The State Confronting Gangs: Firm Rhetoric, Demand for Clarity Around Croix-des-Bouquets

Port-au-Prince, November 18, 2025 —Amid a climate of threats, law violations, and public displays of violence by gangs, several officials reiterate that bandits can in no way be stronger than the State. Authorities call on the population not to yield to pressure or intimidation, believing that ongoing operations demonstrate a renewed initiative by law enforcement. Security Crisis and Criticisms of Lack of Political Will For former Minister of Justice, Lucmane Delile, the problem is as follows: leaders have a strong connection with armed gangs. He also declared, this Monday, November 17, 2025, on Radio Télé Caraïbes during the Creole news program PREMYE OKAZYON, that he has no ties to gangs and does not defend them. He insists that these groups do not possess real power, but rather benefit from a lack of will and commitment on the part of certain officials and leaders to combat them. According to him, if gangs are not neutralized, they will eventually impose their law on the people, a consequence of prolonged tolerance. Firm Stance from the General Directorate of the Police The acting Director General of the National Police, Vladimir Paraison, reaffirmed that the police will intervene “by any means necessary” to reach the bandits. This position reflects a desire to amplify operations and strengthen the security response, as the PNH seeks to regain control of strategic areas. Cooperation Between Institutions and Strengthening Police Presence The Haitian National Police (PNH) emphasizes acting in collaboration with local authorities, the population, the Haitian Armed Forces, and international partners. The stated objective is to allow citizens to go about their daily lives and to restore a climate of peace and calm in areas affected by armed groups. Simultaneous Operations in Several Sensitive Areas Interventions have taken place in several localities, notably Duval, Croix-des-Bouquets, Carrefour Marassa, and Simon Pelé, declared the Deputy Director of Communication for the Haitian National Police, Michel Ange Louis Jeune. These actions aim to weaken criminal networks by multiplying fronts. The police also indicate that they remain vigilant to prevent violence recorded in certain departments from spreading elsewhere in the country. Outcome: Neutralization and Seizures Among Gang Ranks The communicated outcome, according to Michel Ange Louis Jeune, reports seven deaths among the bandits, a large quantity of ammunition seized, and the recovery of several weapons, including a BARETT rifle. The police also confirm that the member of the 400 Mawozo gang nicknamed Ti Lyon was fatally wounded in an intervention. Strategy for Consolidating Retaken Areas Authorities insist on the importance of not abandoning liberated zones after operations. The strategy of the Haitian National Police (PNH) is based on intensifying actions combined with consolidating retaken territories, an approach that requires active involvement from the population and coordination with local authorities. The Croix-des-Bouquets Controversy and the Case Related to André Apaid's Factory Michel Ange Louis Jeune, speaking on Radio Télé Caraïbes, plays a key role in the public interpretation of events in Croix-des-Bouquets. Revisiting the operations conducted in this sensitive area, he details the actions taken by the police to dislodge gangs and secure strategic spaces. His discourse aims to reassure the population by affirming that the Haitian National Police (PNH) remains present, vigilant, and determined to prevent the spread of violence to other regions. A Coincidence According to the Police The dissemination of videos showing bandits handling cannabis and other addictive substances, after declaring it to be the businessman's property, in the area where entrepreneur André Apaid's factory is located, has raised questions among the population. Some saw this as proof that police operations primarily aimed to protect the economic interests of a private actor rather than the needs of the people. Confronted with this perception, Michel Ange Louis Jeune clarifies: according to him, the “circumstances coincided,” implying that the police's retaking of this area was not a desire to protect an individual, but a security necessity. DCPJ's Commitment: An Investigation to Dispel Suspicions Still according to Michel Ange Louis Jeune's reported statements, the Central Directorate of Judicial Police (DCPJ) is not indifferent to public inquiries. He assures that the police will carry out their work “to shed light” on the activities observed in the area around the factory. This clarification aims to address a climate of suspicion and reaffirm the PNH's commitment to transparency, especially in a context where public opinion is sensitive to accusations of favoritism. Contacted by the editorial team of Le Relief Inter, the businessman concerned simply stated that it was still necessary to wait before he made public the information he holds. This reservation helps maintain certain grey areas but suggests that he might provide explanations later. A Multidimensional Fight Against Gangs All statements highlight that the fight against gangs goes beyond mere armed operations. It involves constant communication, institutional coordination, and the restoration of trust between law enforcement and the population. The Population, an Indispensable Actor Authorities reiterate that active citizen participation and cooperation with local institutions are essential to consolidate retaken territories. Without this support, operations risk not producing the announced lasting effects. A Challenge of Security, but Also of Credibility The management of controversies, such as that related to Croix-des-Bouquets, shows that the PNH must not only win the security battle but also the battle of public perception. The explanations provided by Michel Ange Louis Jeune are precisely part of this dynamic: to prevent unfounded suspicions from compromising public support for police efforts.