Vertières 2025: Jocelerme Privert Calls for Urgent Restoration of Constitutional Legitimacy

In a note published this November 17, former President Jocelerme Privert paints an alarming picture of the country's situation and calls for the restoration of peace, security, and stability. On the occasion of the 222nd anniversary of the Battle of Vertières, November 18, Jocelerme Privert recalled that this date is "at the heart of our national identity" and remains "a source of inspiration in our quest for peace, stability, justice, and progress." Reflecting on his transition in 2016, he stated that he served the Republic in a context "marked by the risk of chaos." Despite "the hostility and incomprehension" of certain political actors, he carried out his mission "with determination." Nine years later, the former president notes, with bitterness, "the persistence of the same failures" and a country struck by "widespread insecurity," "degrading poverty," and "the uncertainty of tomorrow." He observes a capital "under the threat of gangs" and an international airport abandoned "for over a year." He identifies "corruption, smuggling, arms trafficking, drug trafficking, and human organ trafficking" as scourges, calling for a "rigorous and impartial" fight against impunity. The former president emphasizes the urgency of restoring constitutional legitimacy: Haiti "will have lived six years without a functional Parliament" by January 2026. He deems "credible, transparent, and honest" elections essential to provide the country with "upright and experienced" leaders. Finally, he invites the population to reconnect with the spirit of Vertières: "History calls us to become once again this standing and indomitable people. Let each of us choose the Republic." This message comes at a time when an electoral calendar and decree are in circulation. However, doubts are emerging regarding the true objectives, which may be difficult to achieve due to the deteriorating security situation. The editorial team