The American daily newspaper The New York Times revealed that Haiti had discreetly signed a contract with Erik Prince, a former member of the US Navy's Special Forces (SEAL). Prince is known for having founded Academi (formerly Blackwater Worldwide), the world's largest private military company, which he sold in 2010. This contract provides for military operations against the gangs terrorizing the country and threatening to take control of the capital.

Several US officials have confirmed their awareness of Prince's collaboration with Haiti. However, the terms of the agreement between the Haitian government and Prince, including the amount paid, remain confidential. The State Department has insisted that it has not paid Prince or his companies for mercenary operations in Haiti. There is total silence on the terms of the contract, the duration of the operation, and the monitoring mechanisms.

According to the New York Times, Erik Prince is planning to send up to 150 mercenaries, including many Haitian-American military veterans, equipped with sophisticated equipment, to eliminate gang members identified as priority targets. Three helicopters would also be deployed to participate in gang attacks.

Rod Joseph, a Haitian military veteran and owner of a Florida-based security training company, revealed that he has been in talks with Prince for some time to provide mercenaries for his contract.

In recent months, this collaboration with Prince has already led to the deployment of suicide drones in Haiti.

Security experts, cited by the Times, also indicated that Prince recently sent a large quantity of weapons to Haiti to support local forces.

The Haitian government is currently awaiting the arrival of these weapons and new personnel to strengthen its fight against gangs.

Although Blackwater no longer exists, Prince owns other private military entities. Politically classified as far-right, Prince, a close associate of Donald Trump, is reportedly a billionaire. He currently resides in the United Emirates.

Prince has not responded to the NY Times article.

SL/ S/ HaitiLibre