Zapping Haiti of October 24, 2026
Chandelle Locality: Attack by the “Gran Grif” Gang Members of the “Gran Grif” gang launched an attack late on the night of October 22 into the early hours of October 23, 2026, in Chandelle, which lies between the communes of Verrettes and Liancourt. Initial reports indicate multiple injuries and the destruction of warehouses that were utilized for rice storage due to arson.
PNH: Regaining Control of Petite-Rivière The Haitian National Police (PNH) confirmed they have restored order in Petite-Rivière de l’Artibonite, following a series of assaults conducted by criminal groups on October 18 and 19, 2026. The PNH reported dismantling barricades built by criminals to disrupt road access and local population movement, while enhancing security measures in the area.
Coast Guard Rescues 7 Haitians The U.S. Coast Guard rescued 66 migrants from an overloaded vessel off the coast of Puerto Rico, which included seven Haitians. Sixty-three of the migrants have already been sent back. U.S. authorities reiterated that dangerous maritime crossings are life-threatening and those intercepted at sea or upon arrival on U.S. territory will not be allowed to stay.
Displaced Persons Assistance In September 2026, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and its partners provided assistance to 74,463 displaced persons across 60 sites for individuals forced from their homes.
Martelly Submits Candidacy Former President Michel Joseph Martelly, who served from May 2011 to February 2016, filed his presidential candidacy application on October 23, 2026. He submitted the application at the West-1 Departmental Electoral Office (BED Ouest-1) on Route de Frères, accompanied by numerous lawyers and hundreds of supporters, which caused significant traffic disruptions in Pétion-ville.
Award for Gessica Généus Haitian filmmaker Gessica Généus made history by becoming the first Black woman to win the New Directors Award at the Chicago International Film Festival for her feature film “Marie-Madeleine.” Earlier in September, the film had also been honored with the Best Film Award at the Villa Medici Film Festival in Rome.
