In the absence of support from the international community, the Haitian government is turning to American mercenaries.
Negotiations are allegedly already underway with a company known for its involvement in the battle against terrorists in Iraq.
In an exclusive interview with Caribbean Television Network (CTN), former U.S. Ambassador to Haiti, Luis Moreno, provides a striking testimony about the political, security, and diplomatic dynamics surrounding the Haitian crisis. He reveals alarming details: the Haitian transitional government is considering hiring American mercenaries, some of whom are linked to serious international controversies, to restore security in a country ravaged by gangs.
However, according to the diplomat, this strategy would be not only ineffective but also deeply dangerous. He also accuses the American administration of manipulating the designation of Haitian gangs as terrorist organizations – not to help Haiti, but to justify the expulsion of Haitian migrants from U.S. soil.
“I think the transitional government has considered — or is still considering — hiring American contractors who have a difficult reputation,” Luis Moreno states upfront.
According to information circulating in diplomatic circles in Washington, Haitian authorities have reportedly initiated discussions with private security sector actors, notably Erik Prince, former head of the controversial company Blackwater.
This private military firm was accused of killing civilians in Iraq while operating under contract with the U.S. Department of Defense. “They’re looking to hire people I would describe as ‘sketchy contractors,’ and they’re going to pay them enormous amounts of money. I think this is a serious mistake,” lamented the former U.S. chargé d’Affaires to Haiti, who believes the Haitian population would have every reason to be even more fearful if these mercenaries were to be deployed in Haiti.
These revelations come at a time when the country is gripped by chronic insecurity: armed groups control large parts of Port-au-Prince, police stations have been burned down, and state institutions have collapsed. In this context, some members of the transitional government believe that a “muscular solution” could reverse the situation.
However, for Moreno, the idea of introducing mercenaries into this already explosive chaos would only add another layer of uncontrolled violence. “Engaging these types of private forces in such a fragile environment is like throwing gasoline on a fire,” he warned.
He recalls that similar attempts in other countries have often led to serious human rights violations, loss of authority control, and worsening social tensions. “What these private companies seek is not peace or stability. They’re after lucrative contracts.”
The diplomat instead advocates for a return to political, diplomatic, and institutional solutions, with strengthened – but better regulated – support from the international community.
Gang Designation as “Terrorists”: Geopolitical Tool or Migration Manipulation?
Luis Moreno doesn’t just warn about internal risks. He also harshly criticizes his own government’s policy toward Haiti. He specifically mentions the recent designation by President Trump’s administration of several Haitian gang leaders as international terrorists, a decision that could have been seen as an act of solidarity in face of the security crisis.
But for the former ambassador, this initiative conceals a more cynical motivation:
“I apologize for criticizing my former colleagues, but I believe one of the real reasons behind this designation is to provide legal justification for the deportation of Haitian migrants.”
By placing certain Haitian groups on the international terrorism blacklist, American authorities can indeed streamline deportation procedures, restrict asylum applications, and more easily criminalize certain migrant profiles. “They’re being labeled as terrorists, similar to how Salvadoran or Venezuelan migrants are sometimes treated. This allows for the circumvention of certain legal protections.”
This strategy appears particularly shocking, according to Moreno, given that Port-au-Prince’s international airport is closed, and security conditions make a dignified and safe return impossible. “How can we consider deporting people to a country where planes can’t even land?” he questioned.
He delivers an unequivocal assessment of international responsibility in the worsening Haitian crisis: “The United States, France, Canada… I give them an F for ‘Fail’. They’ve been more harmful than helpful. And I don’t see this improving anytime soon.”
Haitian Government Trapped by Its Own Illusions
The former diplomat also asserts that Haitian authorities poorly evaluated the consequences of their request to classify gangs as terrorist organizations.
“The only explanation I can see is that they thought this would push the Americans or the international community to send security forces to Haiti.”
But according to Moreno, this strategy was doomed from the start. “I wish they had consulted me. I would have told them this wish was unrealistic. Nothing positive could come from this.”
On the contrary, he fears this maneuver has reinforced Haiti’s isolation and further damaged its population’s image in the world’s eyes, according to the American diplomat, who believes there’s a deep disconnect between decisions made by Haitian and international elites and the real needs of the population: security, justice, democratic governance, and hope.
The call for private military solutions, coupled with hostile migration policies, risks pushing the country even further into instability.
“What Haiti needs is not more violence, but more solidarity. And leaders who think about future generations, not just current contracts,” advised the diplomat who was the last to accompany former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide to Toussaint Louverture Airport in 2004.
During this exclusive interview, Luis Moreno provided detailed explanations about the circumstances surrounding Jean-Bertrand Aristide’s resignation and exile. The former Haitian leader had personally requested to leave, revealed the diplomat.
The exclusive interview will be broadcast on all Caribbean Television Network platforms tonight at 8 PM.
