Security Firm Deploys Personnel to Haiti
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Nearly 200 personnel from various countries will be deployed to Haiti by the security firm Vectus Global, founded by former U.S. Navy Seal Erik Prince. This deployment is part of a year-long agreement aimed at addressing the surge in gang violence in the region, according to a knowledgeable source.
The initiative is designed to assist the Haitian government in reclaiming territories that have been under the control of armed gangs over the past year. The information was shared with The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.
Vectus Global, specializing in logistics, infrastructure, security, and defense, is led by Prince, a notable supporter of former President Donald Trump. Prince previously established the controversial security company Blackwater.
This deployment was initially reported by Reuters, detailing that Vectus Global will also offer ongoing support to Haiti’s government in rebuilding its revenue collection capabilities once security is restored.
Fritz Alphonse Jean, who was the head of Haiti’s transitional presidential council in June, acknowledged the government’s usage of foreign contractors but did not disclose the specifics of the contract or its financial details.
Concerns have been raised regarding the legality of these actions. Romain Le Cour Grandmaison from the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime stated that operations might violate U.S. law if the private military company lacks U.S. governmental permission to operate in Haiti.
The team from Vectus Global, consisting of contractors from the U.S., Europe, and other regions, is expected to provide guidance to Haiti’s National Police and support a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police officers that is currently struggling to manage gang violence.
The recent appointment of André Jonas Vladimir Paraison as Haiti’s new police director general coincides with this deployment. He previously oversaw security for the National Palace and has led a new task force composed of police units and private contractors, which has operated with significant autonomy, utilizing explosive drones in their operations amid criticism from human rights activists.
The international community continues to grapple with the widespread gang violence in Haiti, which has led to the displacement of approximately 1.3 million people and significant casualties. As the situation evolves, the focus remains on restoring safety and governance in the region.
