Haitian journalist Wesly Renaud Jean

Veteran Haitian journalist Wesly Renaud Jean was kidnapped by armed gang members on Sunday evening. The 46-year-old co-host of Radio-TV Métropole's major morning news program was abducted in the Delmas 31 neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

A witness reported the kidnapping to Jean's colleagues. It remains unclear if the abduction is directly related to his journalistic work. Richard Widmaier, director of Radio-TV Metropole and president of The National Association of Haitian Media, confirmed to CPJ that the kidnappers are seeking a ransom and have provided proof of life via telephone.

Call for action and investigation

CPJ's regional director for the Americas, José Zamora, condemned the abduction. "The kidnapping of veteran Haitian journalist Wesly Renaud Jean is deeply alarming and highlights the growing threat that rampant gang violence poses to journalists in Haiti," Zamora said. The organization called on Haitian authorities to urgently secure Jean's safe release, investigate his abduction, and take concrete steps to protect journalists from escalating violence.

Context of gang violence and insecurity

The Delmas 31 area has seen various kidnapping cases over the past two years. Security concerns are mounting nationwide. In late August, at least 50 people were kidnapped in the farming community of Kenscoff near the capital. Local experts told CPJ that gangs are flexing their muscles as a message to Haiti's government and police ahead of general elections scheduled for December 13. These will be the first such elections in more than a decade.

Armed gangs control an estimated 70% of Port-au-Prince and parts of Haiti's central region. This figure is slightly down from a year ago. The UN-backed Gang Suppression Force (GSF) has arrived in the country, but security has not shown signs of improvement.

Broader human rights crisis

Gang violence has triggered a severe humanitarian and displacement crisis. According to the latest UN statistics, the violence has displaced a record 1.5 million people across Haiti. From January to June this year, more than 3,050 people were reported killed and another 1,400 injured. The UN also reported at least 81 kidnappings during those six months, with a 40% increase in the second quarter of the year.

Attacks on press freedom and impunity

Journalists in Haiti operate under extreme threat. In 2025, CPJ provided financial support in the form of grants to 17 Haitian journalists who faced incidents related to their work. The grants covered needs such as psychosocial support, medical costs, and relocation expenses. CPJ has also reported high impunity rates in the killings of journalists in Haiti, citing a lack of stability and political will within the country. The organization continues to advocate for justice in these murders.

The kidnapping of Wesly Renaud Jean adds to the documented pattern of violence against the press. His case shows the urgent need for mechanisms to protect the right to safety and the right to work freely, as gangs continue to operate with near-total impunity.