
For decades, Haiti, one of the most impoverished states in the world, has been faced with civil unrest, political strife, and all manner of violence. Recently the gang violence situation has become increasingly overwhelming for the nation, as gangs and criminal groups have gradually taken over the country, moving towards the capital, Port-au-Prince, killing thousands along the way.
Gangs now control 80% of Port-au-Prince, and nearly 10,000 people have been displaced in the capital over the last week, according to a report from the UN International Organization for Migration. The gangs have grown significantly stronger since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse on July 7, 2021. In the last few years, over 700,000 people have been made homeless, adding to the difficult humanitarian situation in the country. With little trust in the ability of the government, especially with the rampant corruption among the police force and other groups, known to work with the gangs they are supposed to be stopping, the issue of the Haitian government’s legitimacy has been brought to the forefront.
The gang causing the majority of the conflict recently is called Viv Ansanm, (“Live Together”) a coalition of two former enemy gangs, who have wreaked havoc across Port-au-Prince and beyond.
Neighborhood by neighborhood, the city is collapsing, and people are forced to escape, making desperate calls to radio stations for assistance. Many blame the incompetence and corruption of the Haitian National Police, with one citizen explaining how the police told him and his neighbors to stay home while the police protected them, only to hear the familiar sounds of gangs taking over later that night. “The police delivered Solino [his neighborhood],” he proclaimed.
A variety of humanitarian missions have been undertaken to attempt to alleviate the violence and instability.
One key effort has been from Kenya, with a few hundred Kenyan police officers being sent to quell the unceasing attacks from gangs. As opposed to sending military officers, the Kenyan government opted to send police officers to emphasize the idea that they were there not to fight battles but to keep the people safe. However, the mission suffers from a lack of funding, saying the budget will run out by March 2025. The mission has had only limited success, and it seems Kenya is somewhat in over their head. Moreover, the 400 police officers from Kenya and the roughly two dozen police officers and soldiers from Jamaica are only a fraction of the 2,500 personnel pledged by a variety of nations, including Chad, Benin, Bangladesh, and Barbados, who are yet to have contributed any of their promised aid.
The limited efficacy of the humanitarian aid sent so far has led to the US and Kenya requesting that the UN backed-Kenyan mission be replaced by a full UN peacekeeping mission, especially considering the issue of funding. Unfortunately, this idea was quickly shut down by a UN Security Council.
Haiti has faced so many problems throughout his history, ranging from horrible poverty, to endless violence. As the government continues to struggle with the gang violence, we can only hope that they receive the help they need to end the oppressive situation, for the sake of the wellbeing of the Haitian people. Our hearts are with Haiti as they navigate this difficult situation.
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