AGP Executive Report

Haiti Security & Displacement: The UN says armed attacks in Haiti’s Artibonite department triggered new displacements, with over 1,100 people fleeing violence in Petite Rivière de Bayonnais and seeking refuge in Gonaïves, straining already fragile services. Haitian Football & World Cup Hope: Haiti’s World Cup return is being framed as rare unity and a lift for a country battered by instability, with Haiti set to play New Zealand at Inter Miami CF Stadium as part of final preparations. Haitian Community in the U.S.: A pastor in Springfield praised U.S. lawmakers’ votes to extend Temporary Protected Status for Haitians, saying TPS holders are vital to local work and families. Visa Pressure Abroad: The U.S. plans to cut the number of African embassies and consulates that can process visas, a move tied to tighter immigration enforcement. World Cup Culture in the Diaspora: Haitian fans and supporters are also catching World Cup momentum through U.S. watch parties and community events, including Haiti-related match coverage in major host cities.

Haiti World Cup Return: Haiti is back at the men’s FIFA World Cup after 52 years, entering Group C alongside Brazil, Morocco and Scotland—an appearance fueled by rare national unity despite gang violence that forced qualifiers to be played in neutral venues. Scotland vs Haiti Build-Up: Scotland’s Ryan Christie says the team will carry “a point to prove” after past Euro disappointments, with Haiti’s opener in Boston looming. Haiti in the Diaspora Spotlight: Haitian fans in the U.S. are rallying around the moment, including a Haitian player in Haiti—Woodenski Pierre—seeking a U.S. visa to join the World Cup squad. Humanitarian Emergency: A consortium (Plan, CAPAC, Mercy Corps, NRC, Save the Children) launched an emergency response for more than 400,000 displaced and violence-affected people across West, Central and Artibonite through October. Football Governance: Haiti’s Football Federation adopted new statutes after an extraordinary congress, giving the sport a fresh legal foundation ahead of the World Cup. Haiti-France Cooperation: Haiti’s planning ministry met French partners to coordinate development projects across security, agriculture, health, education and governance. World Cup Logistics: Boston’s schedule includes Haiti vs Scotland on June 13 at Gillette Stadium, with more matches across the host cities through July.

Haiti World Cup Spotlight: Haiti is set to open its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in Group C, with the team based at Stockton University in Galloway, New Jersey, as fans in South Florida gear up for a major friendly draw: Haiti vs. Peru in Fort Lauderdale ahead of the tournament. Scotland vs Haiti Build-Up: Scotland’s World Cup send-off at Hampden ended 4-1 over Curaçao, but the big story is injury: Billy Gilmour’s knee problem has forced a late squad shake-up, with Manchester United teenager Tyler Fletcher called in to replace him. Brazil’s Form Check: Brazil thrashed Panama 6-2 in a World Cup warm-up, underlining their Group C threat as they prepare to face Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti. Caribbean Week in New York: Haiti tourism officials are among Caribbean ministers and commissioners gathering in Manhattan for Caribbean Week in New York 2026, aiming to strengthen regional economic resilience and market share. Community in the Diaspora: A Trenton nonprofit, Haitian Heritage House, is helping Haitian families in the U.S. access jobs, healthcare, and maternal support while preserving culture.

Haiti Security & State Building: Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé presided over the graduation of the 36th class of the Haitian National Police (PNH), with 1,192 new officers (including 238 women) as the government pushes “zero tolerance” against armed groups and seeks to restore state authority. Public Safety Update: A major PNH operation in Carrefour Robert (Verrettes road) left three police officers and a civilian scout killed after clashes with the “Gran Grif” gang; separately, an explosion during illegal diesel distribution in Delmas injured at least five people, including two children. Elections & Governance: The PM also attended the closing ceremony of an international conference on ensuring success in Haiti’s 2026 elections, with CEP and partners stressing secure conditions for voting and protection of electoral infrastructure. Economy & Living Conditions: The BRH released a monetary policy note citing weak growth, high inflation (20.6% in March 2026), major displacement (about 1.45 million), and severe food insecurity affecting nearly 5.83 million people. World Cup Culture & Pride: As Haiti returns to the World Cup after 52 years, Haitian communities in Miami rallied for meet-and-greets and pride events, while fans report official jerseys are sold out—driving designers to create their own Haiti-themed kits.

U.S.-Haiti Security and Elections: Washington reaffirmed “full support” for Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé after a National Palace meeting with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, focusing on armed-group pressure and the conditions for credible general elections. Defense and State Building: Haiti’s Minister of Defense Mario Andrésol outlined a plan to rebuild the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd’H) as a long-term tool for territorial reconquest, arguing the 1995 army dissolution created a security vacuum. Religious Leaders’ Peace Pact: Haiti’s National Conference of Religious Leaders ended with a joint declaration calling for violence prevention, civic education, support for vulnerable communities, and youth reintegration. Public Health Watch: Leprosy cases have been confirmed in Artibonite and the Southeast, with PAHO/WHO backing surveillance and free treatment. Gang Violence and Logistics: Police seized weapons and ammunition in Bel Air during operations against gang bases, while Sunrise Airways signed an agreement to speed up transport of blood and biological specimens for Haiti’s health system. Sports with Haiti in the spotlight: Scotland’s World Cup warm-up vs Curaçao ended 4-1, but midfielder Billy Gilmour’s knee injury has raised concern ahead of the June 14 opener against Haiti in Boston.

Power Crisis in Port-au-Prince: Krisla’s gang seized EDH Power Plant #2 in Carrefour, demanding at least eight hours of electricity daily—leaving the capital area even more dependent on limited private supply. Elections Security: Haiti’s CEP met the Electoral Security Unit with PNH, MJSP, UNDP and UNOPS to set a security framework for transporting materials, protecting staff, and safeguarding voters and candidates. Health Support in Nippes: The Nippes Health Directorate rolled out medical and pharmaceutical supplies to hospitals and clinics across multiple municipalities. Women’s Affairs Aid: The Ministry of Women’s Affairs backed a mother who delivered triplets at University of Peace Hospital, providing support and a 25,000-gourde assistance package. Religious Leaders Conference: Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé opened a national conference bringing together faith groups and officials to tackle violence prevention and civic engagement. Drug Bust & Police Training: Authorities seized 9kg of marijuana in Pétion-ville and announced the graduation of 1,200 police candidates as recruitment continues.

Haiti World Cup Visa Crunch: Woodensky Pierre, Haiti’s only Haiti-based World Cup player, is still waiting on a U.S. visa to join the squad in Florida as Trump-era travel restrictions keep processing slow. Haiti Displacement Update: The UN says Haiti’s displacement crisis is nearing 1.5 million people, with 95,000 newly displaced since December and violence in Port-au-Prince driving the surge. Regional Connectivity: Haiti and the Dominican Republic will resume passenger and cargo flights May 30 after more than two years, routing through Cap-Haïtien as both sides seek better cooperation. World Cup Group C Context: Brazil’s Neymar is expected to miss 2–3 weeks with a grade-two calf injury, putting his June 13 opener vs Morocco in doubt—while Haiti opens against Brazil in Philadelphia on June 19. Diaspora & Culture: Haitian Heritage Month was marked at New York County Supreme Court with a panel on Haiti’s legacy in America’s path to freedom and the rule of law.

Haiti World Cup Return: Haiti’s “Les Grenadiers” arrived in New Jersey to set up a World Cup training camp at Stockton University, marking a historic return after 52 years away as security turmoil at home has forced key preparations abroad. Gangs and Sports Under Pressure: A new report highlights how gang violence in Port-au-Prince has repeatedly hit Haiti’s sports infrastructure, including the burning of the FIFA Goal Center, cutting off youth training and dreams. Group C Spotlight: Haiti is grouped with Brazil and Scotland, while Morocco’s Atlas Lions head into the tournament with a revamped squad and high expectations after qualification success. Neymar Injury Update: Brazil’s Neymar is expected to miss up to three weeks with a grade-two calf strain, putting his World Cup opener in doubt. Local Watch Parties for Haitians Abroad: Cities across the U.S. are rolling out free World Cup watch parties, including Worcester’s Common events featuring Haiti vs. Scotland, as Haitian communities gear up to cheer from afar. Regional Diplomacy: The Dominican Republic and the UN held a political dialogue on Haiti’s crisis and its spillover effects on border security, stability, and human rights.

Haiti World Cup Build-Up: Haiti’s World Cup return is bringing real pride and real logistics pressure, including a Haitian-based midfielder Woodensky Pierre whose U.S. visa delays are being worked through with the federation saying an official passport could clear the way soon for camp in Florida. Group C Spotlight: In the same World Cup group that includes Haiti, Brazil’s Neymar faces a major scare—scans show a grade-two right calf injury and he’s expected to miss friendlies and could miss Brazil’s opener—while Scotland locks in its long-term plan with Steve Clarke signing through the 2030 World Cup. Diaspora & Community: Haitian Flag Day celebrations in New York’s Springfield Gardens drew students and community leaders with music, poetry, and the national anthem. Local World Cup Watch Parties: Massachusetts communities including Chelsea and Boston received FIFA permission for public World Cup watch parties, with Boston’s schedule featuring a Brazil vs. Haiti night game. Culture & Memory: France voted unanimously to repeal the Code Noir slavery-era law, a move that keeps Haiti’s historical ties to the Caribbean slave system in the spotlight.

Haiti Security: New gang violence in Port-au-Prince has forced hundreds to flee, with Doctors Without Borders evacuating its Cité Soleil hospital after intense clashes and reporting dozens of gunshot victims. World Cup Visas: Haiti’s Woodensky Pierre—the only Haiti-based player on the squad—is still awaiting a U.S. visa to join the team in Florida, as travel restrictions and paperwork delays keep him training under siege conditions in Pétion-Ville. Diaspora Watch Parties (Boston): Boston says FIFA has approved licenses for six community watch parties, including Brazil vs. Haiti and Spain vs. Cabo Verde, as the city prepares for World Cup crowds. Haiti in the Tournament: The World Cup schedule confirms Haiti vs. Scotland in Boston on June 13, with Haiti also set to face Brazil and Morocco in Group C. Local Sports Prep (NJ): Stockton University is upgrading its field to host Haiti’s national team for World Cup training, replacing winter-damaged grass with new turf.

Haiti World Cup Visa Crunch: Woodensky Pierre, the only Haiti-based player on Haiti’s 2026 squad, is still waiting on a U.S. visa to join the team in Florida as travel restrictions drag on. Gang Violence & Displacement: In Port-au-Prince’s Cite Soleil, residents protested for protection after gang violence forced hundreds to flee, demanding police action as gunshots rang nearby. Haiti in the Diaspora Spotlight: Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey declared May 26 “Frantzdy Pierrot Day,” honoring the Haitian striker’s role in Haiti’s World Cup return and launching a foundation to connect young Haitian players with clubs abroad. Immigration Pressure in the U.S.: Reports say detainees at Newark’s Delaney Hall began a hunger strike May 22, while protesters outside clashed with law enforcement. Haitian Money Case: A Haitian woman in the Bahamas, Simone Thelimond, was granted bail after allegedly failing to declare about $73,000 in cash before traveling to Haiti.

World Cup Kickoff for Haiti: Haiti’s return to the FIFA World Cup after 52 years is set for June 13 in Boston, with Haiti drawn in Group C alongside Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland—matches in the U.S. Travel Ban Pressure: A U.S. travel ban is keeping many Haitian fans from attending in person, even as Massachusetts leaders honor Haitian striker Frantzdy Pierrot with “Frantzdy Pierrot Day.” New Route for the Diaspora: Sunrise Airways says it will launch a direct Cap-Haïtien–Newark flight starting June 1, aiming to make travel easier for Northern Haiti’s diaspora. On-the-Ground Crisis: The UN reports worsening displacement in Port-au-Prince’s capital region, with about 17,500 people displaced in two weeks amid intensified gang clashes, and aid access still constrained. Morocco Squad News: Morocco named Achraf Hakimi in its World Cup roster under coach Mohamed Ouahbi, with Group C opening against Brazil.

World Cup Build-Up: Morocco crushed Burundi 5-0 in a closed-door friendly as the Atlas Lions fine-tune for Group C with Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. Haiti–US Connectivity: Sunrise Airways says it will start a direct Cap-Haïtien–Newark route on June 1, once a week, cutting out Florida transit for northern travelers. FIFA Logistics: FIFA confirmed base camps for all 48 teams, with Ghana set for Boston-area training at Bryant University and Iran based in Mexico to navigate visa hurdles. Immigration Pressure in the Spotlight: In the U.S., the Supreme Court backed Trump’s administration in a dispute over limits on what federal immigration judges can say publicly—while Haitian fans in the U.S. keep worrying about ICE near World Cup venues. Local Haitian Pride Abroad: Fall River, Massachusetts, welcomed its first Haitian bakery, adding to the diaspora’s growing cultural footprint.

World Cup Logistics: FIFA says all 48 teams have locked in U.S., Mexico, and Canada base camps—39 in the U.S., seven in Mexico, two in Canada—turning the tournament into a wider national footprint than ever. Haiti at the Center: Haiti’s first World Cup since 1974 is already colliding with fear of U.S. immigration enforcement, with Haitian fans and residents saying they’re weighing travel because of ICE crackdowns near airports and venues. Regional Legal Win: The Caribbean Court of Justice backed political analyst Derek Ramsamooj in a Suriname case, reinforcing that CARICOM treaty rights must come with baseline human-rights protections. Local Culture & Pride: In the U.S., Haitian communities marked Haitian Flag Day with music and performances, while in Scotland the Bank of Scotland released a limited-edition £20 note featuring Scott McTominay’s World Cup-winning overhead kick. Security Spotlight: White House officials say Atlanta’s World Cup matches will run under a heavy security overlay—an “entire continent to protect” approach.

World Cup Countdown: The 2026 FIFA World Cup starts June 11, and Haiti’s group-stage opener is set for June 14 against Scotland in Foxborough—one of the first big moments for Haiti since 1974. Haiti in the Spotlight: Haiti is grouped with Brazil and Morocco in Group C, with squads due to be finalized by June 1 and announced June 2. Diaspora Pride: Haitian Flag Day celebrations in the U.S. drew crowds with music and community events, including a Brooklyn gathering hosted by Haitian Cultural Exchange. Sports Culture, Big Stage Energy: Scotland’s World Cup return is being marked with a limited-edition Bank of Scotland £20 note featuring Scott McTominay’s qualification overhead kick—showing how the tournament is already fueling national hype. Humanitarian Context: UN-linked reporting warns gang violence is driving mass displacement in Haiti, underscoring the stakes beyond the pitch.

IMF Watch: The IMF approved the third review of Haiti’s staff-monitored program and extended the reform track to June 19, 2027, saying Haiti met end-December 2025 targets despite delays tied to insecurity and weak capacity—while warning that about 5.7 million people face food insecurity and 1.45 million are displaced. Cap-Haïtien Reset: Former mayor Michel Saint-Croix returned to lead a new three-member interim commission tasked with tackling sanitation collapse, flooding risk, and crumbling infrastructure in Haiti’s second-largest city. World Cup Spotlight: Haiti’s Grenadiers are training in Florida ahead of their first World Cup in 52 years, with the squad set to open against Scotland in Group C. Migration Pressure Abroad: As the World Cup nears, reporting from U.S. immigrant hubs and New York’s Little Haiti shows growing fear of ICE enforcement—despite local officials pushing watch-party plans and FIFA events. Hunger as a Weapon: A new study flags thousands of incidents of food-based violence since 2018, including in Haiti, as conflict tactics increasingly target markets and food systems.