Politics

US Diplomat Warns Haiti Near Collapse as Security Becomes Washington’s Top Priority

WASHINGTON — A senior U.S. diplomat has declared that Haiti’s stability is directly linked to American national security, warning U.S. lawmakers that without urgent security intervention, the Caribbean nation risks total institutional collapse and a new wave of mass migration.

Henry Wooster, the chargé d’affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, delivered stark testimony before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations on February 10, 2026. Speaking to lawmakers, Wooster described security as the “keystone” of U.S. policy toward Haiti.

“Our objective in Haiti is one word: stability,” Wooster said, emphasizing that preventing state collapse and large-scale irregular migration to U.S. shores remains Washington’s primary goal.

Armed Groups Dominate the Capital

According to testimony presented during the hearing, armed gangs currently control or influence nearly 90% of Port-au-Prince. Wooster estimated that roughly 20 major armed groups are active, with approximately 12,000 members — including around 3,000 individuals considered highly dangerous.

By comparison, Haiti’s National Police force has about 6,000 officers on payroll, but only a small fraction are actively engaged in combat operations against gangs.

The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. Nearly 1.4 million Haitians have been displaced, more than 5.9 million face acute food insecurity, and a majority of public hospitals in the capital are either closed or operating at limited capacity.

UN-Backed Security Mission Planned

Wooster outlined U.S. support for a multinational security mission authorized by the United Nations Security Council. The force, referred to as the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), is expected to deploy approximately 5,500 personnel.

Initial deployments are planned for April, with full operational capacity targeted by September. The mission aims to dismantle gang networks, protect critical infrastructure, and reinforce Haiti’s security institutions.

U.S. officials stressed that the force will operate under strict oversight, including human rights vetting procedures, to avoid misconduct that plagued past international missions.

Concerns Over Private Military Contractors

Lawmakers also questioned the involvement of private military contractors operating under agreements with Haitian authorities. One company reportedly linked to former U.S. military figures has been contracted to assist with specialized operations such as drone surveillance and night missions.

Wooster clarified that these contracts are agreements between the Haitian government and private firms — not directly with the U.S. government — but acknowledged that security gaps have made external expertise necessary.

Some senators expressed concern that reliance on private contractors could undermine credibility and risk human rights violations.

Governance and Elections Remain Key Challenges

Beyond security, U.S. officials acknowledged deep political instability in Haiti. It has been nearly a decade since the country held elections. Although a transitional council has announced plans for elections in 2026, questions remain about whether the security environment will allow for credible voting.

Wooster emphasized that long-term stability depends on establishing a democratically elected government accountable to the Haitian people.

Economic Stability Critical to Long-Term Peace

Lawmakers also debated economic aid, trade preferences, and migration policies affecting Haitian nationals.

Wooster argued that security efforts alone will not solve the crisis. Years of economic contraction have pushed many young Haitians toward gangs as a source of income. Sustained job creation, trade programs, and economic reforms will be essential to prevent further instability.

“Guns alone won’t solve the problem,” Wooster said. “When violence ends, there must be an economy that gives people hope.”