AGP Executive Report

Elections Security: Haiti’s CEP met with the Electoral Security Unit to map a security framework for upcoming polls, focusing on protecting voters, candidates, and election staff, plus safe transport of sensitive materials. Religious & Civic Stability: Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé opened a National Conference of Religious Leaders in Pétion-Ville, bringing together faith groups and officials to tackle violence prevention, youth support, and civic engagement. Health & Service Delivery: Haiti’s Nippes Health Directorate rolled out medical and pharmaceutical supplies to hospitals and clinics across multiple municipalities, urging careful use and reporting to improve access for vulnerable patients. Industrial Security in Tabarre: An inter-ministerial meeting in Tabarre—bringing together Public Works, Defense, and Trade—discussed road damage and the security crisis disrupting industry, with plans for a dedicated task force. Gang Violence & Police Operations: In L’Estère/Croix-Périsse, police operations targeted the “Kokorat San Ras” leader “Bendjy,” with clashes reported and Bendjy still at large. Drug Enforcement: BLTS seized 9kg of marijuana in Pétion-ville and arrested two suspects. Displacement Update: UN figures say nearly 1.5 million people are displaced in Haiti, with new surges tied to clashes in Port-au-Prince areas like Cité Soleil. Haiti’s World Cup Pressure Point: A Haitian midfielder based in Port-au-Prince is still awaiting a U.S. visa to join the squad in Florida as travel restrictions continue.

Haiti Displacement Crisis: The UN says nearly 1.5 million people are displaced in Haiti, with 95,000 newly displaced since December and violence in Port-au-Prince pushing the total there above 300,000, while most displaced families still lack food, shelter, water, sanitation, and healthcare. World Cup Access & Visas: Haiti’s only World Cup player based in Port-au-Prince, Woodensky Pierre, is still waiting on a U.S. visa as Trump-era travel restrictions disrupt travel for him and nearly a dozen Haitian federation officials. Regional Connectivity: Haiti and the Dominican Republic will resume passenger and cargo flights on May 30 after more than two years, routing through Cabo Haitiano as both sides cite improved cooperation and restored links. Air Travel Competition: Zed Airlines has started U.S.–Haiti flights, and travelers are watching whether competition will improve reliability and customer service beyond Sunrise’s long-standing dominance. CARICOM Diplomacy: CARICOM accredited Italy’s new ambassador, highlighting cooperation on energy, sustainable development, and regional cultural initiatives. Security & Mobility (CARICOM): Caribbean border officials met in Antigua to strengthen coordinated screening and fight cross-border crime, with Haiti flagged among nationalities affected by transit pre-vetting. Haiti in the Spotlight: Haitian Heritage Month events in New York linked Haiti’s independence legacy to the rule of law and equal justice debates today.

Haiti Justice Push: Haiti launched two specialized judicial units in Port-au-Prince to prosecute gang-linked mass atrocities, sexual violence, corruption, and electoral fraud, staffed by 25 magistrates under a 2025 decree—an attempt to break the cycle of impunity. Haiti World Cup Return: Haiti’s “Les Grenadiers” began World Cup preparations in the U.S., setting up a training camp at Stockton University in New Jersey after a 52-year absence, while one Haiti-based player’s camp debut was delayed by U.S. travel restrictions tied to the visa process. Regional Diplomacy: The Dominican Republic and the UN held a political dialogue on Haiti’s crisis, focusing on border management, security, human rights, and how to keep UN support aligned with regional stability. Global Spotlight on Violence: The UN added Israeli and Russian security forces to a blacklist over conflict-related sexual violence, with the report citing patterns in Gaza and the West Bank. Community Watch Parties: Worcester announced free 2026 World Cup watch parties on Worcester Common, including Haiti vs. Scotland, as Haitian fans look for new ways to celebrate amid ongoing instability.

Gang Violence & Displacement: New clashes in Port-au-Prince’s Cite Soleil forced hundreds to flee, with families scattered along routes to the main airport; Doctors Without Borders evacuated its hospital after treating dozens of gunshot victims and sheltering about 800 people. Haiti Security & Justice: Haitian journalists Junior Célestin and Osnel Espérance were abducted in Port-au-Prince and are now presumed executed, deepening fears for press freedom amid the security crisis. Immigration & Sport (US Travel Ban): Haiti’s federation says midfielder Woodensky Pierre’s U.S. visa delays tied to expanded travel restrictions are still holding him back from Florida camp, though officials expect clearance after he secures an official passport. International Diplomacy: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson met Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican, discussing slavery’s legacy, reparations, and ongoing wars—while also inviting the pope to Chicago in 2027. Regional Politics: CARICOM foreign ministers met in Suriname, tackling global tensions and Haiti’s security crisis while Trinidad and Tobago held back on a strongly worded Cuba sanctions line. France Colonial Law: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the Code Noir, a slavery-era legal framework that treated enslaved people as “moveable goods,” with the Senate next.

Gang Violence & Displacement: Fresh clashes in Port-au-Prince’s Cite Soleil have pushed hundreds into flight, with residents protesting for protection as families sleep in the streets and MSF evacuates its Cité Soleil hospital after treating dozens of gunshot victims. Security & Governance Pressure: Protesters say authorities have not released casualty information and demand police action against gangs that now control most of the capital. Haiti at the World Cup—Visa Block: Haiti’s only domestic-based World Cup player, Woodensky Pierre, is still awaiting a U.S. visa to join the squad in Florida, as expanded Trump travel restrictions continue to delay entry for Haitian federation officials. Diaspora Political Spotlight: Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey declared May 26 “Frantzdy Pierrot Day,” honoring the Haitian striker’s role in Haiti’s World Cup return and launching a foundation to connect young Haitian players to clubs abroad. Regional Diplomacy: CARICOM foreign ministers reaffirmed support for regionalism and coordinated foreign policy, with Haiti discussed in the broader Caribbean agenda.

Gang Violence & Displacement: Residents of Port-au-Prince’s Cité Soleil protested Tuesday, demanding government protection after gang fighting forced hundreds to flee their homes over the weekend. Haiti World Cup Logistics: Haiti’s Woodensky Pierre, the only squad member based in Haiti, is still awaiting a U.S. visa to join the team in Florida as Washington expands travel restrictions affecting Haiti-based officials. Diaspora Pride & Sports Diplomacy: Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey declared May 26 “Frantzdy Pierrot Day,” honoring the Haitian striker’s role in Haiti’s World Cup return after 52 years, and highlighting a new foundation to connect young Haitian players to overseas clubs. Regional Development: Rotary’s HANWASH initiative won a Programmes of Scale grant to expand safe water access across Haiti, including rural and urban communities. Security Force Update: Reporting also flags Haiti’s new anti-gang security push as violence surges and children face growing recruitment pressure.

Electoral Power Grab: Haiti’s transitional government is drawing fresh fire after proposed changes to the electoral decree sparked backlash from political parties, civil society, and lawyers—critics say the edits would tilt control toward the executive and weaken the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) just as elections promised for December 2026 approach. Gang Violence Pressure: UN reporting says conditions around Port-au-Prince are worsening as gang-related violence spikes, with civilians facing deteriorating safety and humanitarian access. World Cup Spotlight for Haiti: In the diaspora, Haiti’s 2026 return to the World Cup is getting major attention—Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey declared “Frantzdy Pierrot Day” for the Melrose-raised Haitian star ahead of Haiti’s June 13 match vs Scotland. Immigration Fear at Venues: Haitian fans in the U.S. say Trump-era immigration enforcement is making them think twice about travel and stadium attendance. Deportation Fallout: A separate report links Dominican hospital deportation crackdowns to more Haitian women giving birth at home, raising serious health risks.

World Cup Logistics: FIFA confirmed 2026 base camps for all 48 teams, with Ghana set for Boston’s Bryant University and Argentina/England training in Kansas City—while Iran will base in Tijuana, Mexico to dodge US visa issues. Immigration Pressure on Haitian Fans: Haiti’s first World Cup since 1974 is colliding with US enforcement fears, as Haitian diaspora fans say they’re weighing travel plans amid ICE crackdowns. Haiti in the US Spotlight: A Haitian-linked shooting case in North Miami Beach led to an arrest, underscoring how Little Haiti communities remain in the news beyond sports. Local Haitian Pride Abroad: Little Haiti (Miami) marked 10 years since its official designation, while a Massachusetts player, Frantzdy Pierrot, prepares to represent Haiti at the tournament. Ongoing Governance/Regional Legal Watch: Haiti-linked regional politics also surfaced via a Caribbean Court of Justice ruling backing Derek Ramsamooj, a sign of how cross-border rights disputes are playing out across CARICOM.

World Cup, ICE fears: Haitians and other immigrant communities in the U.S. are bracing for Trump-era immigration enforcement around World Cup venues, with people like an Ohio Haitian saying their lawyer advised them not to fly to avoid ICE at airports. Regional legal win: The Caribbean Court of Justice backed political analyst Derek Ramsamooj after his detention in Suriname, ruling that CARICOM treaty-based economic rights require baseline human-rights protections. Haiti governance on the ground: In Cap-Haïtien, ex-mayor Michel Saint-Croix has returned to lead a new interim municipal commission tasked with tackling sanitation, flooding, and crumbling infrastructure. IMF support continues: The IMF approved Haiti’s third staff-monitored program review and extended it to June 19, 2027, citing reform progress despite insecurity and political uncertainty.

Haiti Local Governance: Ex-Mayor Michel Saint-Croix has returned to lead Cap-Haïtien, taking charge of a new three-member interim municipal commission after months of public anger over garbage piling up, flooding risks, and crumbling infrastructure. Public Safety & Gangs: The wider context remains grim, with reports this week highlighting how children are getting caught in gang-police clashes—like the killing of 11-year-old Josué Saint-Vilus in Cul-de-Sac Plain—underscoring how violence keeps tightening daily life. IMF Oversight: In parallel, the IMF approved the third review of Haiti’s staff-monitored program and extended the reform track to 2027, citing progress despite delays tied to insecurity and political uncertainty. Humanitarian Pressure: The same IMF update flags worsening conditions—millions facing food insecurity and displacement—while Haiti’s political transition continues. Diaspora & Advocacy: Haitian groups abroad renewed calls for reparations and TPS extension, tying Haiti’s crisis to broader justice demands.

IMF Reform Anchor for Haiti: The IMF approved the third review of Haiti’s staff-monitored program and extended the reform path to June 19, 2027, saying end-December 2025 targets were met despite delays tied to insecurity and political uncertainty—while warning that gang violence and economic disruption keep humanitarian pressure rising. Cap-Haïtien Sanitation Reset: Ex-mayor Michel Saint-Croix has returned to lead a new interim municipal commission in Haiti’s second city, replacing the outgoing team amid public frustration over garbage, flooding, and crumbling infrastructure. Hunger as a War Tool: A new analysis says “food-related violence” has surged globally since 2018, with Haiti named among places where supplies and markets are targeted—adding to the urgency of Haiti’s food insecurity crisis. World Cup Pressure on Haitians Abroad: Haiti’s World Cup return after 52 years is colliding with U.S. immigration crackdowns and TPS uncertainty for Haitians in the U.S., raising fears of family separation and travel disruption around matches.

Hunger as a weapon in Haiti’s shadow: A new study says deliberate starvation tactics are rising, with 21,403 incidents of attacks on food supplies across 15 countries since 2018—Haiti named among places where markets and distribution systems are targeted, leaving civilians trapped without safe food. Cul-de-Sac Plain tragedy: In Port-au-Prince’s outskirts, 11-year-old Josué Saint-Vilus was killed in clashes between rival gangs and police, a stark reminder of how children’s dreams are being crushed by territorial fighting. Anti-gang force, child risk: As a new UN-backed gang suppression force begins deploying, coverage flags that 30–50% of gang members may be minors, with recruitment of children reportedly surging. US immigration pressure on Haitians: Separate reporting highlights how Haitian families face growing uncertainty abroad as US immigration rules tighten and detention conditions spark hunger strikes. World Cup politics meets Haiti: Haiti fans in the diaspora say ticket prices and travel bans are keeping many away from the first tournament appearance since 1974.

Food as a weapon: New analysis says “food-related violence” has surged since 2018, with 21,403 incidents across 15 countries and attacks hitting markets, farmland, and water systems—Haiti is named among the worst-hit. Haiti gang violence, child killed: In Cul-de-Sac Plain near Port-au-Prince, 11-year-old Josué Saint-Vilus was shot during clashes between rival gangs and police, a grim snapshot of civilians trapped in shifting control battles. Anti-gang force arrives as recruitment grows: As a new multinational gang suppression force begins deploying, reporting highlights how minors are being recruited and used at scale, with Haiti’s crisis tied to earlier armed-politics networks. Regional pressure on Haiti’s economy: The IMF extended Haiti’s staff-monitored programme through June 2027, warning higher oil prices are worsening fuel costs amid gang violence and a fragile political transition. Diaspora and TPS fallout: In the U.S., Haitian TPS termination fears keep driving political pressure, including a Massachusetts report warning of major healthcare workforce impacts if protections end. World Cup spillover: Haiti fans in the U.S. say ticket prices and travel bans are excluding many from the team’s first World Cup appearance since 1974.

Public Health Partnership: PAHO and the Carter Center signed a technical cooperation deal at the World Health Assembly to speed elimination of river blindness (onchocerciasis) and expand work on malaria and lymphatic filariasis across the Americas, including Hispaniola. Haiti Security & Gangs: As a new UN-backed anti-gang force edges closer, reporting highlights how gangs still control roughly 70–75% of Port-au-Prince, while Haiti’s government pushes recruitment and electoral-security training. Economy Under Pressure: The IMF extended Haiti’s staff-monitored programme through June 2027, warning that higher oil prices are worsening Haiti’s fuel bill and subsidy strain amid instability. TPS Fight in the U.S.: Haitian families and lawmakers are bracing for a Supreme Court decision on ending TPS; Massachusetts officials warn of major health-care workforce fallout. World Cup Fallout for Haitians: Haitian fans in the U.S. say high ticket costs and travel limits are keeping many away from the first tournament appearance since 1974.

Hunger Strike at Delaney Hall: Detainees at Newark’s Delaney Hall began a hunger strike May 22, saying they’re not asking for “better treatment” but for “freedom,” while families and advocates demand releases for elderly, young, and seriously ill detainees and call for Gov. Mikie Sherrill to visit and investigate. Anti-Gang Force Arrives as Haiti’s Children Pay the Price: As a new UN-backed anti-gang force deploys amid surging violence, coverage highlights how gangs recruit or traffic minors—estimates put minors at 30–50% of gang members, with a UN report saying child recruitment nearly tripled in 2025. Security and Military Push: Haiti’s FAd’H announced a mass recruitment drive across all 10 departments, aiming to enlist 1,000 members, while Brazil met Haiti’s defense and police leadership to expand training cooperation. IMF Pressure on Fuel Costs: The IMF extended Haiti’s staff-monitored programme through June 2027, warning higher oil prices are worsening fuel bills and subsidies during a fragile political transition. Diaspora Politics: AOC endorsed NJ-12 progressive candidate Adam Hamawy, who centers abolishing ICE and expanding healthcare.

TPS and Health Workforce: Massachusetts lawmakers Warren, Pressley, and Markey released a report warning that ending Haitian TPS could hit the U.S. health system hard, citing about 45,000 Haitians in Massachusetts who rely on the status to live and work—just as the Supreme Court weighs whether TPS can be dismantled. Security and Defense: Haiti’s FAd’H says it will launch a major recruitment drive across all 10 departments, aiming to enlist 1,000 new personnel, while Defense Minister Mario Andrésol met Brazil to expand military cooperation and training. Infrastructure Push: Public Works Minister Joseph Almathe Pierre Louis toured the Southeast, flagging a year-long outage at the Gaillard hydro plant and assessing river and road damage sites needing urgent repairs. Humanitarian Reality Check: UN officials warn gangs control roughly 70–75% of Port-au-Prince, as displacement and humanitarian needs deepen. Regional Diplomacy: CARICOM’s foreign ministers, meeting in Suriname, urged tighter coordination to deliver practical, people-centered outcomes amid global uncertainty.