Port-au-Prince, August 1, 2025.– Over the past several years, "watch brigades" have multiplied across the country. Composed mainly of young people, often armed with white weapons or firearms, and sometimes informally supported by police officers, these brigades provide night-time surveillance of their neighbourhoods against the threat of armed gangs. Their commitment is based on a promise: that of a safer future, once peace and order are restored.
In our section « MicroCitizen », several brigadier interrogated in the areas of Delmas 32, Delmas 34, Delmas 48, Christ-Roi and Canapé-Vert, claim to be animated by a promise they do not know the exact origin, but to which they firmly believe.
A promise of integration into security institutions
During these interviews, the brigadier spoke of a promise to hire in public institutions such as the National Police of Haiti (PNH), the Security Brigade of Protected Areas (BSAP) or the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAD-H).
« Most of us are already working as security officers in different institutions. We know how to handle weapons. It would be an excellent initiative to formally integrate after the stabilization of the country, in order to continue to protect not only our neighbourhoods, but also the nation. », confides one of them.
Although this promise is not carried out by any clearly identified official source, it circulates unanimously within the brigades. Jean Pierre, one of their members, says: « I don't know exactly where this promise comes from, but personally, I would like to integrate the FADs. It is a respected institution, with clear principles and discipline. »
In spite of the uncertainty surrounding their future, these young people remain committed with determination, led by the hope that their citizen contribution will not be forgotten when peace returns.
A motivating but unofficial promise
A police officer, responsible for some 20 brigadier in the Christ-Roi district, said he could not confirm the official existence of the promise of integration raised by the members. « I have not received any formal confirmation of this. However, the authorities should seriously consider such recognition if it is not already under way. », he says.
These men sacrifice their sleep and put their lives at risk to defend their neighbourhoods and protect their loved ones. Without formal supervision, however, they carry out the very mission of the National Police of Haiti (PNH): « protect and serve ». « Their integration into the regular forces would not be a privilege, but the just recognition of a courageous commitment and service already rendered. », stresses the police officer.
A promise subject to strict conditions
Some of the brigadier respondents agreed that any possible integration into the HNP, the BSAP or the FAD « These institutions, recognized for their prestige, would not welcome us without checking our criminal history, professional skills and educational level. »stressed a brigadier from Delmas 32.
Other Brigadiers stressed the need for rigorous selection of candidates. « Some of us are not training security officers. They held a weapon for the first time when they joined the brigade. Integration must therefore be filtered, even if everyone hopes to benefit from it. », confides one of them.
It should be noted that this edition of the section "Micro-Citizen" was carried out in the strictest confidentiality, respecting the testimonies collected. It aims to alert the authorities and raise public awareness, with the aim of contributing to a sustainable and structural transformation of the country.
W.E.
