AGP Executive Report

Election Delay: Haiti’s electoral council has postponed the Dec. 13 vote and campaign, extended candidate registration to Oct. 31 and left a new timetable pending. It cited administrative and logistical hurdles as insecurity continues to undermine preparations. Gang-Political Ties: A U.N. panel warns that gangs, politicians and corrupt security officials remain entangled, with those ties threatening to fuel violence and influence elections. Haiti has nearly 1.5 million people displaced, according to recent coverage. Haitians in the U.S.: Boston’s City Council voted unanimously to urge emergency shelter for Haitians whose Temporary Protected Status expired in July, as families face lost work authorization, housing insecurity and deportation fears. Regional Response: Dominican President Luis Abinader and the OAS secretary-general discussed support for U.N.-led efforts to address gang violence in Haiti.

Election Delay: Haiti has postponed its Dec. 13 general elections, with no new date set. The electoral council cited logistical and administrative problems, while gang violence continues to make voting difficult across the country. Gang Ties: A new U.N. report warns that gangs, political figures and corrupt security-force members are entangled in Haiti’s crisis. It also describes fractures in the Viv Ansanm alliance that could fuel renewed violence and displacement. Security Operations: GSF troops conducted operations in Tabarre and Cité Soleil, removing barricades and seizing weapons and explosives, according to authorities. Relief: Haiti’s social assistance fund has begun cash transfers of 15,000 gourdes each to 94,084 school families and vulnerable households; a second wave is planned. Haitians Abroad: Boston’s City Council urged emergency housing for Haitians affected by the end of Temporary Protected Status. Haitian passport applications abroad now cost $150 for adults and $125 for minors, with extra and expedited fees banned.

Security: A multinational security force carried out operations in Tabarre and Cité Soleil on Oct. 5–6, removing barricades and seizing weapons, ammunition and improvised explosives. Elections: Haiti’s electoral council has suspended the campaign and postponed the election timetable indefinitely, citing changes to the electoral decree and ongoing obstacles. Candidate registration is extended to Oct. 31; no new voting date has been set. Social Support: The government has begun cash transfers to vulnerable households and parents of schoolchildren. The first wave covers 94,084 people, with 15,000 gourdes each; a second wave is planned to bring the total to 150,000 beneficiaries. Tourism: Royal Caribbean has no timeline for returning to Labadee, where calls are suspended through June 2027 amid safety concerns. Football: Haiti’s men are set to face the United States in the Nations League quarterfinals in November, while the women’s team heads to France for friendlies against Japan and Australia.

Elections Crisis: Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) has indefinitely postponed the December 13 presidential and legislative elections, saying the campaign period is delayed and a new timetable will come later, while voter registration continues. Campaign Delays: The CEP also extended candidate registration and document submission to Oct. 31 and pushed back the official campaign start and end dates after consultations and amendments to the electoral decree. Electoral Costs & Logistics: Haiti’s embassy in the Dominican Republic says new passport fees abroad take effect Oct. 5, with adult passports now $150 and minors $125. Justice & Reform: Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé attended the opening of the 2026–2027 judicial year, with plans for a new Penal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure to take effect Jan. 1, 2027. Disability Inclusion: Handicap International and Haiti’s disability office launched a national roundtable on access to assistive technologies.

Elections Update: Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council has indefinitely postponed the start of campaigning for the Dec. 13 presidential and legislative elections, saying the timetable will be published later while voter registration continues. Gang Violence & Governance: The delay comes as armed-group violence and instability keep disrupting the electoral process, with officials saying the schedule will be adjusted for “technical and operational requirements.” Haiti in CONCACAF: Despite a 2-0 loss to Costa Rica, Haiti advanced to the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals, finishing second in Group A and setting up a November two-leg tie. Sports Spotlight: Haiti’s Wilson Isidor shone in the Nations League, helping the team qualify and boosting Sunderland’s striker with a strong international run. Regional Tensions: Haiti-Dominican Republic fallout continues after a high-profile match incident, with Dominican authorities moving to bar Haiti from stadiums. Diaspora Pressure: Reports also highlight how deportations and TPS changes are hitting Haitian families in the U.S., including the death of Pierre Damas Bel.

Haiti–Immigration Fallout: A new report says Haitian deportations from the U.S. have shifted to Cap-Haïtien, with families alleging belongings and legal papers aren’t returned, as advocates point to the suicide of 20-year-old Pierre Damas Bel after TPS ended and ankle-monitor “check-ins” began. U.S. Politics & Human Cost: The same coverage highlights the sharp contrast between Bel’s burial and President Trump’s nearby “victory lap” over removals. Regional Security & Displacement: IOM data cited this week puts displacement at about 1.5 million Haitians (around 12% of the population), with the biggest jump in Artibonite as insecurity spreads. Public Health & Safety: PAHO/WHO-backed teams are validating Haiti’s disease surveillance data, while Cap-Haïtien civil protection plans to strengthen rescue and fire services. Economy & Governance: Haiti’s 2026–2027 budget prioritizes security, elections, and economic recovery, and a new circular tightens rules on goods transiting through the Dominican Republic. Sports & Tensions: Haiti advanced in Concacaf Nations League despite a 2-0 loss to Costa Rica, but Haiti–Dominican Republic football relations remain tense after stadium incidents and bans.

Budget & Security: Haiti’s 2026–2027 budget totals 401.2 billion gourdes, with top priorities on public security and defense, elections and restoring institutions, and economic recovery tied to social protection and regional revitalization. Public Health: PAHO/WHO is supporting Haiti’s Ministry of Public Health to validate epidemiological surveillance data across all ten departments, focusing on diseases like cholera/diarrhea and diphtheria. Disaster Response: In Cap-Haitien, civil protection officials reviewed progress under the Phénix project to strengthen rescue and fire services, including emergency center rehabilitation and better equipment for responders. Elections & Rights: UN rights chief Volker Türk warned Haiti still lacks conditions for credible elections, citing gang violence and widespread abuses, and urged barring those responsible from running. Sports & Tensions: After crowd trouble around a Nations League match, the Dominican Republic banned Haiti’s national team from using its sports facilities; Haiti’s players and fans remain at the center of the fallout. Haiti in the Region: Haiti’s Wilson Isidor shone for the Reggae Boyz as they qualified for the Nations League quarterfinals, even as Costa Rica beat Haiti 2-0 in the group finale.

Elections Under Strain: UN rights chief Volker Türk says Haiti is still far from conditions for credible elections, citing gang violence, rights abuses, and a worsening humanitarian crisis; he also urged barring serious violators from electoral races. Security & State Authority: Haiti’s Interior Ministry says it’s drafting new decrees to tighten oversight of private security agencies, travel agencies, and related controls on financial and migratory flows. Humanitarian Crisis Numbers: Türk’s briefing puts Haiti’s toll since January 1 to Sept. 11 at at least 5,700 killed or injured, plus hundreds of kidnappings and widespread sexual violence. DR–Haiti Tensions Spill Into Sports: The Dominican Republic banned Haiti’s national team from using its stadiums after crowd trouble around a Nations League match; Haiti’s embassy says the remarks tied to the incident don’t reflect the Haitian government. Diaspora Pressure: Five Haitian immigrants in Springfield were deported after U.S. protected status ended, with flights now landing in Cap-Haitien due to Port-au-Prince airport insecurity. Local Development: Industry Week visits highlighted private investment and job creation plans inside SONAPI and along the Port-au-Prince airport road.

Security & State Authority: Haiti’s Interior Ministry says it’s drafting new decrees to tighten oversight of private security agencies, regulate travel agencies, and better control security and movement linked to transnational crime. UN Human Rights: UN rights chief Volker Türk warns gangs in Port-au-Prince are adapting, reappearing in new areas, and expanding—citing attacks in Kenscoff and Gressier and violence in Sud-Est. International Force: The UN Security Council renewed the Gang Suppression Force mandate through March 2027, as France pushes for faster deployment. Deportations & TPS Fallout: Five Haitian immigrants from Springfield were deported after the U.S. ended protected status; reports say flights are landing in Cap-Haitien due to insecurity around Port-au-Prince. Sports Diplomacy: Haiti’s Football Federation tried to cool a dispute after Wilson Isidor’s “Hispaniola is Haiti” remarks; meanwhile the Dominican Republic banned Haiti’s team from using its stadiums after crowd clashes. Education Access: Starting next week, baccalaureate certificates and transcripts will be available at departmental education directorates in the Greater South to reduce risky trips to Port-au-Prince. Agriculture & Jobs: The IDB approved $38.7M to boost irrigation and climate-resilient farming in Haiti’s North and Northeast, targeting thousands of smallholders.

UN Human Rights Update: UN rights chief Volker Türk says Haiti’s gangs are still adapting and expanding, with at least 5,700 killed or wounded and 230 kidnappings recorded up to Sept. 11, plus over 1,000 rapes—and warns real figures are likely higher. He also says the UN-backed Gang Suppression Force remains far below needed strength, calling for accelerated deployment with safeguards. Diplomacy & Security: France’s ambassador visited the Vertières military base to discuss progress on the GSF deployment and military cooperation, including training under the SABRE partnership. Gang Violence in Focus: Türk points to attacks in Kenscoff and Gressier and growing gang presence in Sud-Est, threatening transport routes and stability. Sports & Regional Tensions: The Dominican Republic has banned Haiti’s national team from using its sports facilities after crowd violence around the Haiti-DR Nations League match; Haiti’s embassy says the remarks don’t reflect Haiti’s government. Community & Migration Pressure: In Springfield, hundreds mourned Haitian student Pierre Damas Bel, with family and advocates linking his death to distress after being forced to wear an ICE ankle monitor. Aid & Jobs: The IDB approved $38.7M to boost agricultural productivity in Haiti’s North and Northeast, targeting small farmers, irrigation, and climate-resilient tech.

UN Human Rights Update: UN rights chief Volker Türk says Haiti’s gang crisis has left at least 5,700 people killed or wounded this year, with more than 1,000 women and girls raped and over 230 kidnapped—while the Gang Suppression Force is still far below its planned strength, raising alarms about both gang expansion and disproportionate force in security operations. Security & Diplomacy: A French ambassador visited the Vertières military base to discuss progress of the Gang Suppression Force deployment and France’s military training cooperation with Haiti, including the SABRE program. Agriculture & Development: The IDB approved US$38.7M (part of a US$47.9M package) to boost sustainable farming in Haiti’s North and Northeast, including irrigation, climate-resilient tech, and support for small farmers and rural youth. Industry & Investment: Haiti launched its first Industry Week, pushing plans to revitalize local manufacturing and reduce import dependence, while a LAC Transport Forum in Miami highlighted investment opportunities to improve Haiti’s infrastructure and project preparation. Sports & Regional Tensions: After crowd violence around the Haiti–Dominican Republic match, the Dominican Republic banned Haiti’s Grenadiers from playing in its stadiums; Haiti won 4-1, with Wilson Isidor scoring twice.

Deportations & TPS fallout: Five Haitians from Springfield, Ohio were deported after the Trump administration ended protected status for Haitians; officials say more than 470 have been sent back since Aug. 20–Sept. 17, including people with pending asylum claims, as a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory cites crime and kidnapping risks. UN rights update: The UN’s human rights chief says more than 5,700 people have been killed or injured in Haiti from Jan. 1 to Sept. 11, with over 230 kidnapped and widespread sexual violence reported. Security & elections pressure: UN figures also point to rising kidnappings ahead of long-delayed general elections, with gangs targeting prominent figures and mass abductions. Gang suppression force extended: The UN Security Council renewed the Haiti anti-gang mandate into 2027 as violence continues. Haiti in the spotlight regionally: Haiti beat the Dominican Republic 4-1 in Concacaf Nations League action, underscoring how sports and migration tensions remain tightly linked across Hispaniola.

Kidnappings surge in Haiti ahead of elections: UN figures say at least 81 people were reported kidnapped between April and June, up 42%, as gangs increasingly target prominent figures and carry out mass abductions. Reported cases include police inspector general James Boyard and attorney Caleb Jean-Baptiste, with Stéphanie Paultre also named by local media. UN security response: Haiti’s government and partners are pushing for full deployment of the Gang Suppression Force after the UN renewed its mandate, with France also urging an electoral process that restores confidence. Local security and daily life: In Kenscoff, the mayor called for community support to rehabilitate access roads. Displaced families are also returning to neighborhoods, with FAES expanding community kitchens to keep food aid going. Elections logistics: Haiti’s foreign minister met the CEP on a pilot for voting by the Haitian diaspora. Sports with political weight: Haiti and the Dominican Republic face off in a sold-out Concacaf Nations League match in Santo Domingo. Justice and accountability: A Haitian-linked case in the U.S. charges TikTok missionary Maylon Foshee with sexually abusing minors in Haiti.

Kidnapping Surge Ahead of Elections: Haiti reports a sharp rise in kidnappings as gangs increasingly target high-profile people and carry out mass abductions, with 81 people reported kidnapped between April and June—up 42%—including the abduction of police inspector general James Boyard, who remains missing. UN Condemns Gang Attack: UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned a deadly Gros-Morne attack that killed at least 11 people, underscoring how violence keeps spreading and hitting communities caught between gangs and security operations. Security Force Mandate Extended: The UN Security Council renewed the Haiti Gang Suppression Force mandate through March 2027, as funding gaps and the challenge of turning security gains into lasting stabilization remain central. Elections Work at CEP: Haiti’s foreign minister met with the Provisional Electoral Council to advance preparations for a pilot voting project for the Haitian diaspora ahead of the long-awaited presidential elections. Local Recovery Efforts: In Kenscoff, the mayor called for solidarity to rehabilitate access roads, while displaced families continue returning to neighborhoods with FAES community kitchens supporting food aid during the transition. Education and Energy Moves: Les Côteaux opened the country’s 7th Technical Higher Education Center, and Haiti’s Caracol solar plant is set to become operational next month.

UN Security Council: The council renewed Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate for six months, extending it to March 31, 2027, with 12 votes in favor and 3 abstentions, urging faster deployment and more resources for reintegration and support for children. Humanitarian pressure: UN chief António Guterres’ office backed the force but warned the humanitarian plan remains underfunded—less than half funded with months left—while condemning a reported gang attack in Gros-Morne, Artibonite that killed at least 11. Regional push: The OAS called for full deployment of the force, urging the UN to renew the mandate and provide personnel, funding, equipment, and logistics. Local security focus: Haiti’s interior ministry held a workshop to help mayors build municipal security plans and coordinate with police and the GSF. Kenscoff plea: Kenscoff City Hall praised police operations but asked for an inter-institutional plan and stronger resources to consolidate areas retaken. Church alarm: Haiti’s Catholic bishops warned of worsening insecurity, governance failures, and election uncertainty. Politics and justice: A prosecutor accused by UN monitors of summary executions registered to run for president, while Amnesty urged investigations and fair trials after the Gros-Morne killings.

UN Security Council Extends Haiti Gang Force: The UN voted 12-0 to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate through March 31, 2027, with China, Pakistan and Russia abstaining, urging faster deployment, more resources, and regular progress reporting as Haiti’s representative says the force still needs personnel, equipment and operational capacity to fully function. Regional Security Pressure: The resolution also stresses operations must follow international law and calls for reintegration and support for children formerly linked to gangs. Migration Tragedy Near Puerto Rico: The U.S. Coast Guard rescued 49 migrants and is searching for 10 after a boat capsized near Mona Island; officials say two people are believed to be Haitian, and at least three bodies were recovered. Haiti in the Spotlight Beyond Borders: Haitian businessman Gilbert Bigio, linked to a major private business network and sanctioned in past allegations, died at 91 in Florida. El Niño Warning for the Region: UNICEF says millions of children across Latin America face rising drought and flood risks from El Niño, including Central America and parts of the Caribbean.