Over 60 dead, including 12 police officers, in shoot outs and series of brutal beheadings since police reportedly killed 2 protesters during 30 September pro-Aristide demonstration. Police and UN soldiers entered Bel-Air slum – pro-Aristide stronghold – in capital, cleared street barricades. Ex-soldiers, many of whom participated in Aristide overthrow, have taken several towns; issued plans for entering capital to confront pro-Aristide armed groups and bring end to violence. Only half pledged UN peacekeepers have arrived; national police outmanned and outgunned by armed gangs. Lack of security at ports delaying food aid delivery; unsafe situation led IMF to postpone visit to Port-au-Prince.

Security situation deteriorated after Tropical Storm Jeanne caused massive flooding, left up to 2,400 dead and 300,000 homeless. UN troops (MINUSTAH) deployed in Gonaives providing security as Haitian government unable to handle humanitarian crisis. Virtually no Haitian National Police presence; Gonaives residents looted aid trucks and gangs raided homes, shooting for food. 15 September disarmament deadline passed without progress; illegal armed groups – including supporters of former President Aristide – continued to threaten security.

Former paramilitary leader Louis-Jodel Chamblain and former police chief Jackson Joanis acquitted of murder of Antoine Izmery, pro-Aristide activist and businessman. Both face further charges. U.S., OAS and human rights groups expressed concern at verdict. Former members of disbanded Haitian army increasingly visible throughout country, demanding payment of salaries and pensions.

Donors conference in Washington 19-20 July resulted in pledges totalling $1.1 billion. Police-rebel tensions rising: gunmen killed 2 policemen and injured another in Port-au- Prince 15 July. Police responded with 20 arrests. 3,000 Aristide supporters celebrated his birthday in capital 15 July. PM Gerard Latortue announced measures will be taken after 15 September to disarm gangs with illegal weapons; rebels denounced plan. Former Chilean foreign minister Juan Gabriel Valdes appointed UN special representative to Haiti.

UN troops headed by Brazil took over peacekeeping duties from U.S.-led multinational force 1 June; failure to disarm informal militias causing serious concern. Aid workers struggling to reach areas cut off by May floods, estimated to have killed 2,600 Haitians. In Port-au-Prince, over 5,000 supporters of ousted president Jean-Bertrand Aristide demonstrated 17 June for his return.

UN peacekeeping mission set to take over from U.S.-led multinational force 1 June. Headed by Brazil, with contributions from Chile, Argentina, and 10 other countries, force to include over 8,000 troops and military police. Deployment intended to help disarm population, reform police, and establish rule of law, but mission complicated by widespread crime and gang-related violence, along with devastating flooding that has left hundreds dead. Police broke up large 18 May rally by supporters of ousted president Jean-Bertrand Aristide, who claim persecution by interim government. Aristide arrived South Africa 31 May from Jamaica; said will stay until able to return to Haiti.

Slowly regaining degree of stability, but many armed rebels still roaming countryside. UN Security Council approved new stabilisation mission of 6,700 troops and 1,600 police and experts to replace current U.S.-led force of 3,600 on 1 June. Rebel commander Louis-Jodel Chamblain, former paramilitary FRAPH leader sentenced to life imprisonment in absentia, surrendered to police 22 April amid concern whether deal made to pardon him. Lack of disarmament of rebels and Aristide military drawing business sector concern.

Following departure from Haiti 29 February to Central African Republic, ex-President Aristide claimed was forcibly removed by U.S., and called for non-violent resistance to new regime. More than 3000 U.S., French, Canadian, Chilean and Brazilian troops deployed as part of UN authorised force to establish order. Disarmament remains critical task with only limited action so far. Pro-Aristide gunmen shot dead at least 7 demonstrators celebrating his departure 7 March. Former Chief Justice Boniface Alexandre sworn in as president 8 March. Interim prime minister Gérard Latortue appointed 9 March named interim ‘technocratic’ cabinet and talked about 2 year provisional government before elections. 15 nation Caribbean Community withheld recognition of interim government until July at earliest. Aristide travelled to Jamaica 15 March, and granted permission to stay for 10 weeks - visit denounced as destabilising by Latortue.

Following rebel uprising in north and violence in capital, and calls from France and U.S. for him to step aside, President Aristide resigned and left country 29 February for Central African Republic. Rebels, including former military and police – many of whom served under notorious Duvalier and Cedras’ dictatorships – control second largest city, Cap-Haïtien, and most of north, and have begun moving into capital Port-au-Prince. Violent gangs, supporters of President Aristide, looting and terrorising civilians in capital. More than 80 killed since uprising commenced 5 February. UN Security Council voted unanimously to send multinational peacekeeping force to Haiti for up to 3 months and President Bush ordered deployment of marines to Haiti, with first contingent arriving late 29 February. Up to 200 French troops due to arrive 1 March.

Strikes and protest marches against President Aristide continued almost daily. Aristide warned 17 January that protests were attempts at coup d’état that would lead to death and destruction throughout country. On 18 January unidentified gunmen fired on protesters, killing 1 and wounding 6. Up to 20,000 marched in Port-au-Prince 27 January, calling for Aristide’s resignation. Terms of most legislators expired 12 January, rendering parliament powerless. Aristide and opposition unable to agree on new elections. Amnesty International called for investigation of human rights abuses against demonstrators.