Haitian Prime Minister Reaffirms Commitment to OAS Security Roadmap

Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé has reiterated his government's strong commitment to the Organization of American States (OAS) Roadmap, a comprehensive plan aimed at restoring security and institutional stability in Haiti.

Prime Minister Fils-Aimé conveyed this commitment during recent high-level meetings in Washington, D.C., where he met with OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin and other key stakeholders. The OAS Roadmap, a multi-faceted initiative supported by the United Nations and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), is designed to address Haiti's escalating security crisis, which is characterized by pervasive gang violence.

The plan outlines a strategic framework for 2025-2028, with an initial 30-day startup phase, focusing on five core pillars: Security Stabilization and Peace Restoration, Political Consensus and Governance Support, Electoral Process and Institutional Legitimacy, Humanitarian Response, and Sustainable Development and Economic Progress. Prime Minister Fils-Aimé stated, "The Haitian Government in its entirety supports the roadmap and we are going to participate actively and even if we have small differences, trust us, because it is for the good of the Haitian people, so we are on board."

OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin emphasized the critical need for international unity and concrete commitments, both financial and in-kind, to overcome Haiti's persistent challenges. The roadmap has a substantial budget, estimated at $2.6 billion, with $1.3 billion allocated to a dedicated security fund, reflecting the urgent priority of stabilizing the nation. An additional $908.2 million is designated for humanitarian response.

The severity of the security situation in Haiti is underscored by recent figures. In 2024 alone, gang violence resulted in at least 5,601 deaths, with over 2,212 people injured and 1,494 kidnapped, according to UN figures. Gangs reportedly control nearly 90% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, exacerbating a critical humanitarian crisis.

Prime Minister Fils-Aimé also highlighted Haiti's dedication to democratic processes, reaffirming the Transitional Government's commitment to organizing free, credible, transparent, and inclusive elections. Preparations are reportedly advancing, with a significant percentage of polling centers identified and electoral staff mobilized, supported by $65 million in public funding from the Haitian government.

The meetings in Washington served as a crucial platform for aligning international support with Haiti's national priorities, ensuring a coordinated and effective approach to the nation's complex challenges. The commitment from both the Haitian government and its international partners signals a determined effort to foster stability, security, and a brighter future for the Haitian people.