Despite the severe crisis gripping the country, Haitians both at home and abroad entered 2025 with hearts filled with hope for a better future. Large celebrations were mostly out of reach, but in various places, families and community groups gathered to welcome the new year with optimism. On January 1st, the anniversary of Haiti’s independence, soupe joumou, also known as the “Soup of Liberty,” was shared across the country, serving as a powerful reminder of its symbolism: solidarity, sharing, and the fundamental right to food for all. This tradition dates back to Claire Heureuse, the wife of the nation’s founding father, who proposed this special dish to mark the first day of Haiti’s independence. For the occasion, communities pooled resources, collaborated, and prepared the soup joumou for displaced persons in camps, for prisoners, and in various neighborhoods. Solidarity groups from Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Brazil even joined online with Haitian friends to prepare the soup with all the traditional ingredients—both as a way to embrace the recipe and its symbolism and to express unity with the Haitian people. This anniversary served as a poignant reminder to Haitians that their country is worth defending and preserving, and that its identity must not be erased.
Yet, 2025 also began under a shadow of deep fear. The year 2024 ended much as it began, with daily reports of massacres, looting, blocked roads, gang takeovers of new territories, forced migration, large waves of internally displaced persons, and deportations. On December 24th, just days before the year’s end, two journalists and a police officer were killed, and several others injured when armed gangs opened fire at the State University Hospital—the country’s main medical center, which had been closed for months due to gang violence. The Minister of Health had recently announced plans to reopen it. People were relieved to see the end of such a horrific year, which left behind a devastating toll. According to reports from various international organizations, gang violence in 2024 resulted in 5,600 assassinations, over a million internally displaced persons, and around six million people facing severe food insecurity. The economy continued its downward spiral, with a negative growth rate of -4.2% for the fifth consecutive year. The country’s main airport remains closed, further isolating Haiti from international travel and trade.
Unfortunately, these indicators reflect a highly negative record for the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), the collegial body established by several political groups to succeed former Prime Minister Ariel Henry after his downfall in late February 2024. This nine-member council, which initially sparked great hope, has sadly failed to live up to its promises. It quickly became entangled in dubious dealings and petty rivalries, preventing it from effectively fulfilling its role. Increasingly, the CPT is being criticized, with some disappointed factions calling loudly for its complete resignation or a profound reform that would introduce new leadership—or, if necessary, the appointment of a Supreme Court judge to govern the country.
The year 2024 was also marked by mass displacement, as many Haitians were forced to flee from one location to another to escape gang violence. Some sought refuge in makeshift camps or in the provinces, while others attempted to leave the country, heading for destinations like the United States. However, many faced deportation from the very countries where they had hoped to find safety—most notably the Dominican Republic, which continued expelling Haitian migrants despite the dire situation in Haiti. Adding to these concerns is the return to power of Donald Trump in the United States. His hardline anti-immigration stance, widely promoted throughout his electoral campaign, is causing widespread anxiety among Haitians from all social backgrounds who had believed the U.S. would provide a more secure refuge during these turbulent times.
Despite the turmoil, hope still lingers among many Haitians, even if the path forward remains uncertain. Some late-year initiatives have provided encouraging signs, such as the annual “Artisanat en fête” fair, which showcased the resilience and creativity of Haitian artisans who continue producing remarkable works despite extreme difficulties. On December 14-15, 2024, over 200 artisans gathered for the event, presenting beautifully crafted handmade items that reflected their talent and imagination. Using locally available materials, they transformed ordinary objects into artistic and functional pieces. The event drew a large audience, much to the delight of its organizers. “For us, there is still a small fire burning in this country. This ember represents the flame of creativity, the will to live, and the desire to connect with others—an energy that continues to drive many people,” said Frantz Duval of Le Nouvelliste, one of the event’s organizers. “Even under gunfire, many of the artisans here braved dangerous conditions to attend. Some traveled from far away because this fire still burns within them, and we, as organizers, do not want it to be extinguished.”
Beyond the artisans’ resilience, some early 2025 events have also contributed to a renewed sense of hope. One such moment came with the inauguration of the Port of Saint-Louis du Sud on January 17—an achievement made possible by more than 30 years of advocacy by civil society organizations in the region. Their persistent efforts finally paid off, as the government responded favorably, recognizing the port’s potential to significantly boost development in the Grand Sud region. Similarly, the visit of Colombian President Gustavo Petro to Haiti on January 22 signaled a promising step toward strengthened cooperation between Haiti and South American nations. Analysts suggest that partnerships with countries from the Global South could play a crucial role in stimulating Haiti’s development and offering new avenues for progress.
At the start of the year, there have been some shifts in Haiti’s security landscape, though substantial change remains elusive. A Secretary of State for Public Security has been appointed, a move widely welcomed by public opinion. Additionally, new police contingents from Kenya and Guatemala have arrived to reinforce the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM), bringing the total number of personnel to approximately 700. Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council, which recently convened to discuss Haiti, continues to seek international allies to transform the mission into a full-fledged UN peacekeeping force.
The year 2025 also marks the 200th anniversary of the infamous ordinance issued by French King Charles X in April 1825, demanding that Haiti pay a massive indemnity to compensate former slave-owning colonists for their so-called “lost property” following Haiti’s war of emancipation. This forced payment—imposed at gunpoint with 14 warships—placed an unbearable financial burden on the young nation, which had just emerged from more than 300 years of slavery. From the outset, this so-called “independence debt” crippled Haiti’s economic and social development. Today, as part of the global movement acknowledging the injustices of slavery, increasing voices in Haiti and beyond are calling on France to return this extorted sum. In response, Haiti has declared 2025 the “YEAR OF FRENCH RESTITUTION”.
Despite emerging opportunities, progress in Haiti remains impossible without security. Elections are scheduled for late 2025, but doubts persist over whether they can take place unless the security situation improves. Will Haiti be able to draw on its resilience, its people’s determination, and its history to forge a path forward?