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Haiti PM Accuses Institutions of Blocking US Aid

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, February 8th 2026 at 10:24 GMT by Fox News
      Locales: HAITI, UNITED STATES

Port-au-Prince, Haiti - February 8th, 2026 - Ariel Henry, Haiti's acting Prime Minister, has issued a stark warning about the efficacy of current US aid delivery methods, alleging systemic obstruction by Haitian institutions and banking sectors. In a nationally broadcast address earlier today, Henry formally requested the United States government to bypass traditional channels and provide financial assistance directly to aid organizations and designated recipients, a move that signals a deepening crisis of trust within the Haitian government and its ability to manage international support.

The Prime Minister's announcement isn't merely a logistical complaint; it's a damning indictment of the entrenched corruption and political instability that continues to cripple Haiti's recovery efforts. For years, despite significant US investment, the island nation has remained mired in a cycle of poverty, violence, and political turmoil. Henry specifically cited instances where approved US aid packages have been delayed, diluted, or outright blocked by bureaucratic hurdles imposed by both government bodies and private banks. He refrained from naming specific individuals or institutions, but implied a widespread pattern of self-serving behavior.

"The people of Haiti are suffering, and the aid meant to alleviate their suffering is being held hostage," Henry stated. "We have repeatedly identified bottlenecks within our own system - bureaucratic delays, requests for excessive documentation, and, frankly, the deliberate manipulation of funds. We believe direct assistance is the only way to guarantee that aid reaches the families and communities who desperately need it."

The US has been a long-time benefactor of Haiti, providing hundreds of millions of dollars in aid since the devastating 2010 earthquake and further assistance following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that a substantial portion of this aid never reaches its intended beneficiaries. Reports from organizations like Transparency International consistently rank Haiti among the most corrupt nations in the world. This corruption isn't limited to government officials; it extends to powerful business interests and criminal gangs who exert significant control over key sectors of the economy.

Experts suggest Henry's request is a calculated gamble. While it could potentially unlock vital resources and expedite aid delivery, it also carries significant risks. Critics argue that bypassing the Haitian government entirely could further erode its authority and embolden those seeking to undermine it. There are also concerns about accountability and ensuring that direct aid is managed effectively and transparently.

Dr. Isabella Dubois, a Haitian economist and political analyst at the University of Miami, believes Henry's move is a desperate attempt to regain control. "He's painting himself as the champion of the people, highlighting the failings of the existing system and positioning himself as the only one willing to take decisive action," she explains. "However, the US will likely demand strict oversight and monitoring mechanisms to prevent misuse of funds, and that could involve establishing a parallel administrative structure, which could be seen as a violation of Haiti's sovereignty."

The United States State Department has acknowledged receiving Henry's request and stated it is "under review." A spokesperson emphasized the US commitment to assisting the Haitian people but reiterated the importance of working with the Haitian government to address the underlying issues of governance and corruption. However, sources within the State Department suggest there is growing frustration with the lack of progress in Haiti and a willingness to explore alternative aid delivery models.

The current situation is further complicated by the escalating violence perpetrated by armed gangs who control large swathes of Port-au-Prince and other major cities. These gangs often extort "taxes" from aid organizations, diverting funds away from their intended purpose. Henry has repeatedly called for international assistance in strengthening the Haitian National Police and combating gang violence, but these calls have largely gone unanswered.

This request for direct aid appears to be a symptom of a much larger problem - a systemic failure of governance and a deep-seated lack of trust. Whether the US will heed Henry's call remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the current approach to aid delivery is unsustainable and Haiti's future hangs in the balance.