In a bold and controversial move, Haiti’s transitional government has reportedly engaged Erik Prince, founder of the private military firm Blackwater, to assist in combating the rampant gang violence that has engulfed the nation. This collaboration involves the deployment of weaponized drones and the recruitment of private military contractors to support Haiti’s beleaguered security forces.
According to reports, Prince’s involvement includes operating drones to target gang members and scouting Haitian-American military veterans to bolster the country’s defense efforts. He plans to send up to 150 mercenaries to Haiti over the summer and has already shipped a significant cache of weapons to the Caribbean nation.
Haiti has been grappling with a severe security crisis, with gangs controlling approximately 85% of Port-au-Prince as of early 2025. These groups have perpetrated widespread violence, including kidnappings, murders, and mass displacements, leading to a humanitarian catastrophe. The situation deteriorated further following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, which created a power vacuum exploited by these gangs.
In response, Haitian authorities have turned to unconventional measures. Since early 2025, the government has been deploying explosive-laden drones to target gang strongholds. However, human rights organizations note that no top gang leaders have been confirmed among the casualties, and the use of such tactics in densely populated urban areas raises concerns about potential civilian harm and violations of international law.
The deployment of private military contractors and the use of weaponized drones have sparked debate among analysts and human rights groups. Critics argue that these measures risk civilian casualties, lack transparency, and may breach international law. The Haitian government maintains that such actions are necessary to combat gangs that have overwhelmed the nation’s police force.
As Haiti prepares for presidential elections scheduled for November 2025, the government’s collaboration with private military contractors underscores the desperate measures employed to restore order. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with calls for increased support and intervention to prevent further deterioration of the country’s security landscape.
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