The security situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate, despite reassuring statements from the authorities. In the Artibonite department, more than 70 people were killed in one week, according to several consistent local sources. This surge in violence highlights the growing grip of armed groups over entire sections of the territory.
In this region, as in other parts of the country, these groups control not only localities but also strategic roadways and certain economic activities. Freedom of movement has become a luxury: transport operators are forced to negotiate passage or pay armed individuals to avoid reprisals.
Faced with this persistent insecurity, many families are fleeing their homes. Forced displacement is increasing, revealing a worrying weakening of state authority and a growing inability to protect civilian populations.
In this context, the contrast with official discourse is striking. Statements referring to a “satisfactory” record struggle to convince, as massacres, kidnappings, and areas beyond state control continue to multiply.
For many observers, this communication appears disconnected from the daily reality. Eight months after Vladimir Paraison took over as head of the Haitian National Police (PNH), no significant progress seems visible on the ground. On the contrary, violence is intensifying and expanding, raising questions about the effectiveness of the strategies implemented.
This raises a key question: on what indicators is the positive assessment put forward by the PNH leadership based? In the absence of transparent data, measurable results, and visible actions, this stance fuels skepticism and confusion.
As the gap between official statements and everyday reality widens, public trust continues to erode—along with hopes for a swift return to security.
