U.S. classifies Haitian criminal groups as international terrorist entities, prompting concerns over potential impact on humanitarian assistance.

Unleashing Turmoil in Haiti: U.S. Designates Deadly Gangs as Foreign Terrorist Organizations

Stepping into the FirestormIn a bone-chilling move, the U.S. has officially categorized a formidable gang coalition, Viv Ansanm, and their counterparts, Gran Grif, in Haiti, as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs). This decision, announced last week, has sparked concerns about exacerbating Haiti's ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Trouble BrewingViv Ansanm, meaning "Living Together," joins a list of eight Latin American criminal organizations branded as FTOs. The monstrous gang, Gran Grif, operating predominantly in Haiti's Artibonite region, has also been added to the notorious list.

The Rubio RumbleU.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio weighed in on the decision, proclaiming, "The era of immunity for exponents of violence in Haiti is over!"

Stepping on a LandmineThe U.S. Department of State issues a chilling warning: "Engaging in certain transactions or activities with these entities, or their individuals, may result in sanctions risk." Yet, given the ubiquity of gangs in Haiti, avoiding dealings with them seems near impossible.

Grip on PowerViv Ansanm controls an estimated 85% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, forcing aid groups and other organizations to engage in negotiations with these lethal forces to gain access to communities in dire need of food, water, and critical supplies.

Starvation on the HorizonThis alarming move comes as Haiti grapples with record hunger, with more than half of its nearly 12 million inhabitants projected to face severe hunger through June, and 8,400 more people expected to starve in makeshift shelters.

Economic FalloutGangs control vital infrastructures such as key fuel depots, the country's primary port, and the main roads leading in and out of the capital, where they extort hefty tolls. This designation could function as a de facto embargo, as doing business with Haiti might carry greater risk, according to experts.

A Bloody TrailThe designation comes as gang violence surges in Haiti. More than 1,600 people have been slaughtered from January to March, and over half a million have been displaced. Viv Ansanm, the architect of recent attacks, has taken control of once peaceful communities on the outskirts of Haiti's capital, claiming hundreds of lives.

A Questionable DecisionLe Cour, an expert with the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, questions the effectiveness of this designation in targeting gangs in Haiti. He suggests that the U.S. needs to bolster its capacity to arrest and apprehend gang leaders for the designation to have any real impact.

A Failing SystemThe violence in Haiti has overwhelmed its National Police and a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police. This mission, however, remains underfunded and under-resourced, making it challenging to combat gangs effectively. Arresting gang members is still a daunting task given Haiti's almost non-functional judicial system.

A Misguided PolicyLe Cour asserts that the designation should focus on unmasking those in the U.S. who facilitate firearms smuggling and the network that supplies Haiti with arms.

** controversary continues**This contentious decision has divided opinions, with some arguing that the designation is overdue, and others questioning whether this harsh policy will unleash havoc on an already fragile nation.

This article is written by Coto for the Associated Press.

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In a move that has sparked discussions, the U.S. government has classified Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs), stations primarily in Haiti.
The designation has placed these two gangs, Viv Ansanm, meaning "Living Together," and Gran Grif, in the same league as eight other Latin American criminal organizations on the FTO list.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed his opinion, stating, "The era of immunity for violence perpetrators in Haiti is over!"
The U.S. Department of State has issued a warning, stating that engaging in certain transactions or activities with these entities, or their individuals, may result in sanctions risk.
Yet, given the widespread presence of gangs like Viv Ansanm in Haiti, avoiding dealings with them seems an impossible task for aid groups and other organizations.
The designation of Viv Ansanm, which controls approximately 85% of Port-au-Prince, has raised concerns about worsening Haiti's ongoing humanitarian crisis and potentially leading to a de facto embargo for doing business in Haiti.
As Haiti grapples with record hunger, the designation has come at a time when more than half of its nearly 12 million inhabitants are projected to face severe hunger through June, with 8,400 more people expected to starve in makeshift shelters.
Experts are questioning the effectiveness of this designation in targeting gangs like Viv Ansanm, suggesting that the U.S. should focus on uncovering those in the U.S. who facilitate arms smuggling and the network that supplies Haiti with weapons.