AGP Executive Report

Security Crisis: El Salvador sent 100 special forces to Haiti to help find four Salvadoran aviation technicians missing after a gang attack on their vehicle in Croix-des-Bouquets. President Nayib Bukele has threatened a stronger response if they are not returned safely, raising concerns about an expanded foreign military role. Elections and Governance: CARICOM chair Phillip J. Pierre defended the UN-backed Gang Suppression Force, saying Haiti is “bleeding.” December elections have already been postponed indefinitely amid escalating violence, and UN officials warn gangs are expanding into rural areas. Daily Life Under Insecurity: Haiti’s national football team will play its “home” Nations League match against the United States in Miami on Nov. 14, reflecting the country’s continued inability to host international events safely.

Security Crisis: El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele says a military operation is underway to rescue four Salvadoran aviation technicians missing since a gang ambush in Croix-des-Bouquets. He has threatened a wider response if they are not returned unharmed. Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force says search operations continue; several gang members were killed and four force members injured. Elections Under Pressure: The UN warns escalating violence and displacement threaten Haiti’s delayed elections and cautions against setting unrealistic voting dates. More than 10,000 people have been displaced in Artibonite, according to the International Organization for Migration. Presidential Race: Former President Michel Martelly has registered as a candidate for the upcoming election, though the timetable remains uncertain.

Security Crisis: El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele says his military has launched an operation to rescue four Salvadoran aviation technicians missing after a gang ambush in Croix-des-Bouquets. The men served with the UN-backed Gang Suppression Force, which says clashes have injured four of its personnel as the search continues. Elections and Displacement: The UN warns gang violence is undermining Haiti’s political transition and threatening elections, now postponed indefinitely. Nearly 1.5 million people have been displaced, while more than 1,100 were killed between July and early October, according to a UN report. Haitian Diaspora: Springfield, Ohio, residents and supporters have begun a march to Columbus, urging state leaders to press for permanent protection for Haitians, an end to ankle monitors, and the release of detained community members to their families.

Security Crisis: Four Salvadoran personnel serving with Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force remain missing after an ambush in Croix-des-Bouquets. Haitian sources blame the Chen Mechan gang; Guatemala has sent reinforcements as fighting hampers search efforts. International Response: France urged the UN Security Council to speed the force’s deployment, sanction gang supporters and strengthen Haiti’s courts and prisons. The UN says more than 1,000 people were killed and over 100 kidnapped from July to September as gangs challenged state authority. Elections: Haiti’s electoral council has postponed the planned December vote indefinitely, citing changes to the electoral decree and organizational hurdles. Rights advocates warn the delay leaves communities, including LGBT+ Haitians, exposed amid worsening insecurity. Former president Michel Martelly has registered as a presidential candidate, despite controversy.

Security Crisis: Four Salvadoran air force technicians serving with Haiti’s UN-backed Gang Suppression Force remain missing after gangs ambushed their armored vehicle in Croix-des-Bouquets. Fighting has blocked search efforts; Haitian sources linked the alleged capture to the Chen Mechan gang. Guatemala has sent additional troops to reinforce the force. International Response: France urged the UN Security Council to facilitate the force’s deployment, sanction gang supporters and strengthen Haiti’s courts and prisons. The UN says more than 1,000 people were killed in Haiti from July through September as gangs challenged state authority. Political Transition: Haiti’s elections have been postponed indefinitely, with no new date announced. China urged Haitian authorities and political factions to advance the political process, warning that repeated delays are eroding public confidence.

Security Crisis: Gangs ambushed a UN-backed Gang Suppression Force vehicle in Croix-des-Bouquets, leaving four Salvadoran personnel missing. Search teams have come under fire, marking the force’s first major attack since operations began. Elections on Hold: Haiti’s planned Dec. 13 presidential and legislative elections have been postponed indefinitely. At the UN, officials warned that gangs are adapting to security operations, retaliating against civilians and expanding into rural areas; more than 1,100 people were killed in gang violence from July to early October. Political Pressure: China urged Haitian authorities and political factions to overcome self-interest and advance the stalled transition, while calling for stronger action against illicit weapons and greater attention to basic services. Former President Michel Martelly has registered as a presidential candidate, amid controversy.

Security Crisis: Four Salvadoran technicians serving with Haiti’s UN-backed Gang Suppression Force remain missing after gangs ambushed their armored vehicle in Croix-des-Bouquets, the force’s first major attack since operations began. Sri Lanka has sent 498 personnel to reinforce the mission. Election Pressure: The UN warned Haiti’s leaders against announcing voting dates without a realistic security and logistics plan. More than 1,000 people were killed and 17,000 displaced from July to September; nearly 1.5 million people are now displaced. Former President Michel Martelly has registered as a presidential candidate amid controversy. Sanctions: The Security Council renewed Haiti sanctions for a year, including an arms embargo, in a 14-0 vote; Russia abstained. Deportation Policy: A PBS Frontline documentary airing today examines the U.S. decision to end Haitians’ Temporary Protected Status and the risks of deporting people to a country still facing gang violence.

Security: The UN Security Council renewed Haiti sanctions for a year, including an arms embargo, in a 14-1 vote; Russia abstained. Sri Lanka sent 498 more personnel to the Gang Suppression Force, while a 50-member Bangladeshi advance team arrived ahead of a larger deployment. Election Politics: Former president Michel Martelly has provisionally registered as a presidential candidate. A revised electoral decree removed financial-screening requirements for candidates, drawing concern over the possibility of sanctioned figures entering politics. Gang Violence: Armed groups are expanding into rural areas, using roadblocks, kidnappings and raids; gang attacks in Gros-Morne displaced more than 10,000 people in late September and October. Government & Aid: Haiti’s finance minister pressed international partners in Bangkok to preserve grant and other concessional financing, while a $75 million UN fund allocation is set to aid 507,000 people facing violence and displacement.

Moïse Assassination: Eighteen defendants were flown from Haiti to Miami to face U.S. charges tied to the 2021 killing of President Jovenel Moïse; prosecutors allege the plot involved fraud and money laundering. Election Politics: Former President Michel Martelly has registered to run, bringing the number of online candidates to 16. His bid awaits approval, and his possible comeback faces scrutiny over sanctions and allegations he denies. U.S.-Caribbean Relations: Haiti’s prime minister joined regional leaders in Washington, where the U.S. announced $340.3 million for Caribbean and Central American connectivity, health and security. CARICOM urged practical follow-through and said Haiti’s security crisis must remain central. Gang Violence: The UN Security Council renewed Haiti sanctions and arms restrictions as violence continues; Sri Lanka also sent 498 more military and security personnel to the international mission. Police Procurement: A private firm’s arms deal with Haitian police is under scrutiny, with at least $7 million in public funds unaccounted for and questions raised about permits and oversight.

Election Politics: Former president Joseph Michel Martelly registered online for Haiti’s upcoming presidential race, joining 15 other prospective candidates. His bid is preliminary, pending documents and approval by the electoral council. Martelly denies UN experts’ allegations that he helped finance armed groups; sanctions imposed by the US, Canada and EU could complicate his return to office. Security and Accountability: The UN Security Council renewed Haiti sanctions for a year and extended arms restrictions amid worsening gang violence. Separately, a private firm contracted to supply weapons to Haitian police faces scrutiny: reporting says at least $7 million in public funds is unaccounted for and deliveries remain incomplete. Regional Response: Sri Lanka sent 498 additional military and security personnel to Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force. At US-Caribbean talks, CARICOM pressed for practical cooperation on Haiti’s security and illicit firearms; Washington announced new regional law-enforcement and security funding. Humanitarian Aid: A new one-year, $25 million US-UNICEF deal will cover maternal and child health supplies, including for Haiti, after months of uncertainty over deliveries.

Police Arms Deal: A firm founded by Dolly Parton’s longtime manager and nephew won a multimillion-dollar contract to supply Haiti’s police, but at least $7 million in public funds is unaccounted for. The firm reportedly lacked required U.S. permits when it pursued the deal. U.S.-Caribbean Talks: CARICOM chair and Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip Pierre led regional leaders, including Haiti, to Washington, urging practical cooperation on security, jobs and disaster response. The U.S. announced a $340.3 million regional package, including new security funding. Election Watch: Former president Michel Martelly registered as a presidential candidate, joining 15 others. His bid is preliminary and awaits review by Haiti’s electoral council; his record and international sanctions have fueled criticism. Security Mission: Sri Lanka sent 498 more military and police personnel to Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force, adding to its existing contingent. Sanctions: The UN Security Council renewed Haiti sanctions and arms restrictions amid continued gang violence.

Election Watch: Former President Michel Martelly has registered online for Haiti’s upcoming presidential election, joining 15 other contenders. His candidacy is preliminary, pending document review; his potential return is controversial amid allegations of gang financing and sanctions imposed by the U.S., Canada and EU. Security Crisis: The UN Security Council renewed Haiti’s arms embargo, travel ban and asset freeze as gangs expand their reach and violence has displaced about 1.5 million people. Haiti’s government has also turned to private security teams linked to Erik Prince, whose past work includes the Blackwater operation in Iraq. International Response: Sri Lanka sent 498 more military and security personnel to the international mission in Haiti. Separately, Washington announced new Caribbean funding, including money for law enforcement and regional security forces, while CARICOM leaders urged sustained attention to Haiti’s political and security crisis.

Security and Sanctions: The UN Security Council renewed Haiti’s sanctions for another year, extending an arms embargo, travel ban and asset freeze as gangs expand their reach; Russia abstained. Political Accountability: Haitian politicians named in a UN report on alleged gang ties and illicit networks rejected the claims and challenged investigators to provide evidence. Elections: Haiti is preparing for planned Dec. 13 elections, but officials are seeking security guarantees amid continuing violence. New electoral rules set resignation deadlines for officials seeking office, while the government has pledged neutrality. Humanitarian Aid: The U.S. will continue funding maternal and child health supplies for Haiti through a one-year UNICEF deal, and a separate USDA award will support WFP food aid and school meals.

UN Sanctions: The Security Council renewed Haiti’s arms embargo, travel ban and asset freezes for another year, voting 14-0 with Russia abstaining. The panel of experts’ mandate was extended for 13 months as gangs continue to expand their reach. Political Accountability: Haitian figures named in a UN report denied alleged links to gangs, criminal financing or illicit trade and challenged investigators to provide evidence. Elections: Haiti’s electoral process remains uncertain amid delays and security concerns; the government has pledged neutrality, while a revised decree sets resignation deadlines for officials seeking office. US Deportations: ICE says it has set a daily deportation record, with officials reporting that a recent removal flight included Haitians. The record comes amid growing concern about the effect of US immigration policy on Haitian families.

UN Sanctions: The Security Council renewed Haiti’s arms embargo, travel bans and asset freezes for a year, extending its expert panel’s mandate by 13 months. The vote was 14-0, with Russia abstaining. The UN says gangs control large parts of Port-au-Prince and about 1.5 million people have been displaced; China urged countries to stop weapons trafficking at its source. Political Accountability: Haitian figures named in a UN report have denied alleged links to gangs, criminal financing or illicit trade and challenged investigators to provide evidence. Election Watch: Haiti’s long-awaited election plans remain uncertain amid reports of another delay. A revised decree changes candidate rules, including resignation deadlines for officials seeking office, while the government has pledged neutrality in the process. Security Crisis: Gros-Morne’s mayor urged residents to leave gang-controlled areas as violence escalates in Artibonite, while authorities set up a UN-backed security force base nearby.

Arms and Sanctions: China called for urgent action to stop illicit weapons reaching Haitian gangs, a day after the Security Council renewed Haiti’s arms embargo, travel ban and asset freeze for another year. Election Preparations: The government says security conditions must be established for the Dec. 13 vote, while the electoral decree requires interim municipal officials seeking office to resign by Oct. 15; ministers’ deadlines have already passed. Gang Violence: Gros-Morne’s mayor urged residents to leave gang-controlled areas after deadly retaliation disrupted National Road 5, raising transport costs and prices in the Northwest. Maritime Security: Armed men tried to board a U.S.-flagged vessel in Port-au-Prince Bay, but Coast Guard officers repelled them; the crew escaped unharmed. UN Budget: Secretary-General António Guterres has proposed cutting 44 posts at the UN Integrated Office in Haiti as part of broader cost reductions.