James Boyard, Haiti Defence Minister's Chief of Staff, Kidnapped in Port-au-Prince

James Boyard, the chief of staff to Haiti’s Defence Minister, was seized in Port-au-Prince on Thursday. Mr Boyard, who also serves as Inspector General of the Haitian police, is the most senior official kidnapped in the country in recent memory. Reports indicate his wife and six-year-old daughter were also taken, and a ransom demand has been issued.

Mr Boyard is a respected security expert, appointed in March to assist in the reconstruction of Haiti’s armed forces under Minister Mario Andrésol.

Diego Da Rin, an analyst for the International Crisis Group, observes that kidnappings are now frequent in areas of Port-au-Prince previously considered secure. Gangs are increasingly targeting individuals with dual nationality and public officials, a shift potentially aimed at securing higher ransoms or deterring authorities from operations in gang-controlled zones where hostages are held.

Gang violence continues to destabilise Haiti, complicating efforts by the multinational police force. United Nations figures from earlier this month document at least 2,310 deaths, 1,106 injuries, and 99 kidnappings attributed to gang-related violence this year. The violence has also led to unprecedented displacement, with almost 1.5 million people now homeless, according to the UN migration agency.