Haiti 2026: Security and Foreign Assistance Priorities
- The U.S. objective in Haiti is baseline stability, defined as no state collapse and no mass illegal migration to U.S. shores.
- Haitian security forces have gangs on the defensive for the first time since 2021.
- A predatory political culture impedes governance and the provision of essential services.
- Gangs thrive on necessity, with younger generations viewing them as the only reliable source of income.
- The UN mandate authorizes deployment of 5,500 uniformed military and police personnel to conduct counter-gang operations.
Henry T. Wooster's testimony before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee outlines the U.S. strategy for achieving baseline stability in Haiti, defined as preventing state collapse and mass migration to the U.S. The strategy involves countering destabilizing gangs through support for the Haitian National Police (HNP), the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd'H), and a UN-authorized Gang Suppression Force (GSF). The U.S. also aims to foster good governance by supporting free and fair elections and combating corruption. Furthermore, the testimony emphasizes the need for economic development to provide alternatives to gang membership, including reauthorization of the Haiti HOPE/HELP trade preference programs.
How to cite
Embassy of the United States in Haiti, Haiti 2026: Security and Foreign Assistance Priorities, https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/the_honorable_henry_wooster_testimony.pdf