Haitian National Police and BSAP: What Collaboration is Possible?

PORT-AU-PRINCE.___The Transitional Presidential Council has published the decree, formalizing the commitment of the Brigade of Surveillance of Protected Areas (BSAP) alongside the Haitian National Police and the Haitian Armed Forces in the fight against armed gangs, in Le Journal Le Moniteur on April 3, 2025. The resolution adopted by the Council of Ministers comprises four articles. It establishes the conditions for effective collaboration between the BSAP and the country's armed forces.

Indeed, Article 2 specifies that the government is responsible for taking all necessary measures to solicit the support of the BSAP. It is also stipulated that only agents whose conduct has been favorably evaluated will participate in this operation.

However, Article 3 emphasizes the need to establish a memorandum of understanding defining the terms of intervention for BSAP members and the rules governing their collaboration with other security forces. This ensures a legal framework for operations and guarantees efficiency among the various actors involved.

As for coordination, it must be rigorous, a crucial aspect, indispensable for anticipating tragic incidents that have occurred in the past, such as the death of five BSAP members during clashes last year with agents of the Departmental Law Enforcement Unit (UDMO), which foreshadowed major challenges to overcome.

Article 4 addresses the submission of the memorandum of understanding to legal requirements, under the diligence of the Prime Minister. This assertion implies an increased responsibility on the part of the executive authorities to ensure that this collaboration takes place with respect for human rights and security standards.

However, this initiative is not unanimously supported. Criticisms are emerging regarding the lack of training for BSAP agents for missions of this magnitude. The tense history between the BSAP and the Haitian National Police raises doubts about the real possibility of harmonious and productive collaboration.

While the mobilization of the BSAP in the fight against insecurity may appear to be an appropriate response to current challenges, it nevertheless requires carefully established measures and sustained attention. This choice, raising legitimate questions, reflects efforts to strengthen the operational effectiveness of law enforcement in a context of growing insecurity.