Haiti Enlists Controversial Private Contractor for Gang Warfare

Haiti is grappling with rampant gang violence, leading its government to engage Erik Prince, founder of Blackwater, in efforts to reclaim control over its capital.

In a bold move amidst rising gang violence, the Haitian government has turned to Erik Prince, widely known for his controversial role in private military contracting, to combat criminal organizations instilling fear in the nation's populace. Prince, who previously founded Blackwater Worldwide, has reportedly signed a contract to aid in operations targeting gangs that have taken control of significant portions of territory in Haiti, including the capital, Port-au-Prince.

According to high-ranking officials from both the Haitian government and the United States as well as various security analysts, Prince has been tasked with leading efforts through the deployment of drones aimed at eliminating gang members. Since March, his team has been operating these drones, but results have yet to be publicly confirmed, with no high-profile gang leaders reported as captured or killed.

In addition to aerial assaults, reports suggest that Prince is actively recruiting Haitian-American military veterans to further bolster the ranks of a proposed private armed force. Up to 150 mercenaries are expected to arrive in Haiti this summer, carrying with them a significant supply of weapons, as anticipated arms shipments await Haiti’s government for a more robust defense against the rampant gang threat.

While American officials acknowledge their awareness of this collaboration, specifics surrounding the financial arrangement between Prince and the Haitian government remain undisclosed, prompting scrutiny from international observers who question the ethical implications of foreign military intervention in domestic security matters. As Haiti confronts an ever-deepening state crisis, the nation is taking drastic measures in its struggle for stability and safety.