Gangs still hold a strong position in the metropolitan area and in certain provincial cities, but the operations of the National Police and the involvement of the population in the fight against insecurity, particularly kidnapping, give a glimmer of hope. In some circles, defeatist discourse is giving way to optimism. It is in this context that the country is preparing to commemorate the 220th anniversary of its bicolor flag.

For this May 18th, instead of laying a wreath at the Mupanah – as has become customary on historic dates – the Prime Minister will travel to Cap-Haïtien. That is where the Flag Day celebrations will take place this year. It is a strategic choice in light of the occupation of the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince by armed gangs. Arcahaie, the city of the Flag, will have to wait to resume the commemoration of May 18th.