U.N. Calls Haiti Situation “Beyond Untenable”
Criminal gangs stronger than Haiti’s security forces have launched attacks on prisons and the capital’s airport, leading to the closure of businesses and schools. The violence has displaced around 15,000 people in Port-au-Prince. The U.N.’s top human rights official has issued a stark warning, highlighting that over 1,190 individuals have been killed since the beginning of 2024. Efforts to assist Haiti have faced obstacles, with the High Commissioner for Human Rights urging the urgent deployment of a multinational security force to protect lives in the crisis-stricken nation.
Recent Developments in Haiti
The escalating violence in Haiti came to a head on Feb. 29 as Prime Minister Ariel Henry sought international support for a police force to combat gangs. Gang leader Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier declared a coalition of gangs aiming to pressure Henry to resign. With a state of emergency declared by acting Prime Minister Patrick Boivert on March 3, efforts to regain control have intensified. Cherizier’s warning of a potential civil war underscores the gravity of the situation.
Haitian Prime Minister’s Whereabouts
Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s absence from Haiti, amidst calls for his resignation, has led to a political standoff. Henry’s refusal to step down has prompted alternative solutions from regional bodies, as pressure mounts to restore stability in the country. Political alliances are forming, signaling a potential shift in leadership during this tumultuous period.
Roots of Haiti’s Instability
Decades of government corruption, exacerbated by natural disasters like the 2010 and 2021 earthquakes, have fueled Haiti’s ongoing turmoil. The failure to conduct timely elections and the assassination of former Prime Minister Jovenel Moïse have further destabilized the nation. The current crisis traces back to unresolved political and economic challenges that have plagued Haiti for years.
The Influence of Gangs in Haiti
Haiti’s landscape is dominated by approximately 200 gangs, with a notable influence in the capital. The gangs’ proliferation, coupled with their access to advanced weaponry, poses a significant challenge to state authorities. The gangs’ financial independence from illicit activities has bolstered their military capabilities, reshaping the country’s security dynamics.
Amidst this chaos, Haiti grapples with the urgent need for a coordinated international response to address the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis.