Haiti: FJKL Challenges Government on Use of Blackwater Mercenaries
By Wideberlin SENEXANT · Port-au-Prince
· 2 min read · Updated 24 April 2026
Translated from French — AI-assisted and reviewed by the editorial team. The French version is authoritative. Read the original · About our translation policy
Facing growing insecurity, the Haitian government has reportedly engaged the services of an American security firm led by the founder of Blackwater. The Fondasyon Je Klere (FJKL) demands clarification on the conditions of this intervention and reiterates the importance of respecting human rights.
The Fondasyon Je Klere (FJKL), a Haitian human rights organization, expressed its concerns in a statement published on May 29, 2025, regarding the involvement of the Blackwater group in the fight against armed gangs in Haiti. The organization calls on the interim government to shed light on the terms of this controversial partnership.
According to information relayed by the press, Haitian authorities have reportedly sought the services of a former leader of the American private security firm Blackwater. Known for its military interventions in conflict zones such as Iraq, this company is often criticized for its opacity and aggressive methods.
The FJKL acknowledges that the scale of violence orchestrated by armed gangs – marked by mass crimes, rapes, kidnappings, arson, and forced displacement – may justify exceptional measures. However, it demands that the government communicate clearly on the duration, cost of the contract, and especially the rules of engagement for these mercenaries. The objective is to guarantee the respect of human rights and allow rigorous monitoring by civil society organizations.
The organization also warns against a prolonged privatization of public security and insists that this approach must be accompanied by a sustainable strengthening of national institutions.
It thus reiterates its security recommendations: massive recruitment and training of the Haitian Armed Forces (FAD’H), specialized training and vetting within the National Police (PNH), creation of an effective intelligence service, provision of adequate equipment, and improvement of the living conditions of security agents.
It should be noted that, according to a recent New York Times article, Blackwater has been in Haiti since March 2025, and significant contingents are expected to arrive this summer. However, the past record of this security firm still raises concerns.
