Artibonite 2025: Between Famine, Violence, and Popular Resistance
In 2025, the Artibonite department in Haiti is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Gang violence particularly from the group Grand Grif, now supported by Viv Ansanm has led to the displacement of over 8,458 people. Food insecurity has reached a critical level, worsened by the collapse of local agricultural markets and the paralysis of the regional economy.
In the absence of effective state response, residents have formed a self-defense group known as the Coalition in an effort to resist attacks and regain control of their territory.
“We have no one to help us fight the gangs,” said one Coalition member, who requested anonymity. “Only a few police officers from Liancourt support us in the clashes. As for the Kenyan officers, very few are actively helping.”
Fritz, another member, added: “We are all in this Coalition, ready to die to protect this town where we grew up. It holds our memories and our reason to live. Nothing and no one will make us run.”
This situation highlights not only the gradual abandonment of entire regions but also the emergence of local grassroots resistance in the absence of state protection. The case of Artibonite should serve as a wake-up call for both national and international institutions about the urgent need for a coordinated response involving security, humanitarian aid, and long-term structural support.
Without swift and coordinated action, this once-stable agricultural region may fall into chronic instability with serious consequences for the entire country.
Photo : Patrice Noel / @efe_noticias
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Put down the weapons, put on the gloves”
The fight of Jameson Dorlus
The neighborhood of Poste Marchand has once again been hit by armed gang violence. Within hours, residents fled, leaving behind their homes, their memories, and sometimes even loved ones lying on the ground.
In Port-au-Prince, fear is redrawing the boundaries between areas controlled by armed groups on a daily basis. In burned-out houses, blackened by attacks, a group of young people still gathers every day to train.
Leading them is Jameson Dorlus 28 years old, a professional boxer and multiple competition winner who chose to stay despite the worsening security situation.
With no water, no changing rooms, and no institutional support, training takes place on just a few square meters, in the heart of an unstable environment. Around them, several neighborhoods remain under the control of armed groups. Gunfire exchanges between police forces and gangs are frequent, sometimes happening nearby.
The sound of gunfire interrupts training sessions.
Bodies freeze.
Then training resumes.
“Here, either we leave these kids to the streets, or we take them back. There is no middle ground.”
The principle is simple, Replace violence with discipline.
“If they have to fight, it will be with gloves. Not with weapons. Not against their own future.”
In areas close to Bel-Air, where armed groups actively recruit, young people remain especially vulnerable.
“Every day a young person is not here is a day they can fall.”
On site, teenagers go through drills. Conditions are harsh, equipment is limited, but consistency never stops. The objective goes beyond sport.
“We are not just training boxers. We are preventing these kids from becoming soldiers.”
There is no salary, no regular funding supporting the initiative. Despite this, training continues, day after day.
“We can’t control the weapons outside. But here, we control who they become.”
In an environment where violence dominates, this training ground becomes an invisible frontline. A space where something more than sport is at stake.
A place where, every day, they try to take back control of the future.
Patrice Noel
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Port-au-Prince, Friday, January 23, 2026
The Haitian National Police (HNP) held the graduation ceremony of its 35th class, officially inducting 877 new officers, both women and men, into service.
Amid a highly challenging security environment, the new recruits pledged to serve the nation and reinforce the police force in response to the country’s current crisis.
Photo : Patrice Noel
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Photo : Patrice Noel
This Tuesday, November 18, in Port-au-Prince. Haiti marks 222nd anniversary of Battle of Vertieres with military ceremony.
Photo : Patrice Noel / @reuters
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This Saturday, November 15, in Petit-Goâve, South department of Haiti, a funeral was held for 18 victims 10 children and 8 adults who lost their lives during the devastating floods caused by Hurricane Melissa.
As families mourn their loved ones, the tragedy highlights the urgent need for stronger disaster preparedness and humanitarian support in vulnerable communities, where climate shocks continue to claim innocent lives.
Photo : Patrice Noel / @reuters
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