Executive Summary

The Haitian government’s partnership with American mercenary and former Blackwater CEO Erik Prince,* beginning in March 2025, has the hallmarks of a desperate bid to tackle the worsening gang violence situation. Vectus Global, Prince’s new private security firm, is expected to bring personnel and equipment that will likely restore order, but at a significant cost to state sovereignty and control. Despite this, the move is welcomed by both government officials and members of the public and drone strikes against gang members are highly likely to continue with support from Vectus.

This alliance also presents a political challenge for Washington’s relationship with Port-Au-Prince. The U.S. Government denies affiliation with Vectus Global, and we have not seen reporting that ties the White House to the contract in Haiti, but we cannot rule out Prince’s activities having at least the tacit approval of U.S. President Donald Trump, even as his administration has cut aid to the island nation.

*See Erik Prince: America’s Favourite Mercenary, published in April 2025.