Université Soleil d’Haiti: A Temple of Knowledge Reduced to Ashes
, November 3, 2025. An arson attack completely ravaged the premises of Université Soleil d’Haiti (USH), located on Rue O, in Turgeau.
By Jean Wesley Pierre · Port-au-Prince
· 3 min read · Updated 24 April 2026
Translated from French — AI-assisted and reviewed by the editorial team. The French version is authoritative. Read the original · About our translation policy
Port-au-Prince, November 3, 2025. An arson attack completely ravaged the premises of Université Soleil d’Haiti (USH), located on Rue O, in Turgeau. The institution, founded by Me Jean Renel Sénatus, former senator for the West in the 50th legislature, is now nothing but a field of ruins after the flames passed through on the night of Saturday, November 1, 2025.
A criminal act signed, the “Viv Ansanm” coalition
According to initial information gathered, heavily armed individuals, identified as members of the criminal group “Viv Ansanm,” are believed to be behind the fire. These men, arriving on motorcycles, reportedly stormed the premises before setting them ablaze.
Witnesses state that the assailants invaded the premises, took equipment, then set the building on fire. Firefighters, arriving several hours later, could only observe the extent of the damage.
Université Soleil d’Haiti (USH) shared the same building as Radio Émancipation FM, a station known for its highly-rated show “Ti Koze ak TT,” hosted by Tériel Thélus, a virulent critic of the “Viv Ansanm” coalition’s activities. According to several sources, the station had been subjected to threats and intimidation for several months.
The flames completely destroyed classrooms, laboratories, administrative offices, and educational materials.
Material losses are considerable, although no human casualties have been reported. Founded by former senator Jean Renel Sénatus, Université Soleil d’Haiti (USH) welcomed several hundred students from various backgrounds. It offered training in several scientific disciplines and aimed to be a learning space for many young people aspiring to a better future. Its destruction represents a severe blow to Haitian higher education, already weakened by the security, economic, and institutional crisis facing the country. Authorities' Silence and Call for an Investigation To date, no official communication has been made by the authorities regarding the exact circumstances of the disaster or the measures planned to support the victims. Observers are calling for a thorough investigation to identify the perpetrators of this criminal act and to ensure the security of the country's educational institutions. The destruction of Université Soleil d’Haiti once again illustrates the vulnerability of the Haitian educational sector in the face of rising urban violence. In a context where several university entities have already closed their doors or relocated due to insecurity, this new fire marks a tragic step in the disintegration of the national education system. For many students, teachers, and residents of the neighborhood, this tragedy symbolizes the loss of a space of knowledge and freedom, a place that offered an alternative to resignation and ignorance. In summary, of Université Soleil d’Haiti, only smoking ruins remain today. But this disaster, beyond the material losses, raises an essential question: How can Haiti hope to rebuild its future when even places of knowledge become targets?
Material losses are considerable, although no human casualties have been reported. Founded by former senator Jean Renel Sénatus, Université Soleil d’Haiti (USH) welcomed several hundred students from various backgrounds. It offered training in several scientific disciplines and aimed to be a learning space for many young people aspiring to a better future. Its destruction represents a severe blow to Haitian higher education, already weakened by the security, economic, and institutional crisis facing the country. Authorities' Silence and Call for an Investigation To date, no official communication has been made by the authorities regarding the exact circumstances of the disaster or the measures planned to support the victims. Observers are calling for a thorough investigation to identify the perpetrators of this criminal act and to ensure the security of the country's educational institutions. The destruction of Université Soleil d’Haiti once again illustrates the vulnerability of the Haitian educational sector in the face of rising urban violence. In a context where several university entities have already closed their doors or relocated due to insecurity, this new fire marks a tragic step in the disintegration of the national education system. For many students, teachers, and residents of the neighborhood, this tragedy symbolizes the loss of a space of knowledge and freedom, a place that offered an alternative to resignation and ignorance. In summary, of Université Soleil d’Haiti, only smoking ruins remain today. But this disaster, beyond the material losses, raises an essential question: How can Haiti hope to rebuild its future when even places of knowledge become targets?
