Haiti's PM Alarmed by U.S. Aid Diversion

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, February 7th 2026 at 21:13 GMT by Fox News
      Locales: HAITI, UNITED STATES

Haiti's Prime Minister Raises Alarm Over U.S. Aid Distribution - Concerns of Diversion and Misuse Grow

Port-au-Prince, Haiti - Prime Minister Ariel Henry has publicly expressed deep concerns regarding the effectiveness of U.S. aid reaching the Haitian people, suggesting a significant portion is being diverted or misused. In an exclusive interview with the Associated Press on Sunday, February 8th, 2026, Henry stated the urgent need for greater oversight and accountability in the disbursement of funds intended for Haiti's recovery from a confluence of crises, including natural disasters and escalating gang violence.

For years, Haiti has been mired in a complex web of poverty, political instability, and vulnerability to natural disasters. The catastrophic 2010 earthquake, which claimed an estimated 220,000 lives and left over a million displaced, remains a haunting reminder of the nation's fragility. Subsequent hurricanes and, more recently, the relentless surge in gang activity, have further crippled Haiti's already fragile infrastructure and economy. These recurring crises have created a cycle of devastation, hindering long-term development and exacerbating humanitarian needs.

Prime Minister Henry, who assumed office following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021, has consistently appealed for international assistance to address Haiti's overwhelming challenges. While acknowledging the substantial aid provided by the United States - totaling hundreds of millions of dollars over the years - Henry is increasingly worried that the funds aren't translating into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Haitians.

"We need to have better oversight of the aid," Henry emphasized. "We have to be sure that the money is well-spent and reaches the intended recipients. Currently, there's a disconnect between the funds pledged and the impact felt on the ground." He specifically alluded to a lack of transparency and control over how aid organizations operate within Haiti, leading to suspicions of mismanagement and corruption.

The Prime Minister's concerns aren't isolated. Numerous reports from both governmental and non-governmental organizations have highlighted issues with aid delivery in Haiti, citing logistical challenges, security concerns, and a lack of coordination among various actors. The current security situation, dominated by powerful gangs who control significant portions of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and surrounding areas, complicates aid delivery and increases the risk of diversion.

These gangs have expanded their influence, engaging in widespread violence, kidnapping for ransom, and controlling access to essential goods and services. This has created a severe humanitarian crisis, with widespread food shortages and a growing number of internally displaced persons. The World Food Programme estimates that over 4.9 million Haitians - nearly half the population - are facing acute food insecurity.

Henry's call for "more control" signifies a desire for Haiti to have a greater say in how aid is allocated and implemented. He wants to see a system where the Haitian government has increased visibility into aid flows, can monitor the projects funded, and ensure that resources are directed to priority areas identified by the Haitian people themselves. This also includes a push for strengthening local capacity to manage and sustain development initiatives.

The U.S. State Department has responded to the Prime Minister's concerns, stating they are taking the allegations seriously and are committed to ensuring that all aid is used effectively and reaches those who need it most. A spokesperson stated that an internal review of aid programs in Haiti is underway, and they are working closely with the Haitian government to identify areas for improvement. The review will likely focus on strengthening financial controls, enhancing monitoring mechanisms, and increasing transparency in aid operations.

However, critics argue that a fundamental overhaul of the aid system is needed, moving away from short-term emergency assistance towards long-term sustainable development initiatives. This would require a focus on strengthening Haitian institutions, promoting good governance, and investing in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Simply providing aid without addressing the root causes of Haiti's problems will only perpetuate the cycle of dependence and vulnerability.

As Haiti continues to grapple with a deepening crisis, the need for effective and accountable aid delivery is more critical than ever. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the concerns raised by Prime Minister Henry will translate into meaningful changes on the ground and ultimately, a brighter future for the Haitian people.