Port-au-Prince, February 11, 2026.- There is a strong controversy between the Union of Civilian Employees of the Ministry of Defence (SECIMID) and the Ministry of Defence. While the president of SECIMID invited the press to a conference scheduled for 10 February 2026 in Delmas, the ministry replied by an official statement stating that no trade union exists within it and qualifying any initiative in this direction as a criminal act punishable.
In a note dated 9 February 2026, Léonès Jean-Charles, introducing himself as president of the Syndicat des Employés Civils du Ministère de la Défense (SECIMID), invited the media to cover a press conference on Tuesday 10 February at 11 am AM, in Gran Lakou Spot Bar & Grill, Delmas 33. The document bears a seal and signature, affirming the formal existence of this trade union structure.
A few hours later, the Ministry of Defence issued a categorical statement rejecting any recognition of any union within it. « There's never been, and there'll never be. », specifies the official note, extending this position to the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd-H). The Ministry recalls that defence and national security institutions are governed by principles of discipline, hierarchy, obedience and neutrality, which are considered incompatible with any form of trade union organization.
More firmly, the press release warns that any attempt to claim a union within the Ministry or the Armed Forces will be considered a criminal act, exposing its perpetrators to severe disciplinary sanctions and prosecution.
This situation highlights an unprecedented institutional confrontation that could revive the debate on the rights of civilian employees in national defence structures.
W.A.
