Haiti Security Strategy: Government Combines Crackdown and Reintegration to Tackle Armed Groups

Government adopts dual-track security strategy

The Haitian government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling insecurity through a comprehensive strategy combining repression and reintegration, during a high-level meeting held on March 18, 2026, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Port-au-Prince.

The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and brought together the National Commission for Disarmament, Dismantling and Reintegration (CNDDR) alongside several international partners.

Focus on security operations and prevention

Authorities stated that the strategy is structured around two main pillars:

• Repression of criminal activities, through intensified police and military operations

• Targeted reintegration programs, aimed at reducing recruitment into armed groups

The government seeks to reinforce ongoing security interventions in areas currently affected by gang control.

Prime Minister Fils-Aimé emphasized that the recruitment of young people by criminal networks remains one of the most critical threats to public order and national stability.

Reintegration programs targeting vulnerable groups

Alongside enforcement measures, the government plans to roll out reintegration initiatives focused on:

• At-risk youth

• Minors and adolescents

• Women in vulnerable situations

These programs will include vocational training and socio-economic support, designed to provide alternatives to criminal involvement.

Authorities indicated that these initiatives will be implemented within a structured framework subject to monitoring and evaluation.

No leniency on crime, government insists

The Prime Minister, who also chairs the High Council of the Haitian National Police, stressed that the strategy does not signal any relaxation toward criminal activity.

He reaffirmed that judicial authorities remain fully mobilized to investigate, prosecute, and sanction offenders.

In this context, Justice Minister Patrick Pélissier has been instructed to strengthen judicial action, including the deployment of specialized judicial units across the country.

Strengthened coordination with international partners

The government also plans to establish a strategic coordination mechanism with international partners to ensure effective monitoring of security and reintegration efforts.

The initiative will be led by Guerda Prévilon, head of the CNDDR, and includes the creation of:

• Secure reception facilities

• Reintegration centers

• Structured support programs

International support mobilized

Several international organizations participated in the discussions, including:

• International Organization for Migration (IOM)

• UNICEF

• European Union

• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

These partners expressed their willingness to support Haitian authorities while respecting national priorities.

Toward a long-term security approach

Through this combined strategy, the government aims to:

• Restore public order

• Strengthen state authority

• Promote sustainable security solutions

Officials say the approach balances firm law enforcement with social reintegration, in an effort to address both the symptoms and root causes of insecurity.