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  At Fort-Jacques, Planting the Seeds of Resistance: A New Haitian Pact for Freedom By Patrick Prézeau Stephenson  (Le Français suit)   On January 19, 2025, at Fort-Jacques, a symbolic and hopeful event brought Haitians and dignitaries together for the planting of a mapou tree and a royal palm, dedicated respectively to Jean-Jacques Dessalines and Alexandre Pétion. Organized by the STO Foundation in partnership with the Manifeste Appel du Lambi, this act marked a renewed commitment to the values of freedom, unity, and resistance that have shaped the Republic of Haiti. In his speech, Gregory Sicard, representing the Manifeste, highlighted Pétion's key role in forging the sacred union that led to victory over Napoleon's troops. Quoting historian Robert Price, he reminded the audience: "Pétion, whose shrewd politics regenerated Haiti, understood that the only way to achieve independence and defeat Napoleon's forces was to unite the two factions of Toussaint and Rigaud int...

  Haiti: Young Leaders Revolutionize New Year with Soup Libèté 2025 By Patrick Prézeau Stephenson  (Le Français suit) Port-au-Prince, Haiti – As the New Year approaches, a wave of solidarity is sweeping across the nation. This year, the traditional Soup Joumou, a symbol of freedom and independence, takes on new significance thanks to an inspiring collective of young Haitian leaders. Guided by the powerful slogan “ Nap Reziste Ansanm pou nou Libere Ansanm ” (We Resist Together to Liberate Together), Soup Libèté 2025 blends hope, innovation, and resilience in an inclusive national celebration. A Movement Backed by Committed Partners The organizers of this bold initiative include influential groups such as Opérasyon Men nan Men, Jeunesse Debout, the STO Foundation, STOInternational.org, and Lakou Savalouwè. Together, they are transforming the tradition of Soup Libèté into a nationwide project with significant social and cultural impact. Despite limited resources and ongoing comm...

  Haiti: The Irony of Kenyan Troops in the Land of Independence By Patrick Prézeau Stephenson ( Le Français suit ) Introduction The arrival of Kenyan troops in Haiti on June 25 has generated mixed reactions among the Haitian population. This intervention, led by the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, is seen by some as a beacon of hope, while others view it as a painful reminder of the nation's inability to solve its own problems. It is ironic that forces from a country that gained independence over 150 years after Haiti are now deploying on the soil of Dessalines. This deployment highlights the challenges and opportunities the country faces. Public Reactions Hope and Expectations For many Haitians, the arrival of the MSS represents a chance to restore peace and security in areas plagued by violence. Residents of popular neighborhoods, regularly terrorized by armed gangs, see this intervention as a long-awaited opportunity. A displaced person from Bel-Air states...

  Historical Parallel between the "Chefs de Bandes" of 1802 and Current Haitian Gang Leaders By Patrick Prézeau Stephenson ( Le Français suit ) Haitian history is rich with tales of resistance and defiance against oppression. A significant chapter of this history is the struggle against French colonial forces in the early 19th century. In a letter dated September 16, 1802, General Leclerc referred to Jean-Jacques Dessalines as the "butcher of the Blacks" [1]. Dessalines, then serving under Leclerc, was responsible for executing radical "congos" or "bossales" bands who refused to surrender after the defeat at Crête-à-Pierrot. This article draws a parallel between the “guerrilla leaders” of 1802 and thecurrent gang leaders in Haiti, exploring their socio-political contexts and the legacy of resistance in Haiti according to certain authors.  Historical Context: The "Chefs de Bandes" of 1802 During the French expedition to reclaim contr...

  Edgar Leblanc Fils Declares War on Terrorist Gangs in the Name of the Transitional Presidential Council By Patrick Prézeau Stephenson   (le français suit)   Introduction In a bold statement from Haiti's Transitional Presidential Council, Edgard Leblanc Fils has emphatically declared war on the rampant terrorist gangs plaguing the nation. This declaration comes at a critical juncture in Haiti’s history, as the country reels from incessant attacks by armed groups that have destabilized entire communities and challenged the state's authority. Background of Escalating Violence Recent events in Gressier, a municipality just south of Port-au-Prince, underscore the urgent need for decisive action. Heavily armed bandits overran the local police substation, setting it ablaze and spreading terror among the populace. This brazen act of defiance not only disrupted local governance but also exemplified the gangs' disregard for the state authorities and law and order. The...