Haiti News Today – February 20, 2026: Security Pressure, Political Uncertainty and Economic Dependence Deepen 

Haiti enters February 20, 2026 under mounting pressure. Security operations continue across parts of the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, political uncertainty lingers after the end of the Transitional Presidential Council, and new trade figures highlight deepening economic dependence.

The country remains in a fragile balance.

Security Concerns Intensify in the Capital

Several neighborhoods in the Port-au-Prince region remain under heightened security monitoring. Authorities are conducting targeted operations in sensitive zones as residents navigate daily life amid persistent tension.

Public gatherings and commercial activity continue, but concerns over safety remain central to the national conversation. Security instability is now directly shaping economic activity and political decision-making.

Political Transition Without Clear Direction

Since the Transitional Presidential Council’s mandate expired on February 7, 2026, Haiti has been operating under administrative continuity.

There is no elected president in office. Parliament remains non-functional. No new formal political structure has been publicly installed.

Discussions about elections continue, but no definitive date has been announced. International partners maintain that security stabilization is essential before any credible national vote can be organized.

The transition remains incomplete.

Economic Dependence Becomes More Visible

January 2026 trade data show a rise in Dominican exports to Haiti. Construction materials, industrial inputs, and manufactured goods dominate the flow.

The increase reinforces a structural reality: Haiti’s economy remains heavily reliant on external supply chains at a time of domestic fragility.

Economic vulnerability and security instability are increasingly intertwined.

Reform Efforts Continue in Key Sectors

Amid the crisis, some institutional initiatives are moving forward. A new academic partnership between the State University of Haiti (UEH) and Elms College aims to strengthen teacher training and modernize education practices.

While limited in scope compared to national challenges, such initiatives reflect attempts to build long-term capacity.

A Country in Suspension

On February 20, 2026, Haiti stands at a crossroads:

• Security remains volatile
• Political transition lacks clarity
• Economic dependence is rising
• Reform efforts continue but face structural constraints

The coming weeks may prove decisive as security conditions continue to shape the country’s political and economic future.