The newly formed administration in Haiti has declared that the head of the national police will be replaced as part of ongoing efforts to tackle gang violence in the troubled country.

Police chief Frantz Elbe will be succeeded by former chief Rameau Normil, as confirmed by the prime minister’s office.

This decision comes as Haiti’s new prime minister, Garry Conille, faces mounting pressure to enhance the capabilities of the Haitian National Police. Despite playing a central role in fighting powerful armed gangs, the force has been significantly underfunded and poorly equipped.

Conille's appointment in May by a transitional council followed the seizure of large areas of the capital, Port-au-Prince, by gangs earlier this year, which led to the ousting of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

Pierre Esperance of the National Network for Defense of Human Rights (RNDDH) commented on Elbe's leadership, describing it as “catastrophic” and suggesting that Elbe should face prosecution.

“Elbe spent his tenure building ties with gangs, reinforcing them, and hindering the police officers from doing their duties to protect their lives,” he said.

Haiti’s police unions have also called for Elbe’s resignation and arrest, citing recent gang attacks on at least 30 police stations and substations since February 29.

On Wednesday, the SPNH-17 police union held a press conference criticizing the state of the department under Elbe. SYNAPOHA, another police union, called on Conille earlier in the week to strengthen the department.

Meanwhile, Haiti continues to await the deployment of a Kenya-led, UN-backed multinational security force consisting of 1,000 Kenyan officers and personnel from several Caribbean countries set to arrive in late May. However, the deployment has faced repeated delays.

Normil previously headed the national police from mid-2019 to late 2020 under former President Jovenel Moise, who was assassinated in 2021. Before that, he led the detective division. The exact date for the new appointment has not yet been disclosed.

Fight against gang violence

Haiti’s dwindling police force has struggled with inadequate resources while battling armed groups wielding high-caliber weapons, largely smuggled in from the nearby United States, according to the UN.

The police force consisted of just over 13,200 members as of 2023, the UN reported. The organization has also warned that only about 4,000 officers are on duty at a time in a nation of 11 million people.

Moreover, a recent RNDDH survey revealed that 20 officers have died this year, adding to the over 320 police casualties since 2015.

Common complaints among police officers include delayed salaries, poor training, harassment at work, threats of dismissal, injuries from weapons, and a shortage of equipment.

Nonetheless, Haiti’s new Conille-led administration has vowed to implement change.

“Our country faces significant challenges. Violence and instability hinder our daily lives,” Conille declared at an official ceremony on Wednesday.

“My administration will tirelessly work to improve living conditions for all Haitians,” he affirmed, emphasizing that “without security, sustainable progress is impossible.”

“It is vital that our police and soldiers are prepared to confront today’s security issues,” Conille added. “We will ensure they receive the necessary tools to carry out their duties effectively and professionally.”

The Citizens' Protection Office, Haiti’s ombudsman, has urged Normil to swiftly implement a plan to control the gangs and enhance the police force's effectiveness.

The office also demands explanations for the high number of killings and the dramatic recent escape of approximately 4,500 prisoners under the “complete indifference” of previous authorities.

According to the UN, gang violence in Haiti has displaced 578,000 people. The unrest has led to thousands of deaths and driven millions into acute hunger.