Haiti PM prioritizes security and elections amid escalating gang violence

Haiti's Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé says restoring security and organizing elections remain his government's two main priorities as the Caribbean nation struggles to contain gang violence ahead of its planned December 13 polls.

In a national address flanked by officials of the multinational Gang Suppression Force (GSF), Fils-Aimé reaffirmed his government's commitment to restoring state authority and creating conditions for Haitians to elect new political leaders.

The prime minister's remarks come amid growing uncertainty over whether Haiti will be able to hold its long-awaited presidential and legislative elections on December 13, with widespread gang violence, voter registration challenges and preparations involving political parties threatening the electoral timetable.

“Today, the government has two priorities. First, to restore security in all territories. Second, to organise elections,” Fils-Aimé said.

“Today, I would like to tell everyone, all the people, that we are entering a decisive stage.”

The prime minister paid tribute to Haitian security personnel and international forces involved in efforts to reclaim territory from armed gangs, acknowledging the sacrifices being made to restore stability.

“I would like to pay a special tribute to everyone who has served Haiti, who has served the nation to restore security in the fight against the gangs,” he said.

“I would also like to send a message of solidarity to all Haitians, even if we are in a difficult situation.”

Fils-Aimé said the Haitian National Police (PNH), the Armed Forces of Haiti and international security partners are coordinating operations to combat gangs and strengthen the country's security institutions.

He emphasized that each institution has a distinct responsibility, with the police tasked with maintaining public safety and enforcing the law, while the military is responsible for national defense, territorial integrity and border security.

The prime minister said international forces are operating in support of Haitian authorities rather than replacing the country's security institutions.

He also thanked countries contributing personnel and resources to the multinational security effort, including Jamaica, Chad, Sri Lanka, Guatemala, Mongolia, El Salvador and Bangladesh.

“This international collaboration should be served with one goal, to help Haiti regain control of the territory, and to build its own security capacities,” he said.

Fils-Aimé stressed that the Haitian government would not surrender territory to criminal organizations, declaring that security operations would continue until armed groups were dismantled and state authority restored.

“Bandits must be punished. We will not tolerate abuse, ill-treatment, illegal acts of violence, or any violation of human rights,” he said.

The prime minister's address comes amid heightened scrutiny of El Salvador's military deployment following the disappearance of four Salvadoran aviation technicians during an armed gang attack on October 18.

Haitian police subsequently recovered the burned-out vehicle in which the technicians had been traveling in the Santo district of Croix-des-Bouquets, on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince.

However, the four men remain missing, and authorities have not established their whereabouts.

El Salvador has deployed more than 2,000 troops to Haiti to assist with the search and support operations against armed gangs.

The deployment has raised questions about command structures and oversight, with the United Nations indicating that most Salvadoran personnel are operating outside the formal framework of the UN-backed Gang Suppression Force.

Fils-Aimé has maintained that international forces are present to reinforce Haiti's security capabilities and that the Haitian state remains responsible for directing operations.

He also outlined plans to expand the country's security forces, including recruiting thousands of additional police officers and increasing the army's strength to 15,000 soldiers.

The prime minister said the government has invested in armored vehicles and other equipment to support security operations, including the acquisition of 40 additional vehicles in the past month.

He insisted that the fight against armed gangs must be conducted in accordance with Haitian law and international human rights obligations.

“We are not fighting against the people. We are fighting against gangs that treat the people as hostages,” he said.

The security crisis continues to complicate Haiti's political transition. The country has not held national elections since 2016 and has been without an elected president since the assassination of Jovenel Moïse in July 2021.

Although presidential and legislative elections had previously been scheduled for December 13, Haiti's Provisional Electoral Council announced a revised timetable in late October, postponing the first round until July 18, 2027, with a second round and local elections planned for October 4.

The delay underscores the challenges facing the government as armed gangs maintain control over significant portions of the capital and surrounding communities.

According to United Nations figures, more than 5,700 people were killed or injured in gang-related violence and security operations between January and mid-September 2026.

Despite the challenges, Fils-Aimé said his government remains determined to restore public order, reclaim territory and create the conditions necessary for credible elections.

“All the operations carried out by the forces in this national territory have been carried out with respect for the country’s law and the international commitment that has been signed,” he said.