Security improved with gang arrests up and kidnappings down. Pursuit of gang members continued with arrest of 600 in last 2 months; trials of major gang leaders pending. MINUSTAH figures show 18 kidnappings in March, lowest since April 2006. Journalist and regional leader of opposition Fanmi Lavalas party (FL) Johnson Edouard murdered 12 April in Gonaives.

Haitian police (HNP) arrested Cité Soleil gang leader Evens Jeune “Ti Kouto” 13 March; 2 other gang leaders targeted in February MINUSTAH raids still on run. UN said 400 gang members arrested by HNP in 3 months. Finance minister said improving security situation will be priority for funds freed up by Inter-American Development Bank debt relief program announced this month.

UN Security Council voted unanimously to extend MINUSTAH mandate until 15 October. MINUSTAH held major operations 9 and 20 February to strengthen grip on Cité Soleil slum; gang leaders Evans and Amarai evaded capture but their bases seized by peacekeepers. At least 59 taken into custody including gang leader Ti Bazil as result of joint Haitian police-MINUSTAH operations. Former army general Carl Dorélien found liable by Miami court in 1993 torture of Port-au-Prince labour leader and 1994 death in neighbourhood massacre.

MINUSTAH peacekeepers continued effort to weed out gangs from Cité Soleil slum, arresting 62 alleged gang

9 killed and up to 30 wounded in Cité Soleil clashes after UN launched government-approved anti-gang raid 22 December. Several violent incidents recorded around country on 3 December during local elections. UN launched anti- kidnapping operations in response to alarming November increase in child kidnappings. PM Alexis drew link between recent violence and criminals deported from U.S.; claimed Washington threatened to cut aid and revoke officials’ visas unless he accepted increase in deportees, denied by U.S. UN called for $98 million to help stabilise country.

2 UN peacekeepers killed in ambush attack near Cité Soleil 11 November. Police reported sharp spike in kidnappings, while “Revolutionary Army” gang announced it would start killing police and UN peacekeepers after arrest of member. Haiti declared eligible for HIPC debt relief just prior to 30 November international donors session in Madrid where new pledges expected. Electoral preparations for mayoral, local council, and unfilled parliamentary seats incomplete ahead of 3 December polls.

In important vote of confidence in President Préval’s government, U.S. announced would ease 15-year arms embargo, allowing government to bolster police arms supply in fight against gangs. Kidnappings declined and efforts to disarm gangs moved forward despite continued clashes in slum areas.

MINUSTAH peacekeeping force partially redeployed to consolidate control over trouble spots near Port-au-Prince 11 September, including Cité Soleil slum. PM Alexis asked U.S. to end weapons embargo in order to rearm police force.

Government hardened line on disarmament of armed gangs after July upsurge in violence. PM Alexis said gang leaders who did not disarm under terms of UN DDR plan would be arrested or killed. Leaders of notorious Cité Soleil slum failed to proceed with self-scheduled disarmament ceremony 21 August, citing hostility of MINUSTAH forces. Acknowledging chronic insecurity, UNSG Annan, in visit to Port-au-Prince, announced hopes for 12-month extension of MINUSTAH mandate. Security Council voted for standard 6-month extension, but increased both military and police peacekeepers.

Surge in violence and kidnappings destabilised country after period of relative calm. 21 civilians massacred in Grand Ravine slum by unidentified gunmen; 8 killed in series of clashes between armed gangs and UN peacekeepers in Port- au-Prince; 30 kidnappings reported. Thousands of former President Aristide supporters protested in capital 15 July, calling for return from exile. 25 July donor conference received new commitments to support Préval government but fell far short of his 5-year $7 billion request.