The National Police of Haiti (PNH) celebrated its 28th anniversary (June 12, 2023) around the theme "Ann kontinye pote kole pou Sekirite a blayi". In this circumstance, a mass of thanksgiving was sung, at the amphitheater of the National Police Academy, route des Frères.

The Commander-in-Chief of the PNH, members of the High Command of the PNH, the Minister of Justice and Public Security, Ms. Emmelie Prophète-Milcé, the Minister of Economy and Finance, Patrick Boisvert, and other members of the Government, Ms. Mirlande Manigat, President of the High Council of the Transition, members of the High Staff of the Armed Forces of Haiti, judicial and civil authorities, diplomatic and consular Representatives, are some of the personalities who have took part.

In his speech, the Acting Commander-in-Chief, Frantz Elbé took the opportunity to salute the efforts of the valiant police officers who fought body and soul in the battle against armed gangs, while launching a strong call for unity within the police institution. In addition, a minute of silence was observed in memory of the police officers who were victims in the exercise of their duties.

"On the occasion of the 28th anniversary of the creation of our National Police, I would like to salute the courage, the determination, the professionalism of our valiant police officers, who, every day, sacrifice themselves, put their lives in danger, to protect the population.

I renew to these brave agents, as well as to the High Command, the unwavering support of my government, while assuring them of our desire to accompany them in the quest for a more professional, dynamic, efficient, modern and equipped police force.

I take this opportunity to honor the memory of the police officers killed in the line of duty. The common fatherland will always be grateful to them for their gesture of bravery, aimed at putting bandits and criminals out of harm's way," said Prime Minister a.i Henry from Jamaica

At least five police officers have been killed each month in Haiti since the beginning of 2023 (29 police officers killed) according to a report by the National Network for the Defense of Human Rights (RNDDH) dated June 11, 2023.

According to this report published on the occasion of the 28th anniversary of the PNH, between June 2022 and June 2023 at least 58 police officers were killed (9.7 police officers per month, average over one year), some of them after being kidnapped by the armed gangs.

In addition, continues the RNDDH, the agents "are not protected by the judiciary which, on several occasions, decides to release armed bandits arrested by the PNH, endangering the lives of the agents who had participated in the interventions that led upon their arrest."

Download the RNDDH report (PDF in French) : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/6-Rap-PNH-12Jun2023-FR.pdf.pdf

S/ HaitiLibre