“Once vibrant streets now devoid of hues,
Embraced by death’s solitary muse.
Silent witness to the crimson stain,
Famine’s fury fully untamed.
Whose shoulders bear this weight of gloom?”
Haiti finds itself in a precarious situation, prompting a call for vigilance and prayer.
Once known for its tranquility, the Caribbean country now faces a descent into the unimaginable – human suffering, largely self-inflicted. Speculations arise about shadowy actors pulling strings behind the scenes.
Recent events in the Caribbean nation paint a grim picture. Following a complete collapse of the state, armed gangs brandishing AK-47s and various deadly weapons have seized control of over 80 percent of Port-au-Prince, the capital city.
How It Started
Upon returning from Kenya, where he endeavored to bolster a security assistance mission, acting Prime Minister Ariel Henry rerouted his plane to Puerto Rico on March 5th, having been denied entry by the Dominican Republic, Haiti’s neighbor on the island of Hispaniola.
In his absence, the capital city of Port-au-Prince has fallen further under the sway of gangs, a trend that has intensified since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021.
The gangs have unleashed chaos, liberating thousands of prisoners, attacking the international airport, ransacking and incinerating police stations, and compelling the closure of the main port. Gang leader Jimmy Chérizier also known as “Barbecue” demanded Henry’s resignation or warned of impending civil war, while regional body CARICOM and the United States, a crucial ally, urged expedited transition.
However, the question remains—to whom? A ‘Council of Ministers’, the last vestige of a government largely paralyzed, issued an anonymous decree on March 7th extending the state of emergency in and around the capital until April 3rd. Furthermore, a nighttime curfew was prolonged until March 11th. Yet, in the face of lawlessness, the impact of the decree may prove limited.
The Backstory
The crisis in Haiti can be directly linked to the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, but its origins run much deeper. They extend back to the economic devastation caused by the 2010 earthquake, the 29-year autocratic rule of “Papa Doc” and “Baby Doc” Duvalier, and even to the severe repercussions of the significant “reparations” Haiti was compelled to pay to France for generations following independence in 1804, severely impeding economic progress.
The situation has deteriorated further.
According to the UN, nearly 4,000 people were killed and 3,000 were abducted in gang-related violence in 2023. Sexual violence is rampant, with approximately 1,100 assaults on women reported by October. Approximately 200,000 individuals have been displaced, and half of Haiti’s population lacks access to adequate food. Basic services such as electricity, clean water, and waste disposal are unreliable. Economic data for 2023 is expected to reveal a fifth consecutive year of contraction.
Moreover, Haiti’s police force is severely understaffed, with approximately 10,000 active officers nationwide, while UN estimates suggest a need for around 26,000. Just last year, around 1,600 officers resigned.
The UN Security Council’s decision in October to deploy a multinational security force to Haiti to combat the gangs appeared to exacerbate the violence, according to Da Rin. Both sides sought to expand their territory before the force’s arrival, attempting to demonstrate dominance and undermine the state, while also sending a message of intimidation to foreign troops.
Currently, the two coalitions have revived a non-aggression pact called “Viv Ansanm,” or “living together” in Haitian Creole, as they aim to overthrow the interim government and consolidate their positions.
What Next?
There are indications that “Barbecue” and other gang leaders may be seeking an exit strategy, as Da Rin noted, attempting to portray themselves as political figures advocating for the best interests of the Haitian people.
He explains:
“This rhetoric could potentially lead to discussions on demobilization or amnesty,”
However, given the current power dynamics where the gangs hold significant sway and have inflicted immense suffering on the Haitian population through kidnapping, rape, and indiscriminate killings, it will be challenging for ordinary citizens to accept negotiations with individuals with such a violent track record.
Therefore, the logical approach would be to deploy the mission first and then engage in negotiations from a position of strength.”
Meanwhile, the political opposition seems skeptical of Henry’s pledge to organize elections by August 2025. “Many no longer trust his assurances,” Da Rin remarked. “It will require substantial efforts from regional actors to persuade them to resume talks with him.”
Is there still hope for those caught in the middle of this crossfire, or will they have to themselves a charred box of chocolate called anarchy?
