By Haiti24News Staff
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — In a bold move to confront the country’s escalating security crisis, the Haitian government has established a new National Commission for Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (CNDDR). Officially launched on March 10, 2025, the body aims to accelerate the reintegration of youth involved in criminal activities and strengthen national security efforts.
The inauguration ceremony, led by Minister of the Interior and Territorial Communities Paul Antoine Bien-Aimé, marks the third incarnation of the CNDDR. Established under a February 21, 2025, Council of Ministers decree, the commission comprises seven members, including coordinator Enold Florestal. Notable appointees such as Guerda Privilon, Claudy Alexis, and Junior Bonheur round out the team.
Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé underscored the urgency of the commission’s mission, framing it as central to the government’s pledge to resolve Haiti’s protracted security crisis. “The revival of the CNDDR demonstrates our determination to restore peace and security nationwide,” the Prime Minister’s office stated in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter).
The CNDDR’s core mandate is to create a planning unit dedicated to reintegrating minors and young adults engaged in illicit activities, offering them a second chance to rejoin society without discrimination. This initiative arrives amid surging gang recruitment of children, with 2024 reports citing a 70% spike in minors coerced into criminal groups.
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Haitian gangs now include 30–50% children, many recruited from impoverished communities. The CNDDR’s focus on dismantling this cycle of violence is viewed as pivotal to redirecting vulnerable youth away from crime.
Skepticism persists, however, regarding the commission’s efficacy. Prior CNDDR iterations, including a 2019 relaunch under former President Jovenel Moïse, failed to yield measurable progress in security. Critics warn that without robust funding, systemic reforms, and grassroots engagement, the new body risks replicating past shortcomings.
“The CNDDR is a step forward, but it must align with broader strategies: economic investment, education, and community empowerment,” stressed Haitian political analyst Jean-Claude Pierre. “Piecemeal approaches will only repeat history.”
The government has appealed for international assistance—funding, technical expertise, and partnerships with local organizations—to amplify the CNDDR’s impact. Success hinges on seamless coordination among law enforcement, civil society, and global partners to tackle the root causes of gang violence, such as poverty and lack of opportunity.
As Haiti endures one of its most severe security crises, the CNDDR’s launch offers cautious optimism for a nation craving stability. Whether this initiative can overcome past failures remains uncertain, but for many, it represents a critical stride toward a safer future.
