January 29, 2026
The Ministry of Justice announced, in a letter dated October 21, 2025, and signed by Minister Patrick Pélissier, the replacement of Attorney Guiverna Guillaume as head of the Gonaïves public prosecutor’s office. He has now been temporarily replaced by Attorney Renable Destina, marking a significant shift in the judicial leadership of the Artibonite department.
This decision comes amid heightened local tensions, as Attorney Guillaume had faced strong criticism following the death of Wilfort Ferdinand, also known as “Ti Will”. Armed groups from Raboteau accused him of being complicit in the death — an allegation he has consistently denied.
The situation deteriorated sharply on October 20, the day before the announcement, when Attorney Guillaume reappeared at the prosecutor’s office, triggering anger among protesters. Gunfire was heard in several neighborhoods of Gonaïves, sparking panic and forcing schools, banks, and businesses to shut down for safety reasons.
The departure of Attorney Guillaume, following the dismissal of the regional police director Jacques Ader, appears to be a concession to armed protesters. These two decisions seem to have temporarily eased public tension, although stability remains fragile in the “City of Independence.”
In response to the situation, several civil society leaders have called for restraint and cooperation with legal authorities. They urge local actors in Raboteau to abandon violent pressure tactics, warning that such actions could worsen insecurity and further destabilize the already fragile balance in the city.
