U.S. reaffirms commitment to security and credible 2026 elections amid ongoing challenges
Washington, D.C. – January 2, 2026 On January 1, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a formal statement congratulating the Haitian people on the 222nd anniversary of their nation’s independence, celebrating the historic declaration of January 1, 1804, that established Haiti as the world’s first Black-led republic and the second independent nation in the Western Hemisphere.
“Today, we celebrate Haiti’s resilience and reaffirm our enduring commitment to the Haitian people,” Rubio wrote, acknowledging the extraordinary legacy of a revolution that defeated colonial powers and abolished slavery while inspiring freedom movements worldwide.
The message arrives at a pivotal moment. Haiti continues to face severe gang violence that controls large parts of Port-au-Prince and beyond, widespread displacement, and a prolonged political transition following the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. No nationwide elections have been held since 2016.
Security: The Top Priority
Rubio placed particular emphasis on U.S. support for restoring security, describing it as essential for any meaningful recovery.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to establish a specialized Gang Suppression Force to work alongside Haitian security forces in dismantling armed groups — some of which the United States has designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.
The Secretary noted recent progress, including international pledges secured in December 2025 for up to 7,500 security personnel — surpassing the original target of 5,500. This bolstered Multinational Security Support mission aims to end the “reign of terror” imposed by gangs and create conditions for stability.
Path to Credible Elections
On the political front, Rubio commended the Transitional Presidential Council and the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) for advancing preparations toward general elections in 2026 — the first in over a decade.
He affirmed that the United States will continue to “encourage and support a secure and credible electoral process” that enables Haitians to freely choose their leaders.
The CEP has published a tentative calendar targeting a first round on August 30, 2026, with a possible runoff in December — though all parties agree the timeline remains contingent on significant security gains.
A Message of Partnership
The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince amplified the statement on social media, sharing the full text and extending greetings for both Independence Day and Ancestors’ Day (Jou Lemò).
Rubio’s words reflect a consistent U.S. policy line: partnership with Haiti focused on security, governance, and humanitarian needs, while urging Haitian-led solutions.
For the Haitian people and diaspora celebrating the 222nd anniversary with soup joumou, flags, and reflection, the message serves as a reminder that international attention remains fixed on their nation’s future.
As Haiti enters 2026, the twin goals of defeating gang violence and restoring democratic institutions will test both national resolve and global solidarity.
L’Union Suite joins in wishing Haiti and all her children a year of progress, peace, and renewed strength.
Bonne Fèt Indépendance! Nou se Ayiti.
![Grammy-winning producer and Haitian cultural ambassador Michaël Brun is bringing BAYO back to Miami’s Little Haiti on November 22, for a free block party celebrating the movement’s 10th anniversary, made possible through a major partnership with Rockstar Games.
Presented with support from Rockstar Games, the company behind the #GrandTheftAuto (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/grandtheftauto/) franchise, the event will welcome up to 7,500 attendees, the largest Little Haiti edition to date. Admission is free, with tickets distributed through a raffle and more than half reserved specifically for Florida residents and Haitian communities. Fans can sign up now at [bayotour.com]
In announcing the return, Brun said: “10 years ago, BAYO made its US debut as a free block party in Little Haiti celebrating Haitian and Caribbean culture. That show was the beginning of a beautiful journey across 12 cities, over 50,000 tickets sold, multiple arena and park shows and over 140 artist guests from around the world. I’m so proud to be bringing BAYO back to Little Haiti for our biggest show ever on November 22nd. New venue, huge surprises, our most iconic lineup of all time and FREE tickets courtesy of Rockstar Games.”
The timing adds another layer of visibility. Rockstar Games’ highly anticipated GTA VI is set for release on November 19, 2026, just three days before the BAYO celebration. The game’s fictional Vice City is famously inspired by Miami, placing the partnership and the Little Haiti event in the same cultural spotlight.
The Little Haiti return closes an anniversary run that already included Boston’s Agganis Arena and a sold-out three-night residency at Brooklyn Paramount. With Rockstar Games’ support making the celebration free and accessible, the 10th anniversary returns full circle to the neighborhood where BAYO began, bringing music, culture, and community together on a bigger stage.
#lunionsuite #haitianamerican](https://www.lunionsuite.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/857202981_18645558742023307_1930732005552624620_n-512x640.jpg)
![Grammy-winning producer and Haitian cultural ambassador Michaël Brun is bringing BAYO back to Miami’s Little Haiti on November 22, for a free block party celebrating the movement’s 10th anniversary, made possible through a major partnership with Rockstar Games.
Presented with support from Rockstar Games, the company behind the #GrandTheftAuto (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/grandtheftauto/) franchise, the event will welcome up to 7,500 attendees, the largest Little Haiti edition to date. Admission is free, with tickets distributed through a raffle and more than half reserved specifically for Florida residents and Haitian communities. Fans can sign up now at [bayotour.com]
In announcing the return, Brun said: “10 years ago, BAYO made its US debut as a free block party in Little Haiti celebrating Haitian and Caribbean culture. That show was the beginning of a beautiful journey across 12 cities, over 50,000 tickets sold, multiple arena and park shows and over 140 artist guests from around the world. I’m so proud to be bringing BAYO back to Little Haiti for our biggest show ever on November 22nd. New venue, huge surprises, our most iconic lineup of all time and FREE tickets courtesy of Rockstar Games.”
The timing adds another layer of visibility. Rockstar Games’ highly anticipated GTA VI is set for release on November 19, 2026, just three days before the BAYO celebration. The game’s fictional Vice City is famously inspired by Miami, placing the partnership and the Little Haiti event in the same cultural spotlight.
The Little Haiti return closes an anniversary run that already included Boston’s Agganis Arena and a sold-out three-night residency at Brooklyn Paramount. With Rockstar Games’ support making the celebration free and accessible, the 10th anniversary returns full circle to the neighborhood where BAYO began, bringing music, culture, and community together on a bigger stage.
#lunionsuite #haitianamerican](https://scontent-yyz1-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/858197944_18645558700023307_686072295350904763_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=bOQ5XMx_Z1YQ7kNvwGG7S4C&_nc_oc=AdpRGLfZNHddto393TLgTmmy4hfWc5JLTXDdw5hgJXVgYUpW7ZDy46ppArbX5fDarcg&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-yyz1-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=W1zCNmNwJuk5msuNjfLbTQ&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQKgO0WVvqMTObMW6SJgN5QkraXbIW4tJ2PcO67RxKUH3tW8gNvrwtL7s1if9he47JT8Sqf76zzB&oh=00_AQNgoarcKGynH8kpzxP3faI1ZyeSM1-_zR4Od_Kvg_kA6g&oe=6ADD8873)
