The Haitian government has signed a major contract with Vectus Global, a private security company led by Erik Prince, founder of the controversial Blackwater firm, in an attempt to regain control from armed gangs that have plunged the country into chaos.
Under the agreement, nearly 200 personnel from multiple countries will be deployed to reclaim territory currently dominated by gangs and restore critical state functions. The contract is set for one year initially, but plans outline a possible ten-year partnership that would expand from security operations to revenue collection, particularly at border crossings with the Dominican Republic.
Prince has stated that his benchmark for success will be the ability to travel from Port-au-Prince to Cap-Haïtien in a normal, unarmored vehicle without being stopped by gangs—a journey that is currently too dangerous for most civilians.
The move comes as Haiti faces one of its worst security crises in decades. The gang coalition known as Viv Ansanm has tightened its grip, carrying out prison breaks, halting airport operations, and controlling key highways. Between April and June alone, more than 1,500 people were killed and over 1.3 million displaced.
Critics warn that outsourcing national security to a private contractor could weaken Haiti’s sovereignty, bypass fragile state institutions, and increase the risk of human rights abuses. Legal experts also note that the arrangement could run into complications under U.S. law, depending on the nature of foreign involvement and oversight.
Haitian authorities, however, view the deal as a necessary step to stabilize the country and reopen vital economic and transportation links. Whether this private intervention can achieve those goals—or further entrench the country’s instability—remains to be seen.
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