At least 15 alleged criminals killed by machete-wielding residents in Bel-Air and Solino slums; police allegedly did nothing to prevent. In separate incident, police and individuals with machetes attacked so-called "bandits" during USAID- funded soccer match 28 August, killing at least 20. U.S. ambassador criticised Haiti’s justice system following release of former death squad leader and continued detention of former PM Neptune; new justice minister called for release or trial without delay of hundreds of prisoners held without charge. Local government elections due to be held 9 October postponed; legislative and presidential elections still slated for November, despite ongoing insecurity and resulting registration problems: 2 million of 4.2 million eligible voters reported registered, but none received digitised ID card. In positive step, moderate faction of Aristide’s Lavalas party registered for election and expected to participate. First “core group” meeting of donors, regional organisations, and IFIs held; no clear plan to overcome electoral council stalling tactics, security obstacles or political polarisation.

Insecurity continued, jeopardising planned autumn election: over 450 kidnappings since March 2005, including Haitian journalist Jacques Roche - found dead 14 July. Over 1,000 protested following funeral, demanding tougher response to insecurity: prominent Aristide supporter arrested in connection with Roche’s death. UN appealed for specialised troops to minimise civilian casualties after reported deaths during UN offensive against pro-Aristide gangs in Cité Soleil slum that killed 5 gang members. UN stormed Bel Air slum 1 July, killing 6 suspected gang members and freeing kidnapped Red Cross worker whose colleague found dead day before. Over 15% eligible voters registered for election.

Security remained dire, with large parts of capital, Port- au-Prince, ravaged by armed gangs and dramatic increase in kidnappings. UN Security Council voted to send additional 750 peacekeepers (bringing total to 7,500) and 275 police to support autumn elections, and extended and strengthened MINUSTAH mandate to February 2006. But observers argued for larger international police presence to help control, reform, and expand Haitian National Police. Police raids in response to deadly attack allegedly by pro-Lavalas gangs on Port-au- Prince market and police station left up to 20 dead in pro- Aristide strongholds. Minister of Justice and Public Security Bernard Gousse resigned amidst criticism of continued detention without due process of former PM Yvon Neptune. Voter registration and electoral preparations behind schedule.

UNSG Kofi Annan called for additional 750 troops/250 police and year extension for UN mission to support upcoming elections (municipal vote 9 October, legislative and presidential elections 13 November and 18 December). MINUSTAH given 4-week extension from 1 June. Prime Minister Latortue issued strong statement 20 May on need for national reconciliation, day after 5,000 protesters in Port-au-Prince called for Aristide’s return. Haiti's Supreme Court overturned convictions of military leaders found guilty in 2000 of murder of Aristide supporters - decision criticised as “partisan”. Dominican Republic expelled as many as 2,500 Haitian immigrants after 4 Haitians arrested for murder.

Bloody clashes pitting peacekeepers and police against ex-soldiers and gangs intensified. Five killed during pro-Aristide demonstration 27 April; police claimed returned fire, others said police fired without provocation. UN troops and Haitian police carried out joint operation in Port-au-Prince slum, killing up to 10 gang members, including suspect in fatal shooting of Filipino peacekeeper. Police killed former soldier Remissainthe Ravix, who helped oust former president Aristide, and notorious gang leader Grenn Sonnen. UN Security Council fact-finding mission suggested MINUSTAH likely to be reinforced by additional civilian police; current mandate expires June. Voter registration campaign started 25 April though hampered by logistical difficulties. National Dialogue process launched by interim president 7 April; Aristide’s former party Lavalas and other key civil society groups refused to take part.

Two UN peacekeepers killed 20 March in separate clashes with disbanded army soldiers in Petit-Goâve and Central Plateau Region. Peacekeepers raided occupied police station in Terre-Rouge town without casualties next day. Raids follow months of criticism for UN inaction toward armed former soldiers/gangs; UN SRSG Juan Gabriel Valdés said UN Mission prepared to take tough action following peacekeeper deaths. U.S. Defense Sec. Rumsfeld raised doubts about autumn elections due to security concerns. Reports of police brutality and summary executions persisted, while armed gangs continued to spread violence in capital.

Tensions between Haitian police and former military escalated: police stormed former military compound on hunt for leader of Haitian ex-soldiers, after killing of 4 policemen, allegedly by former military. Supporters of former president Aristide said would boycott polls set for October and November if so-called political attacks continue. Three UN peacekeepers shot at, lightly wounded 28 February in capital. As many as 500 prisoners escaped Port-au-Prince jail 19 February after armed men broke in with suspected inside help. Escape is serious blow for transitional government and for MINUSTAH, symbolising fragility of security situation. UN announced inquiry into alleged rape of Haitian woman by 3 Pakistani policemen.

Crackdown on pro-Aristide gangs and former Aristide officials continued. Police acknowledged killing several bandits during raid in Village de Dieu shantytown; human rights group argued innocent bystanders among dead. Donors pledged $41 million for 13 November elections. Prime Minister Latortue rejected possibility of direct talks with Aristide to help end violence.

UN peacekeeping force, approaching full strength, began more assertive campaign to quell continuing political and criminal violence. Following 2-day stand-off with Haitian ex-soldiers occupying ousted President Aristide’s home, UN forces stormed compound 17 December; soldiers agreed to leave unarmed, in their first major political blunder since beginning of armed uprising in February. Peacekeepers fought way into Port-au-Prince slum 14 December in attempt to end pro- and anti-Aristide gang war and establish permanent presence. Operation successful, though several injured and some reportedly killed; denied by UN.

Instability continued: violence and human rights violations in capital Port-au-Prince remained major concern; over 100 reported killed since 30 September. Much heralded parade of former military in capital cancelled after government and UN said only police and UN forces could carry arms. Haiti government reportedly planning to issue warrant for former president Aristide's arrest; likely to further antagonise Aristide supporters, making transitional process more difficult. UN Security Council extended peacekeepers’ mandate to 1 June 2005.