Haitian Police Union Leader Calls for Increased Support Amid Gang Violence

Photo: Haiti Proj Info

February 26, 2025 Hour: 3:25 pm

Police union leader Garry Jean Baptiste has urged the Haitian government to provide more equipment and support as gangs, which control 85% of the capital, continue to expand their territory. Speaking outside the prime minister’s office, Jean Baptiste warned, “Take this insecurity seriously so more lives can be saved.”

The demands come in the wake of the fatal shooting of a Kenyan officer in Haiti’s gang-controlled Artibonite region. Jean Baptiste also criticized delayed salaries and called for financial aid for the families of fallen officers.

Authorities have yet to regain control, despite security operations. “Even when police show up, they leave soon after, and the gangs return stronger,” a community leader said. The fear is constant. pic.twitter.com/Kr5fy4o3S5
— Haitian Times (@HaitianTimes_) February 26, 2025

In response, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé pledged “massive investment” in police equipment, stating that Haiti is at war with gangs and aims to restore security for future elections.

Kenya has deployed hundreds of officers to assist Haiti’s struggling police force, with reinforcements from Jamaica, Guatemala, and El Salvador.