2026-02-16

The Carnival holiday period beginning February 16 reveals Haiti's bifurcated security reality where cultural celebrations proceed in some areas while gang impunity reaches new levels in others. Jacmel Carnival activities are underway with police deployment, weapons prohibitions, and ethnographic research teams documenting cultural events without major incidents reported. The Ministry of Culture announced institutional financial support for municipalities hosting carnival festivities scheduled February 15-17, and public administration, commerce, industry, and schools are observing official holidays beginning noon through . Port-au-Prince presents a starkly different picture. No comprehensive public security plan for the capital's carnival festivities had been officially presented by authorities as of early February. An anonymous police officer warned that managing large crowds without a clear plan and without sufficient resources can expose participants to increased risks including violence or targeted attacks. This warning proved prescient as kidnappings continue rising across Port-au-Prince with Delmas 19, 31, 33, and 75 particularly affected. Current hostages include a priest, a lawyer, and a February 16, 2026 judge. The Kenscoff attack on February 12 by Viv Ansanm coalition demonstrated the group's capacity to strike one of the capital's last safe areas, killing at least one person and burning houses. The most alarming security indicator is gang leader Johnson Andre's continued operational freedom. Andre, known by the alias Izo and leader of the 5 Segond gang, was seen on video participating in and financing carnival activities in Village de Dieu. No official government statement has been issued regarding his presence. Izo is the same gang leader who masterminded the December 24, 2024 General Hospital massacre using armed drones, killing two journalists. His open participation in public events with zero government response signals the level of operational impunity gangs continue to enjoy even as the PNH conducts San Kanpe road-clearing operations. The security environment during Carnival operates against the backdrop of Viv Ansanm controlling approximately 85-90% of Port-au-Prince and gangs controlling at least 23 communes across four departments. UNICEF reports a threefold increase in child recruitment for armed activities in 2025, with children making up as much as 50% of gang membership. The destruction of healthcare infrastructure continues with 45% of health facilities in the capital closed or destroyed as of October 2025. This Carnival period tests whether the post-CPT governance structure under PM Fils-Aime can coordinate effective security responses during concentrated public gatherings.