Gang-related insecurity persisted, and U.S. detained several key suspects in President Moïse’s assassination; end of PM Henry’s mandate on 7 Feb could spark violence and further turmoil. Suspected gang attacks continued unabated. Notably, unidentified gunmen 1 Jan fired shots outside cathedral in Gonaives city hosting Haitian 218th independence anniversary celebrations attended by PM Henry in possible assassination attempt, killing civilian and wounding two; police 3 Jan cited attackers as “armed groups”. Suspected gang members 6 Jan opened fire on reporters in capital Port-au-Prince, killing two journalists. Armed attackers 13 Jan kidnapped Cuban doctor, demanding $100,000 ransom. Skeletal Senate (with ten out of 30 seats filled) 10 Jan reconvened for first time in a year; outgoing Senate President Joseph Lambert same day committed to leading sessions despite expiring term, affirming “2022 will be an election year”. Organisations supporting major civil society initiative known as “Montana Agreement”, created Aug 2021 with view to helping resolve political crisis, 14 Jan met for five days in Louisiana state (U.S.); 30 Jan announced plan for political transition helmed by Fritz Jean, well-known economist and former central bank governor, as interim president and Steven Benoit as interim PM. Rejecting political appointments, Lavalas, party of former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, 29 Jan withdrew from Montana Agreement. While investigation into July killing of President Moïse stalled in Haiti, neighbouring authorities detained key suspects. Notably, Colombian military officer Mario Palacios was captured 3 Jan in Panama as he tried to return to Colombia, and then extradited to Miami city (U.S.), where U.S. 4 Jan charged him with conspiracy to kill Moïse. Following U.S. request, Dominican authorities 7 Jan captured second key suspect Rodolphe Jarr and 20 Jan extradited him to Miami, while Jamaican authorities 15 Jan detained former opposition Senator and suspect John Joel Joseph. Meanwhile, U.S. govt and others inside and outside Haiti raised concerns throughout month that expiry of PM Henry’s mandate on 7 Feb (date when Moïse’s term would have ended) could bring violence and further instability.

Amid persistent food insecurity and gang violence, political transition remained fragile. Gang violence persisted as clashes between G9-affiliated Ti Bwa gang and Village de Dieu gang 1 Dec killed five civilians and wounded 12 in Martissant neighbourhood of capital Port-au-Prince. Also in Martissant, unidentified gunmen 24 Dec killed transport union coordinator Guy Polinice and two others, and 29 Dec shot at public buses, killing four and wounding four. Prisoners 31 Dec attempted escape at Croix-des-Bouquets prison, killing ten inmates and injuring four police officers. In small improvement, 400 Mawozo gang 5 Dec released three missionaries abducted 16 Oct, 16 Dec released all remaining hostages; police 9 Dec arrested gang leader Clerny Jonas alias “Ti Jonas”, operating in Jalousie, south of Port-au-Prince, 14 Dec arrested Cathel Jones, alleged leader of G9-linked gang Terre Noire, and 26 Dec arrested gang leader Johnny Charles alias “Gato”. PM Henry 7 Dec announced fuel price hike; protesters 10 Dec took to streets upon its entry into force. Education Minister Nesmy Manigat 23 Dec said insecurity directly impacting nearly 200 schools in Port-au-Prince. Monitoring Office of 30 Aug Montana Accord tasked to support transitional arrangement 12 Dec created National Transitional Council, comprising 52 members from civil society organisations, political parties and independent political groups, set to elect provisional president and PM. International news outlet New York Times same day reported President Moïse had been compiling list of political elites and businesspeople linked to Haitian drug trade in months prior to his July assassination. U.S. Rep Andy Levin 7 Dec called on U.S. to support civil society coalition Commission for a Haitian-led solution to the crisis. Following UN report which said nearly half of Haiti’s population undernourished in 2018-2020, UN humanitarian agency 6 Dec requested $373.5 mn in humanitarian aid for Haiti in 2022. In Cap-Haitien port city, north, a fuel tanker 14 Dec crashed and exploded, killing at least 90 civilians.

Gangs continued to assert power through violence and control over access to fuel. Grand Ravine gang and G9 gang coalition-affiliated Ti Bwa gang early Nov clashed for control of Martissant neighbourhood in capital Port-au-Prince; turf war reportedly left several killed including at least one civilian. UN Children’s Fund 2 Nov said at least seven schools in and around capital Port-au-Prince forced to pay gangs in exchange for security since early Sept. Police 8-9 Nov clashed with G9 members near Varreux fuel terminal in attempt to lift weeks-long blockade on fuel shipments. G9 leader Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier 12 Nov lifted blockade of Varreux fuel terminal for one week, warned blockade would resume if PM Ariel Henry did not resign in that period, but fuel deliveries still ongoing late-Nov. U.S. authorities 11 Nov arrested two Haitian nationals in Florida for allegedly supplying weapons to 400 Mawozo gang, which kidnapped 17 foreign missionaries in Oct; two abductees reportedly released mid-Nov. Amid increase in kidnappings for ransom late Nov, heavily armed individuals 23 Nov ambushed bus on road in Artibonite department in north, reportedly kidnapping 15 passengers; 400 Mawozo gang 26 Nov abducted four schoolchildren in Croix-des-Bouquets commune near Port-au-Prince. National Human Rights Defence Network early Nov denounced PM Ariel Henry’s late-Oct decision to appoint Frantz Elbe as new police chief due to poor human rights record including suspected role in disappearance of anti-govt activists in early 2000s. Following weeks of political impasse, Henry 24 Nov swore in new cabinet; major civil society initiative known as “Montana Agreement”, which was created in Aug with view to helping resolve political crisis, 30 Nov said it had identified four potential candidates for president and PM positions. Amid escalating security crisis, U.S. early Nov urged its nationals to leave country. Neighbouring Dominican Republic President Abinader 3 Nov said border security strengthened by over 3,500 men, with Interior Minister Jesús Vásquez 8 Nov describing Haiti as “main threat” for Santo Domingo.

Gang violence and kidnappings spiked in and around capital Port-au-Prince, sparking mass protests amid severe fuel shortages. Gangs blocked delivery of fuel across country, notably seizing at least five petrol tankers in Cité Soleil commune week of 4-9 Oct. Suspected members of 400 Mawozo gang 16 Oct abducted 17 Christian missionaries including 16 U.S. nationals and one Canadian on outskirts of Port-au-Prince; authorities few days later said gang was demanding $1mn ransom for each hostage, and Mawozo gang 21 Oct threatened to kill hostages. Several strikes and protests held throughout month to denounce escalating insecurity and fuel shortages. Notably, shops and schools in Port-au-Prince shuttered 18 Oct as part of nationwide strike. Haitian NGO Center for Analysis and Research in Human Rights 20 Oct said gangs kidnapped at least 119 people across country in first half of Oct, marking significant surge as entire month of Sept recorded 117 kidnappings; also said 90% of kidnappings committed in capital region. As fuel shortages threatened operations of medical facilities, G9 gang coalition leader Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier 25 Oct said he would ensure access to fuel terminals if PM Ariel Henry resigned. Meanwhile, repatriations of thousands of Haitians notably from U.S. and Mexico continued early Oct despite four UN agencies’ warning late Sept that “dire” conditions in Haiti were “not conducive to forced returns”. Former first lady Martine Moïse 7 Oct filed complaint against Henry and other officials for alleged involvement in assassination of President Moïse in July. Head of ombudsman-like govt agency Office of Citizen Protection Renan Hédouville 6 Oct claimed Henry was “major obstacle” in assassination investigation, called on UN Special Investigation Commission “to support judge…in charge of the case”. UN Security Council 15 Oct extended mandate of Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), tasked to support political stability and governance, until July 2022.

Political crisis deepened as chief public prosecutor sought to charge PM Ariel Henry for potential role in President Moïse’s killing and authorities postponed elections indefinitely. Chief Public Prosecutor Bedford Claude 10 Sept asked Henry to testify in Moïse’s assassination case after fresh information revealed Henry had called key suspect Joseph Badio twice on day of killing. Ombudsman-like govt agency Office of Citizen Protection next day requested Henry’s resignation over possible links to assassination. Claude 14 Sept requested judge investigating Moïse’s murder to charge Henry with alleged involvement in case, asked migration authorities to prohibit Henry from leaving country. Henry later same day fired Claude alleging “serious administrative offence”, appointed Frantz Louis Juste as new chief prosecutor. Henry 15 Sept replaced Justice Minister Rockfeller Vincent with Interior Minister Liszt Quitel; Council of Ministers Sec Gen Renald Luberice same day resigned, stating he could not serve someone who “does not intend to cooperate with justice.” Independent Advisory Committee tasked with writing new constitution 8 Sept presented new draft constitution to Henry; Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) president same day said 108 political parties registered to participate in legislative elections set for Nov. Henry 27 Sept dismissed CEP, promised to form new, non-partisan CEP; next day postponed elections indefinitely, said he planned to hold constitutional referendum before Feb 2022 and presidential and legislative elections in following months. Gang violence continued, resulting in many gas stations in and around capital Port-au-Prince being closed 1-10 Sept; G9 gang alliance leader Jimmy Chérizier 9 Sept announced truce to allow flow of fuel. Henry and National Police chief Léon Charles 6 Sept pledged to counter spike in gang violence after attack previous day killed several people in Port-au-Prince. After U.S. administration 19 Sept began deporting Haitian migrants from Texas state to Port-au-Prince, U.S. Special Envoy to Haiti Daniel Foote 22 Sept resigned in protest, citing “inhumane, counterproductive decision”.

Concerns rose over judiciary’s ability to investigate President Moïse’s killing, and gang violence disrupted earthquake relief. Ombudsman-like govt agency Office of Citizen Protection 1 Aug warned Moïse’s assassination could go unpunished, said Haitian judicial system “is held hostage by certain sectors”. In letter to UN Sec-Gen Guterres, govt 3 Aug called for “international commission of inquiry” to probe president’s killing. Judicial clerk assigned to investigation, Ernst Lafortune, found dead 11 Aug, days after Magistrate Bernard Saint-Vil said some judicial officials had been pressured to revise names and other details in enquiry reports on Moïse’s death. National Association of Haitian Legal Clerks 12 Aug said Lafortune had “heated dispute” with judge overseeing case, who resigned next day. Lawyers representing owner of firm that hired former Colombian soldiers allegedly involved in Moïse’s assassination 6 Aug claimed plot sought to change govt, not kill Moïse; Dominican and Colombian news channels 18 Aug broadcast testimonies of detained Colombian suspects who said plan was to kill president. Meanwhile, electoral council 11 Aug postponed constitutional referendum and first round of legislative and presidential elections, originally scheduled for 26 Sept, to 7 Nov; second round due 23 Jan 2022. After 7.2 magnitude earthquake 14 Aug hit country’s south-western peninsula, leaving at least 2,200 dead, UN Children’s Fund representative in Haiti next day called for “humanitarian corridor” in gang-held areas to ensure aid can reach affected regions; in following days, gangs reportedly did not follow suit, instead hijacking aid trucks and ambulances; leader of G9 gang alliance Jimmy Cherizier 22 Aug said G9 would change course, now assist in relief efforts; news channel Al Jazeera 25 Aug reported aid was flowing through gang-controlled Martissant neighbourhood west of Port-au-Prince.

Assassination of President Moïse plunged country into political turmoil. Acting PM Claude Joseph 7 July said well-trained commando broke into Moïse’s residence in capital Port-au-Prince overnight, killing him and wounding his wife. Police 7-8 July reportedly confronted suspects in Port-au-Prince, killing three Colombian nationals and detaining 20 other individuals, most of them former Colombian military officers. Joseph 7 July claimed he was “in charge” of country, declared state of emergency and closed Port-au-Prince airport; also requested U.S. and UN to send troops to help protect key infrastructures; U.S. President Biden 15 July turned down request and UN official mid-month said UN Security Council did not intend to discuss request. Ariel Henry, who had been appointed by Moïse as new PM early July but not formally sworn in, 8 July claimed he was rightful PM and asked Joseph to return to his post as FM. Police 11 July arrested Florida-based Haitian Doctor Christian Sanon – who had returned to Haiti in June – on accusations of masterminding Moïse’s assassination; authorities 13 July issued arrest warrants for several other individuals suspected of masterminding attack, including one former senator, and police chief 14 July said precautionary measures had been put in place against 24 police officers assigned to presidential security; police 26 July arrested head of Moïse’s security team and issued arrest warrant for former Supreme Court judge. Core Group, comprising representatives from UN Sec-Gen office, U.S., EU, France, Germany, Canada, Brazil, Spain and Organization of American States, 17 July urged Henry to form “consensual and inclusive” govt. Joseph 19 July announced he would step down as PM; Henry next day sworn in as PM and acting president. Violent protests 23 July marred Moïse’s funeral in northern city of Cap-Haïtien, with police firing tear gas to disperse hundreds of protesters demanding justice for Moïse. Henry 28 July vowed to hold presidential and legislative elections, slated for Sept, “as quickly as possible”. Meanwhile, Haitians by month’s end made up majority of over 10,000 U.S.-bound migrants stranded in Colombia’s Necocli municipality following reopening of South American borders.

Authorities postponed controversial constitutional referendum, while gang violence displaced thousands in capital Port-au-Prince. Authorities 7 June postponed 27 June constitutional referendum, citing logistical impediment due to COVID-19 pandemic; move came after several international partners in recent weeks withdrew support for controversial vote. President Moïse 16 June issued decree giving Independent Advisory Committee 45 extra days to finalise new draft of constitution, and authorities late June scheduled referendum, presidential and legislative elections for 26 Sept. Organization of American States (OAS) mission 8 June arrived in Haiti for three-day visit to facilitate political dialogue with view to holding free and fair elections; mission officials same day met with Moïse and in following days with more than 50 politicians and civil society representatives; opposition party Democratic and Popular Sector declined to speak to mission, denouncing OAS for allegedly “supporting” Moïse. Meanwhile, members of G9 gang alliance 3-6 June raided several police stations in search of weapons in southern neighbourhoods of Port-au-Prince, killing several police officers. UN humanitarian office 22 June reported 13,600 displaced since 1 June due to increasing levels of violence in several Port-au-Prince neighbourhoods. At border with Dominican Republic, Haitian police officer 7 June shot one civilian dead and wounded another while attempting to stop them from entering Dominican territory. Meanwhile, Haiti as of 8 June had yet to receive COVID-19 vaccines amid surge in cases. Three Port-au-Prince hospitals 2 June announced COVID-19 wards are full; fourth hospital 16 June followed suit.

Authorities confirmed intention to proceed with controversial constitutional referendum in late June despite dwindling international support; vote could worsen political crisis and fuel violent unrest. Interim PM Claude Joseph 4 May confirmed govt’s intention to hold constitutional referendum 27 June. EU Ambassador to Haiti Sylvie Tabesse 6 May said EU would not send electoral observer mission, deeming process insufficiently transparent and democratic; move follows late April withdrawal of support for referendum by Core Group – composed of representatives from UN Sec-Gen office, U.S., EU, France, Germany, Canada, Brazil, Spain and Organization of American States (OAS). After Joseph late April said govt was ready to host OAS mission to facilitate inclusive dialogue on political crisis, U.S. 12 May urged OAS to swiftly stipulate mission’s provisions, and OAS Permanent Council 26 May approved terms of reference for three-day mission to be deployed “no later than mid-June”. Protesters 3 and 7 May burned tyres and erected road blocks in several areas of capital Port-au-Prince to protest recent kidnappings of two residents by suspected gang members. Local media 11 May reported authorities had paid gangs in Port-au-Prince to stop or reduce kidnappings; govt immediately denied claim. Meanwhile, health authorities 14 May confirmed presence of two COVID-19 variants in country; World Health Organization 19 May said govt had accepted 130,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine in reversal of previous position, and govt 22 May declared state of emergency for eight days to curb rise in infections. UN Children agency late May warned number of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition could double this year due to impacts of COVID-19 and rising violence. Dominican Republic mid-May reported completion of first 23km of fence aimed at stemming illegal migration and smuggling along Dominican-Haitian border.

PM Joseph Jouthe resigned amid mounting public anger over govt’s failure to address rising gang violence and kidnappings. Armed gang 1 April attacked Bel Air neighbourhood of capital Port-au-Prince, reportedly killing six people and injuring four others, with a further five kidnapped; several residents described raid as attempt to take over neighbourhood. Unidentified gunmen same day kidnapped pastor and three others in Port-au-Prince; all released 4 April after ransom payment. Hundreds of women 3 April protested in Port-au-Prince against insecurity, citing high toll on women. Suspected gang members 11 April abducted seven clergy members, including two French nationals, and three other people in Croix-des-Bouquets commune near Port-au-Prince, and demanded $1mn ransom; all ten released by late April. Archbishop of Port-au-Prince Max Leroy Mésidor 12 April described rising gang violence as “descent into hell”. Unidentified gunmen 13 April reportedly sexually assaulted three people including two minors and killed security guard at orphanage in Croix-des-Bouquets. Organization of American States same day expressed concern about “resurgence of kidnappings and killings”, including of clergy members. PM Joseph Jouthe 14 April resigned; President Moïse same day appointed FM Claude Joseph as PM, sixth to assume position under Moïse’s presidency. Catholic Church 15 April declared national strike to protest violence and targeting of clergy members; heads of seven business associations endorsed closures, saying rising violence had brought them to “a saturation point”. Harvard Law School 22 April released report alleging “high-level govt involvement in the planning, execution and cover-up” of three gang attacks that killed at least 240 civilians between 2018 and 2020, echoing rights activists’ allegations of collusion between gangs and govt officials. Joseph immediately denied accusation, claiming “anti-democratic forces” are “fomenting the gangs” to destabilise Moïse’s govt ahead of presidential and legislative elections scheduled for Sept.