US Decision Against Gangs in Haiti Will Only Further Isolate the Country, Says Diplomat Pierre Antoine Louis
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
The United States' decision to designate the criminal organizations Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif as foreign terrorist organizations is provoking strong reactions from Haiti's political and intellectual elite. This is the case for diplomat and legal expert Pierre Antoine Louis. According to his analysis, this decision could have significant repercussions on security, trade, and diplomacy in Haiti.
“This could further isolate the country.” He recalls that the closure of Port-au-Prince International Airport since the attacks of November 11, 2025, exacerbates the country's isolation. Insurance companies would refuse to insure flights to Haiti, further complicating commercial exchanges and international connections. This specific aspect gives the diplomat cold sweats, as no one knows when the airport is likely to reopen. “Visitors and airlines will be more reluctant to travel to Haiti,” he mentions.
Politically, this decision is seen as a strong signal in favor of drying up the resources of armed groups. However, Pierre Antoine Louis warns against secondary consequences. While similar measures have been taken elsewhere in Latin America, in Colombia, El Salvador, or Mexico, these countries have robust security forces to enforce the law.
Haiti, on the other hand, continues to face a deep institutional crisis and an overwhelmed police force, as evidenced by the advance of armed gangs into other territories. He sharply criticizes political leaders, particularly the Presidency, accused of having increased its budget while law enforcement severely lacks the means to confront armed groups.
Mr. Louis emphasizes that, in addition to the gangs' interaction being cut off with the United States, some, like gang leader Yonyon, already detained on American soil, could be transferred to specialized detention centers, particularly in Central America.
Furthermore, Washington could encourage its allies to adopt a similar approach, with the aim of further isolating these criminal organizations.
While this measure is welcomed by a large part of public opinion, it must be accompanied by operational support for Haiti. Evidently, the United States does not foresee direct intervention, leaving the country to fend for itself in a spiral of violence that no governmental strategy seems capable of curbing.
