Fils-Aimé promises 4,000 police officers a year and $120 million for elections

Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé has announced a strengthening of the security forces and $120 million for the electoral process. He was speaking at the National Palace on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the ceremony marking 220 years since the assassination of Jean-Jacques Dessalines. He also called for the restoration of security, the fight against impunity and a stronger state authority.

A tribute that must not be reduced to a ritual

The government organized several events in memory of the founder of independence. The Prime Minister laid a wreath at the Museum of the Haitian National Pantheon on the Champ-de-Mars. He then signed the Golden Book and observed a minute of silence, after which the Last Post was sounded.

In his speech, he argued that the tribute paid to Dessalines could not be reduced to an annual ceremony. "Honoring Dessalines is not just giving fine speeches every October 17. It is committing to keeping his vision alive and carrying the demands of the Haitian people on our shoulders," he said. He urged the public to unite and show solidarity, and called for the ideals of independence to be turned into action: bringing back peace, strengthening institutions and meeting the needs of residents.

The security measures announced

The government plans to train 4,000 police officers every year. It also intends to train 15,000 soldiers over the next three years. In addition, it is asking its international partners for support in deploying the Gang Suppression Force.

The head of government called for stepping up the fight against illicit arms trafficking and for prosecuting those who supply armed groups. "We cannot talk about peace while illegal weapons keep entering our territory and those responsible for them go unpunished," he said. In doing so, he tied the return of security to an end to impunity.

Funding for the elections

The Prime Minister places the electoral process among his priorities. According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, $120 million has been included in the 2026-2027 budget. The money is to fund electoral operations and support the Provisional Electoral Council.

What remains unclear

His speech did not give timelines for putting these measures into effect. The authorities reaffirm their commitment to the ideals of freedom, unity and national sovereignty, in a country still facing insecurity and fragile institutions.