A disastrous earthquake hit Haiti in 2010, leaving the country in deep distress. Reconstruction failed to address the systemic problems underlying its extreme socio-economic inequality and endemic political and gang violence. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021 and a bout of natural disasters soon thereafter, Haiti’s humanitarian plight has gone from bad to worse. Crisis Group aims to shed light on the sources of Haiti’s strife and supports core reforms to the security sector and state that could pave the way for credible elections, improved security and clean government.
Haiti has established a new transitional government to combat surging gang violence and tackle the resulting humanitarian crisis. In this excerpt from the Watch List 2024 – Spring Update, Crisis Group explains how the EU and its member states can help.
Kenya-led security mission continued deploying to Haiti as debates about talks with gangs heated up; tensions rose between PM Conille and Transitional Presidential Council (TPC).
Kenya-led security mission continued to deploy without major spike in violence. Following late-June arrival of 200 Kenyan officers from foreign security mission, second contingent 16 July landed in capital Port-au-Prince and began conducting joint patrols and targeted missions against gangs. While their deployment triggered no major gang offensive, violence nonetheless persisted in several areas. Notably, mayor of Gressier town, south west of Port-au-Prince, 8 July stated that gangs now control around 75% of town amid ongoing clashes. In Ganthier town east of capital, members of 400 Mawozo gang 21 July set fire to police station, forcing thousands to flee. Meanwhile, PM Conille 17 July announced state of emergency in 14 gang-controlled communes in Ouest and Artibonite departments; police chief Rameau Normil 30 July announced police had subsequently killed 104 gang members during security operations in these areas.
Gang spokesperson floated possible dialogue with govt. Spokesperson for Viv Ansanm gang coalition, Jimmy ‘Barbecue’ Chérizier, 5 July said gangs would consider laying down arms and choosing one citizen from diaspora to facilitate dialogue with authorities; five prominent civil society organisations 11 July voiced opposition to any dialogue between govt and gangs. Meanwhile, gang leaders from capital’s Cité Soleil neighbourhood who are part of Viv Ansanm 24 July claimed to have reached peace agreement with Ti Gabriel, leader of Nan Brooklyn gang, which had cooperated with Viv Ansanm gangs but not fully integrated into the coalition; following agreement, gangs removed walls separating their territories.
Tensions grew between PM Conille and TPC. Public dispute erupted between TPC and Conille around latter’s 28 June-5 July travel to U.S., where he met several top officials, including Sec State Antony Blinken, and addressed UN Security Council; when Conille 8 July met with TPC upon his return, members reportedly insisted diplomatic duties fall within remit of presidency, not prime minister. Meanwhile, secretariat of TPC around 8 July started sending letters to religious groups, workers and other civil society associations, asking them to nominate representatives for provisional electoral council.
The gangs have never controlled so much territory in Haiti. They [now] have … established strongholds in areas the police have not been able to access.
If [the Haitian gangs] continue to blockade the ports and the capital’s airport, the lack of supplies and food could seriously worsen the humanitarian crisis.
Countries should implement all necessary measures to curb the illegal arms to Haiti, including inspections at their own ports within their own borders.
The situation [in Haiti] is an emergency … If the gangs continue with these large-scale attacks, they could control all of the capital in a matter of days or weeks.
The gangs are showing they can bring Haiti to its feet whenever they want.
With the acting premier out of the country, Haitian gangs have formed a united front to take over key sites and deter an international security mission from embarking. In this Q&A, Crisis Group expert Diego Da Rin assesses whether a new administration can respond.
This week on Hold Your Fire!, Richard speaks with Crisis Group experts Diego Da Rin and Renata Segura about a new offensive by gangs in Haiti, efforts to form a transitional government and prospects for a Kenya-led police mission to restore order.
This week on The Horn, Alan is joined by Crisis Group’s Haiti expert Diego Da Rin and Africa Director Murithi Mutiga to discuss the surging gang violence in Haiti and how it affects the prospects of a Kenya-led mission to restore order in the country.
The UN Security Council has approved deployment of a Kenyan-led force to Haiti to help battle criminal gangs the police cannot subdue alone. The mission will need to tread carefully – both in prior planning and once on the ground – to sidestep pitfalls in its path.
7 July marks the second anniversary of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse’s assassination. In this Q&A, Crisis Group expert Diego Da Rin explains why insecurity has gripped Haiti since the murder and why some Haitians have turned to self-defence groups to fend off rising gang power.
In this video, Frank Giustra speaks about the level of suffering Haiti is currently experiencing.
Criminal gangs are wreaking havoc in Haiti, nudging public opinion toward accepting the idea of an international force that would help restore security. Outside powers should prepare a mission only with solid backing from the country’s politicians, including their pledges to form a transitional government.
This week on Hold Your Fire!, Richard Atwood speaks with Renata Segura and Diego Da Rin, Crisis Group’s Latin America experts, about whether foreign forces can help tackle Haiti’s spiralling gang violence, political gridlock and latest cholera outbreak.
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