Haiti: Former interim Director General of the HNP, Rameau Normil, subject to an order to appear

PORT-AU-PRINCE.— The former interim Director General of the Haitian National Police (HNP), Rameau Normil, is now subject to an order to appear issued by the Haitian justice system. He is summoned to appear on March 2, 2026, before investigating judge Walter Wesser Voltaire to answer serious accusations.

According to a judicial source close to the case, the former interim head of the police institution will have to explain alleged acts of criminal association, disappearance of weapons, and illegal sale of cartridges belonging to the HNP to armed gangs operating across the country. These allegations are particularly sensitive in a context where the illicit circulation of weapons fuels chronic insecurity.

The investigating magistrate reportedly decided to issue this order after Mr. Normil declined a first summons before the Criminal Investigating Chamber on February 3. This absence was reportedly interpreted by the judge as a refusal to cooperate with the ongoing investigation, thereby accelerating the judicial procedure.

This case comes amid an alarming security climate. The proliferation of weapons and the rise of armed groups continue to erode state authority and weaken sovereign institutions. The summons of the former interim head of the national police raises major questions about the management of arms and ammunition stocks within the security apparatus itself.

Furthermore, Philippe Jovin, former head of the Central Administrative Directorate of General Services, also named in this case, is expected to appear before the court on February 23. According to consistent sources, he reportedly requested a postponement of his appearance from the investigating judge.

At this stage, no formal indictment has been made public. Hearings scheduled in the coming weeks should allow the justice system to clarify potential responsibilities in this case, which has potentially serious implications for the police hierarchy and for the Haitian state as a whole.

Jean Mapou / Le relief