April 22, 2025
The Syndicate of the Haitian National Police (SPNH 17), an organization dedicated to defending workers’ rights—particularly those of police officers—and promoting their social interests, has strongly reacted to a statement made by Liné Balthazar. During a January 10, 2025, interview on Magik 9 with journalist Jean Daniel Senat, Balthazar suggested incorporating the concept of “Viv Ansanm” (“Living Together”) into political negotiations. While acknowledging the importance of dialogue in the current crisis, SPNH 17 firmly condemns any attempt to forge alliances between political actors and criminals, a practice that violates the core principles of Haiti’s Constitution.
The Haitian Constitution is explicit in its stance against banditry and its mandate to protect the lives and security of all citizens. Article 19 obligates the state to guarantee the physical and moral safety of every individual, while Article 276-2 commits Haiti to uphold international treaties that prohibit alliances with criminal groups. SPNH 17 reminds the public that banditry is a crime against life, security, and liberty, and as such, it has no place in legitimate political processes.
SPNH 17 categorically rejects any approach that seeks to promote “Viv Ansanm” in the aftermath of heinous crimes committed against society. Rather than pursuing alliances with criminals, justice and reparations for victims of violence, assassinations, and kidnappings must be prioritized. To tolerate such alliances would be to condone the destruction of Haitian society and dishonor the memory of the victims.
Political parties or individuals who seek to ally themselves with criminals violate both the moral and legal principles of the nation. These alliances legitimize impunity, encourage further violence, and erode the credibility of democratic institutions. SPNH 17 demands transparency in all political negotiations and calls for the exclusion of any person or group with ties to criminal gangs.
In conclusion, SPNH 17 reaffirms its commitment to defending Haiti’s constitutional principles and promoting a just and secure society. Combating banditry and corruption must be an uncompromising priority. Any political alliance with criminals must be unequivocally rejected. The reconstruction of Haiti depends on adherence to the rule of law and the protection of every citizen’s rights.
