Security, Authority, and Grey Areas: One Year of Rameau Normil at the Head of the Haitian National Police

One year ago, Rameau Normil took the reins of the Haitian National Police amidst growing security chaos. Twelve months later, it's time for an assessment, and the results are, to say the least, mixed. While some organizational progress has been noted, the reality on the ground continues to demonstrate a persistent inability of the police institution to sustainably restore public order. A Return Marked by High Expectations Rameau Normil, former Director General of the Haitian National Police between 2019 and 2020, was recalled to this position in June 2024 with the hope of providing direction to a weakened police force, infiltrated by corruption and overwhelmed by the rise of armed groups. His return had raised hopes, particularly among certain sectors of civil society and international partners. Indeed, the challenges were enormous: reconstitution of operational units, galvanizing demoralized troops, lack of resources, and above all, a territory increasingly fragmented by heavily armed gangs. Targeted but Undecisive Operations During his tenure, Director Normil launched several large-scale operations against notorious banditry hotspots, particularly in the metropolitan area. Some interventions allowed for the neutralization of gang members, the seizure of weapons, or the temporary regaining of control over strategic neighborhoods. However, these victories were often short-lived, and the “liberated” areas quickly fell back under criminal control due to a lack of permanent police presence. The operations severely lack long-term strategic coordination. Many security experts criticize a reactive and militarized approach, without a prevention policy or the rebuilding of ties between the Haitian National Police and local populations. What About Civilian Protection? The main failure of this first year undoubtedly remains the inability of the Haitian National Police to guarantee the protection of citizens. Hundreds of people have been killed, kidnapped, or displaced since June 2024. Entire areas such as Martissant, Canaan, and Croix-des-Bouquets are still outside state control. Fear is still omnipresent, and public trust in the police remains fragile, if not completely broken. A Police Force on International Life Support Under Normil, the Haitian National Police attempted to strengthen its ties with the international community, particularly with the implementation of logistical support in anticipation of the deployment of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. While this diplomatic aspect can be considered a positive point, it also reveals the glaring dependence of the Haitian police on external aid to function minimally. Weakened Command, Contested Leadership The internal climate within the Haitian National Police has hardly been appeased. Critical voices within the institution itself denounce a lack of leadership, authoritarian management, and an absence of dialogue with police unions. Several specialized units, such as SWAT or UDMO, are facing operational exhaustion, and cases of discouragement, even silent desertions, have been reported. Furthermore, accusations of police infiltration by gang-related networks persist. No strong signal has been given so far to clean up the chain of command or sanction deviant behavior. One year after his appointment, the question is openly asked: Is Rameau Normil the right man for the job? His supporters highlight his rigor and knowledge of the field, while his detractors point to solitary, inefficient management disconnected from real emergencies. Despite firm speeches, the Haitian National Police has still not demonstrated its ability to regain control against the criminal networks paralyzing the country. What's the Assessment? Rameau Normil's first anniversary at the head of the Haitian National Police leaves a mixed assessment, where stated intentions have not yet been translated into tangible results on the ground. The security challenge in Haiti today demands bold leadership, deep structural reform, and a clear break from institutional survival logics. Otherwise, the Haitian National Police risks continuing to operate blindly, jeopardizing the country's stability and the lives of millions of Haitians. By Gesly Sinvilier