The Haitian government is not ruling out the possibility of turning to international private firms to address gang violence, Le Nouvelliste has learned. “All options are supposed to be on the table. The population needs security, the roads must be cleared (…) We are open; we are seeking all Haitians, all foreigners who have expertise in this field and who want to support us, want to assist the police and the army in resolving the situation. The doors are open. All options must be on the table,” said Minister of Economy and Finance Alfred Metellus. “Security is one of the priorities. This priority has been reinforced with the arrival of Mr. Fritz A. Jean at the head of the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT). We are even talking about a war budget. We are heading in that direction,” said Alfred Metellus, who emphasized that funds are being allocated to the security forces. Requisitions are being processed promptly at the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

“There are no issues with budgetary credits for security. The issue may lie in execution,” he said. Le Nouvelliste has learned from diplomatic and government sources that discussions are underway regarding the acquisition of equipment for the security forces, who also need advisory support. Given the gangs’ advances and the looming threat of Haiti falling under their control, there is a high level of concern and demands from international partners, including donors, Le Nouvelliste has learned.