No Security Contract for the Border: Clarification from the Minister of Economy and Finance
By La Rédaction · 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
Port-au-Prince, August 18, 2025 – "There is currently no contract with a foreign security company," declared the Minister of Economy and Finance, Alfred Metellus, refuting allegations concerning the signing of a contract with a private security firm led by American Erik Prince, with the aim of combating gangs in the country.
The Haitian government rejects reports claiming that a ten-year contract had been signed with this company.
According to the minister, "While it is true that we are examining several options to strengthen our security and customs infrastructure as well as our capacity to combat transnational crime, there is, to date, no ongoing contract with anyone."
For Alfred Metellus, the current measures were announced during the publication of the war budget, adopted by the Council of Ministers. This is, moreover, necessary, he emphasized, referring to the out-of-control situation at the Malpasse customs office.
"Currently, the State exercises almost no control over products entering through the Malpasse border," he admitted. For several months, this customs post has been left to itself, without the presence of customs officers, who have been driven out by gangsters.
"Only a few police patrols still ensure the security of this area, but they lack the qualifications to inspect goods entering the country via this route," said the Minister of Finance.
This situation raises fears concerning an intensification of crime, as well as an increase in health security risks, he added.
In this context, the minister believes it is essential for the State to take emergency measures to remedy this situation. According to him, the support of a better-equipped foreign force, capable of working alongside Haitian security forces, is a necessity, while reiterating that no contract has been signed to date.
Minister Metellus also announced that the purchase of helicopters and other equipment is being considered as part of new national security strategies.
Johao Killy
