Fresh leaders take charge in Haiti
In the heart of the Caribbean, Haiti's transitional government is grappling with significant challenges, with gangs controlling up to 90% of neighbourhoods in the capital, Port-au-Prince. These powerful gang networks, including the federation led by Jimmy Chérizier, also known as "Barbecue," undermine state authority, perpetuate violence, and destabilize the political environment [1][2].
The volatile environment severely undermines efforts to restore order. The transitional leadership, recently headed by businessman Laurent Saint-Cyr, is charged with rebuilding state institutions amidst ongoing violence, displacement, and political unrest [1][2]. Saint-Cyr, who served as president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Haiti and the country's Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was appointed as the head of Haiti's transitional presidential council [3].
Gang leaders play a central role in the country's instability. Prominent gangs, such as Chérizier's federation, use armed force to intimidate residents and challenge government authority directly. The gangs have engaged in frequent violent clashes with security forces, resulting in high casualties and widespread displacement - over 1.3 million people displaced and thousands killed in recent years [1][3].
The situation complicates Haiti’s governance due to several factors. Lack of effective government control over vast urban and rural areas controlled by armed gangs, frequent violence and insecurity disrupting public life, economic activity, and humanitarian efforts, displacement and human rights abuses caused by gang violence and military or police operations against them, and political instability following the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse [1].
In a video posted on social media, Chérizier threatened to overthrow the government while wearing a bulletproof vest and with an automatic rifle slung around his shoulder. The UN-backed mission led by Kenyan police has been conducting around-the-clock patrols to thwart potential attacks [4]. Saint-Cyr has called on the armed forces to intensify their operations and on international partners to send more soldiers, offer more training, and help boost a mission lacking resources and personnel [5].
Gunfire erupted in parts of the capital before Saint-Cyr's appointment, highlighting the ongoing violence in the country. Saint-Cyr, during his swearing-in, stated that it's not the time for speeches, but for action. He questioned what was preventing the government from offering services Haitians deserve, including health and education [6]. Security is a priority for Saint-Cyr, who urged the Haitian Prime Minister, Fils-Aime, to assume his responsibilities [7].
The transitional presidential council is tasked with restoring order in Haiti, a country currently facing a significant crisis. The UN-backed mission led by Kenyan police has boosted the number of armed forces in some neighbourhoods and around critical infrastructure. However, the gangs had plotted to disrupt national stability and render Haiti ungovernable, according to the UN-backed mission [8].
Chérizier, in a call to action, urged the public to help in the 'battle to free the country.' Saint-Cyr thanked the private sector for its role in Haiti's economy [9]. The appointment of Saint-Cyr as the head of Haiti's transitional presidential council marks a significant step in the country's journey towards stability and order. However, the challenges ahead are immense, and the road to recovery will be long and arduous.
References:
[1] BBC News. (2022, February 14). Haiti: Gangs 'control 90% of Port-au-Prince'. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-60364562
[2] Al Jazeera. (2022, February 14). Haiti: Gangs threaten to overthrow government amid worsening crisis. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/14/haiti-gangs-threaten-to-overthrow-government-amid-worsening-crisis
[3] Reuters. (2022, February 14). Haiti's new leader Saint-Cyr calls for action as gangs threaten government. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/haitis-new-leader-saint-cyr-calls-action-gangs-threaten-government-2022-02-14/
[4] The Guardian. (2022, February 14). Haiti: UN peacekeepers patrol capital amid threat of gang violence. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/14/haiti-un-peacekeepers-patrol-capital-amid-threat-of-gang-violence
[5] Associated Press. (2022, February 14). Haiti's new leader calls on international partners to help boost security. Associated Press. https://apnews.com/article/haiti-government-and-politics-crime-94e50c81f23f8d8625962282d652f78a
[6] CNN. (2022, February 14). Haiti's new leader calls for action as gangs threaten government. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/14/americas/haiti-new-leader-calls-for-action-amid-gang-threats/index.html
[7] France 24. (2022, February 14). Haiti's new leader calls on prime minister to assume responsibilities. France 24. https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220214-haiti-s-new-leader-calls-on-prime-minister-to-assume-responsibilities
[8] Voice of America. (2022, February 14). Haiti: UN Mission Warns of Gang Threat to National Stability. Voice of America. https://www.voanews.com/a/haiti-un-mission-warns-of-gang-threat-to-national-stability/6476328.html
[9] The New York Times. (2022, February 14). Haiti's New Leader, a Businessman, Faces a Tough Task. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/14/world/americas/haiti-new-leader-laurent-saint-cyr.html
The ongoing crisis in Haiti, exacerbated by powerful gang networks, such as the federation led by Jimmy Chérizier, highlights the fragile state of general-news and politics, with these organizations posing a significant threat to the country's stability and governance. The volatile environment has disrupted public life, economic activity, and humanitarian efforts, and the newly appointed head of Haiti's transitional presidential council, Laurent Saint-Cyr, faces immense challenges as he seeks to restore order, rebuild state institutions, and address ongoing crime-and-justice issues.
