A Dozen Measures Adopted in Special Council of Ministers This Week

PORT-AU-PRINCE.— The current administration announced on May 1 the creation of the National Security Agency (Ans), replacing the former National Intelligence Agency (Ani), the establishment of a state of emergency across the entire territory for a period of three months, and a set of other decisions, including the appointment of three new director generals.

These provisions were adopted during a special Council of Ministers held on April 30, 2025, according to a message from the Prime Minister's Office, published on its X account.

A government decree repeals the provisions of December 31, 2020, related to the Ani, to create the Ans. It is placed under the administrative authority of the Prime Minister, with the mission of ensuring the implementation of government policy regarding « intelligence and counter-intelligence ». The revamped structure aims to address the lack of strategic coordination in intelligence gathering and analysis in Haiti, states the statement.

The ANS will notably be responsible for centralizing, processing, and synthesizing strategic information related to national security, social peace, and the protection of Haiti's fundamental interests.

The decree that created the Ani, adopted by former President Jovenel Moïse, had sparked controversy due to its restrictions on individual liberties. As for the ANS, it was born from the need for an integrated and coherent vision of intelligence, to respond more effectively to internal and external threats, justifies the Prime Minister's Office.

In parallel, the authorities have decided to establish a state of emergency across the entire national territory for a period of three months, in response to the worsening security crisis and its effects on the lives of citizens and the country's economy.

This decree aims to mobilize the state's institutional resources and means to strengthen the operational capacities of law enforcement and public services, which remain inadequate in the face of relentless gang violence.

At the same time, the government also announced that it has expanded the composition of the National Commission for Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (CNDDR) from 7 to 9 members. The objective is to ensure its proper functioning in a context marked by persistent security challenges.

Among other decisions adopted during this special Council of Ministers were: the Creation of the ad hoc Presidential Commission named: «Commission for the Fight Against Non-Accidental Violence in Sport»; Institution of the National Day of Physical Activity and Sport; Appointment of the Director Generals of the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Civic Action, and the National Book Directorate; Entry of WAKA ÉNERGIE S.A. into the oil sector; Authorization for the establishment of the commercial free zone: «LAFITO COMMERCIAL FREE ZONE» in Lafiteau, Habitation Lafiteau-Simonette, 3rd Communal Section of Source Matelas, Commune of Cabaret, Arrondissement of Arcahaie, Department of Ouest, and the port free zone named: «PC TERMINALS FREE ZONE» in Habitation Chinourette, 5th Communal Section of Fonds-Blanc, Commune of Terrier-Rouge, Arrondissement of Trou du Nord, Department of Nord-Est; and Declaration of public utility for certain lands in the second and third Communal Sections of Fonfrède and Laborde in the Commune of Les Cayes for the expansion of areas reserved for the construction of the Les Cayes International Airport.