“The State will not yield any ground,” the Haitian National Police Director General's call to gangs to lay down their arms

PORT-AU-PRINCE.— In an increasingly chaotic security context, marked by a resurgence of armed violence, the interim Director General of the Haitian National Police (PNH), André Jonas Vladimir Paraison, addressed a message that was both firm and open to armed groups: the Haitian State will not yield any ground, but authorities are prepared to welcome those who choose to lay down their arms. Vladimir Paraison reaffirmed the Haitian National Police's determination to regain control of areas under the influence of criminal gangs. While the situation remains complex due to the high mobility of armed groups, who frequently change positions to evade law enforcement, the senior police official assured that operations are being conducted relentlessly. These actions aim to weaken gangs even in their strongholds, although the difficulty of fluid communication with local populations sometimes limits the effectiveness of interventions. “If we have not yet reached a specific point, it is because certain constraints have not been entirely lifted,” Paraison admitted, highlighting the logistical and operational challenges the institution faces. However, he assured that the Haitian National Police is present throughout the national territory, where conditions allow, and that it continues to demonstrate presence and authority. A Call for Voluntary Surrender In an appeal to gang members, the interim Director General invited criminals to renounce violence by voluntarily surrendering to authorities. According to him, legal mechanisms are in place to welcome those who choose the path of redemption. “There are numbers and contact points for surrender,” Paraison specified, adding that individuals opting for surrender would not be treated arbitrarily. However, surrender does not mean automatic amnesty: those concerned will have to answer for their actions before the Haitian justice system. The official also insisted that the laying down of arms must occur within a legal framework that respects human rights. In particular, he took care to specify that the rule of law would be respected in the treatment of individuals who choose to surrender. A Special Message to Young People Enrolled in Gangs Addressing young members of armed groups directly, Paraison expressed his seriousness and concern. “This is not the future you wanted,” he declared, emphasizing that life within gangs did not correspond to these young people's deep aspirations or future prospects. The Director General echoed the Haitian National Police's efforts to offer support to those who choose to break with violence, offering them a chance to reintegrate into society under dignified and legal conditions. To facilitate the surrender of gang members, the Haitian National Police has established several contact channels. Individuals wishing to surrender can do so by presenting themselves directly to a police unit, through radio stations, local authorities such as CASEC, or even through trusted relatives. Once the signal is given, law enforcement commits to intervening within 24 hours. An Appeal to the Conscience of Armed Groups Paraison did not fail to appeal to the conscience of armed groups, inviting them to reflect on the human consequences of their actions. “Too many lives have been lost because of this violence,” he lamented, while expressing his deep concern over the suffering of the civilian population, who continue to pay the heavy price of the clashes. Despite the structural and operational challenges it faces, the Haitian National Police remains convinced of its ability to contribute to the lasting restoration of peace in Haiti. “Security is an essential condition for the return to a more stable social and economic life,” concluded the interim Director General, reaffirming that the institution will deploy all legal means at its disposal to restore security and ensure a more peaceful future for the Haitian population. Jean Mapou Le Relief