This week, Vladimir Paraison, Acting Director General of the Haitian National Police (PNH), accompanied by senior officials from the police institution, met with a high-level Canadian delegation. This delegation included Bob Rae, Permanent Representative of Canada to the UN, and François André Giroux, Ambassador of Canada to Haiti.

During a key meeting, the Haitian National Police (PNH) provided an update on joint operations with the Kenyan-led Multinational Mission. Paraison highlighted the progress made through enhanced coordination, while highlighting the complexity of urban operations.

Several major challenges were identified :

• The chronic understaffing of the PNH, with less than one police officer per 1,000 inhabitants;

• The mobility and adaptation of gangs in densely populated areas;

• Recruitment by gangs exploiting poverty and deportees from the Dominican Republic;

• The need to preserve the safety of civilians during operations;

• The need for an integrated approach combining territorial reconquest and the restoration of state authority.

The Haitian National Police (PNH) outlined its priority needs, including:

Material reinforcement :

• Protective equipment, armored vehicles, and communications systems.

Skills development :

• Specialized training (counterinsurgency, intelligence, crisis management);

• Modernization of command and control infrastructure.

The Canadian envoys reiterated their unwavering support for the PNH and expressed openness to the idea of ​​enhanced support tailored to the specific needs of the Haitian police.

Both parties recognized the need for a strengthened operational partnership, appropriate international support, and a comprehensive strategy combining immediate security and long-term stabilization.

After the meeting, Paraison expressed satisfaction with the dialogue and reaffirmed his determination to fight gangs despite the PNH's limited resources. He emphasized that Haitian police officers are not heroes, but simply dedicated citizens who refuse to abandon their country. He concluded by affirming their unwavering commitment, regardless of the difficulties.

HL/ HaitiLibre