Reports from Haiti paint a grim picture as gang violence spirals out of control, leaving at least 66 people dead or missing in two regions, despite the deployment of nearly 400 Kenyan troops. The situation has become increasingly dire, compounded by revelations that these troops have not been receiving their promised allowances, adding a layer of complexity to an already volatile scenario.
Haitian Minister of Justice and Public Security Carlos Hercule recently acknowledged the severity of the situation in an interview with The Haitian Times, admitting that the government’s plans to combat the escalating gang violence in Port-au-Prince are still in the planning stages. This stark admission comes as gang attacks intensify across three regions, further destabilizing the Caribbean nation.
While the Haitian government struggles to develop and implement a decisive strategy, armed gangs continue to operate with impunity. In southwestern Port-au-Prince, including areas such as Carrefour and Gressier, gangs have imposed a reign of terror, dictating the terms of daily life for residents. Since mid-2021, these communities have been under siege, with gangs from Village-de-Dieu, Grand Ravine, and Fontamara expanding their control and deepening the despair of the local population.
A report by the National Network for the Defense of Human Rights (RNDDH) highlights the brutal impact of this gang violence: 66 people have been killed or kidnapped, including four police officers, while 46 women and girls have been sexually assaulted. The gangs have not only expanded their reach but have also inflicted widespread devastation, burning homes, looting properties, and even taking over police stations.
Despite government promises to restore order, the situation remains dire. The southern part of the capital is effectively under gang rule, with criminals controlling public markets, businesses, and transportation routes. The presence of Kenyan forces, sent to assist Haiti’s National Police (PNH), has done little to curb the violence. The revelation that Kenyan troops have not received their allowances has only added to the growing sense of frustration and desperation, with many families of the deployed troops in Kenya facing financial distress.
Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli attempted to reassure the public, stating that the delay in payments has been addressed and that troops would receive their allowances promptly. However, this reassurance comes too late for many who have already been impacted by the delay. The incident has raised questions about the management of the mission and the commitment of international donors who fund the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission.
Despite these challenges, Haitian authorities continue to express confidence in their ability to regain control. PNH spokesperson Michel-Ange Louis Jeune urged the population to remain patient, even as he acknowledged the enormity of the task at hand. Meanwhile, the National Police Service (NPS) has pushed back against reports of failure, asserting that the force has helped Haitian police regain control of critical infrastructure, including the airport, and reopened crucial roads, enabling the return of thousands of displaced Haitians.
Nevertheless, the ongoing violence and the challenges faced by the Kenyan troops suggest that the mission’s long-term viability is in question. As Haiti continues to grapple with the escalating gang violence, the country’s future remains uncertain.
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