Franky François
Port-au-Prince, August 21, 2026.- The Association of Haitian Customs Officers (ADH) plans a strike starting on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. The purpose of this movement is to demand the application of a special status for officers of the General Customs Administration (AGD). Guest of Magik 9 this Friday, Francky François, an active member of the ADH, says that the steps undertaken since June did not lead to a final decision. According to him, however, a commission had been set up with the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) to work on this issue.
An ancient claim
Francky François recalls that customs officers are currently subject to the general status of the civil service, established by the decree of 17 May 2005. It maintains, however, that the texts governing the customs administration also provide for the existence of a special status, the provisions of which would never have been effectively implemented.
For the ADH, this status is justified in particular by the sensitive nature of the functions performed by customs officers and their importance for the revenue of the State. In particular, the association calls for a review of the wage system and index grid, as well as specific provisions on retirement. According to Francky François, the project includes raising the retirement age of customs officers from 58 to 65 years.
A commission set up in June
The representative of ADH explained that the mobilizations launched at the end of June had led the Ministry of Finance, which was responsible for the AMD, to accept the establishment of a commission to work on the particular status. A meeting with the Customs Branch would also have allowed further discussions on the matter.
However, the change at the head of the AMD and the absence, according to the ADH, of a concrete decision has rekindled the concerns of customs officials. The association also claims to have discovered a document indicating the repeal of Article 325 of a decree governing the customs administration, which it considers an important legal basis for its claim. Franky François explains that the ADH is still seeking to officially establish the authenticity of this document.
Deadline for 25 August
After a new mobilization started on Thursday 20 August, ADH now announces a stoppage of work from Tuesday 25 August until further notice. The movement should concern customs services throughout the country.
According to Francky François, customs officers will maintain the pressure until their particular status is clearly adopted.
For ADH, this reform should help to better regulate the working conditions, remuneration, career and retirement of staff entrusted with a mission considered strategic for the Haitian state.
W.A.
