By Dieudonné St Cyr, O-news, August 23, 2026
The anger of hundreds of Haitian nationals erupted on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in front of the Haitian embassy in Chile. Unable to obtain the criminal record certificates required for their regularization processes, protesters forced their way through the gates and entered the diplomatic premises, where acts of vandalism were reported.
Starting at 7:00 a.m., several hundred Haitians gathered in front of the embassy, located at Avenida República 590, to demand a solution to their difficulties in obtaining criminal record certificates. According to David Antoine, spokesperson for the Haitian community in Chile, the National Migration Service (SERMIG) requires this document for certain regularization procedures, while the embassy is currently unable to issue it.
Faced with the lack of response, tensions quickly escalated. Crowds surged, and some protesters forced their way through the gates and the main entrance before entering the premises to try to meet with the consul. Acts of vandalism were also reported. David Antoine described the events as "very worrying and shameful," while emphasizing the despair of his compatriots who, he said, risk being ordered to leave Chilean territory for failing to produce the required document.
The spokesperson believes the crisis is fueled by both difficulties surrounding the issuance of certificates and misinformation circulating within the community. He adds that administrative instability, unemployment, and the consequences of the socio-political crisis in Haiti are also contributing factors. "When you have nothing left to lose, things can become dangerous," he warns, fearing an escalation of anger if no swift solution is found.
Chilean police eventually intervened to disperse the gathering, by which time the situation had already begun to be brought under control. Embassy officials reportedly asked the protesters to leave and promised to meet with those involved to discuss the proposed measures.
In the aftermath of these incidents, the Haitian diplomatic representation in Chile had not provided any official communication, leaving many questions within the Haitian community.
Posted Sept. 9, 2026