Jean Rebel Dorcenat Responds to Pierre Espérance's Accusations

During a press conference held on Monday, May 5, 2025, former commissioner Jean Rebel Dorcenat rejected accusations made against him by the executive director of RNDDH, Pierre Espérance. The human rights defender stated that Mr. Dorcenat is an ally of the criminal group VIV ANSANM, which he himself helped to form.

With a somewhat tense expression and a less imposing voice, Dorcenat called Pierre Espérance's statements false. For him, the RNDDH's aim is to tarnish his image, which he said he worked hard to build.

“Pierre Espérance lied about me,” Mr. Dorcenat declared. The former spokesperson for the CNDDR under the presidency of Jovenel Moïse clarified that he did not participate, directly or indirectly, in the formation of the criminal organization VIV ANSANM, explaining that his work was simply to discuss with the gangs and encourage them to lay down their arms.

“Yes, I discussed with the gangs. My approach was to encourage them to lay down their arms,” Jean Rebel Dorcenat insisted.

Furthermore, Dorcenat stated that he had alerted the authorities at the time, through correspondence, about the creation of the VIV ANSANM coalition. The officials did nothing to prevent it, even though it has now become a very powerful group.

After modifying the CNDDR, increasing its members from 7 to 9, the transitional presidential council decided to dissolve it following correspondence from Pierre Espérance accusing Jean Rebel Dorcenat, a member of this commission, of “being a reliable ally of criminal gangs.”

It should be recalled that last weekend, the American administration designated Haitian criminal gangs as “international terrorists.”

By Gedeon Delva