Conille was selected from a pool of over 200 applicants, and his appointment has received international support, including from the OAS and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Conille faces great challenges amidst the severe humanitarian crises that the country is undergoing. He has pledged to restore security, drive economic recovery, and organize elections in 2025. 

Update: On 11 November, the Transitional Presidential Council announced the replacement of Prime Minister Garry Conille with businessman Alix Didier Fils-Aimé. The decision follows rising tensions between Conille and the Council over his refusal to reshuffle his cabinet, and efforts to replace three Council members accused of corruption.

Sources:  Africa News, Haitian Times1, Haitian Times2, CBS News, Miami Herald, Le Monde