Haiti Appoints Vladimir Paraison New Police Chief Amid Widespread Gang Control

Haiti's transitional government has appointed Vladimir Paraison, former head of security at the National Palace, as the new national police chief, replacing Normil Rameau amid escalating gang violence and insecurity. Paraison, who was wounded in clashes with armed gangs, vowed to restore security across the country by intensifying operations against gangs while respecting the law and human dignity. His appointment comes as gang-related violence, driven by the Viv Ansanm alliance, has displaced 1.3 million people and caused over 3,100 deaths in 2025. The decision, announced by Transitional Presidential Council President Laurent Saint-Cyr, reflects an urgent need to reinvigorate the police force, which has struggled despite U.N.-backed support. Paraison's tenure has been controversial due to past legal accusations related to arms trafficking, but charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence. His leadership is seen as a crucial step in addressing Haiti's ongoing security crisis amid widespread gang control, especially in the capital.