Haiti has endured immense suffering over the past four years and continues to face daily persecution as the people struggle to establish a new sense of normalcy. Recently, however, there has been a renewed sense of hope as the Haitian National Police have taken significant action against the country’s most powerful gangs.
The police have intensified operations against top gang leadership, including targeting the residence of a major gang leader, Jimmy Chérizier (also known as “Barbecue”). They have also made progress against another major gang leader, Lanmò Sanjou, launching attacks in key districts of Port-au-Prince where many gang members are based, arresting another high-ranking gang leader, and continuing ongoing confrontations with armed groups.
There is hope across Haiti that this renewed push by the Haitian Police Force will deter young men from joining gangs and encourage others to flee or lay down their weapons, opening the door for stability and peace.
As the nation looks ahead, February 7, 2026 stands as a significant and uncertain milestone for Haiti. This date marks the scheduled end of the current transitional governing authority, a moment many Haitians have long associated with political change and the hope for renewed leadership. While it remains unclear what the transition will look like or whether a new government will be fully in place, the days surrounding February 7 carry deep emotional and national weight.
Due to the uncertainty, U.S. military warships have arrived off the coast of Haiti. The U.S. government says this naval presence reflects its commitment to supporting Haiti’s security and stability during a fragile moment, especially as the scheduled expiration of the transitional government’s mandate on February 7 approaches and political uncertainty grows. While the official mission centers on combating transnational crime and helping deter gang activity, many in Haiti are watching closely as this significant show of military force unfolds against the backdrop of the nation’s ongoing struggle for peace and normalcy.
Our community continues to live under a constant uncertainty. Daily life has become a struggle for survival. Armed confrontations occur regularly between two rival groups - one calling itself the Taliban (a gang from Port-au-Prince) and another known as the Coalition (armed civilians). These groups move through nearby areas and frequently threaten to attack, forcing families to flee or hide to protect their lives.
Because of this ongoing violence, the entire community is living with great anxiety and stress. Parents fear for their children, businesses remain closed or operate sporadically, and many families are displaced, unsure of when—or if—it will be safe to return to normal routines. Each day brings new uncertainty, and the emotional toll on the people is heavy.
Despite these hardships, we continue to see the strength and faith of the community. Local leaders, pastors, and families are doing everything they can to encourage one another and to hold on to hope in the midst of fear. We are grateful for God’s protection thus far, even as the situation remains fragile and unpredictable. We pray to continue with our mission at Project Living Hope and believe for God’s continued guidance through this difficult season.
We ask that you continue to pray:
For peace and protection over our community and the surrounding areas.
For wisdom and safety for local leaders, pastors, and ministry workers.
For comfort and strength for families living with constant fear and displacement.
For an end to the violence that has gripped this region and the nation as a whole.
As February 7 approaches, please pray for God’s peace, protection, and wisdom over Haiti during this critical transition – that violence would be restrained, leaders would act with discernment, communities like Camp Marie would be kept safe, and hope would remain strong even in uncertainty.
Thank you for standing with us in prayer during this critical time. Please know that your faithfulness is not forgotten, and your prayers are deeply needed as Haiti continues to walk through this season of suffering with hope in God’s presence and provision.