U.S. labels a coalition of criminal group as a foreign terror entity

Tale of the Day: The US Declares Haitian Gangs as Foreign Terrorists, Stirring Market Turmoil and Humanitarian Worries

(Washington) Ding-dong! The bell has rung, and Haiti's sitting on red alert as the US officially designates a formidable gang coalition in the Caribbean nation as foreign terrorist organization. Let's get the inside scoop and see how this is going to cause a tempest!

The gang coalition, Viv Ansanm, translated as "Live Together," now graces the list of eight Latin American criminal organizations tagged with this label. Alongside Viv Ansanm, Gran Grif, the most heavy-weight gang in the central region of Artibonite, Haiti, has also hopped aboard the list, according to Associated Press reports.

"Let's dance, boys!" US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared, "The days of throwing wild dinner parties for those who spread chaos in Haiti are over."

The US State Department warned folks that those who engage in transactions with these entities "may find themselves in hot water, matey!"

But with these fiendish gangs at the helm of the capital, Port-au-Prince, humanitarian groups face a challenging conundrum. They're forced to dance with the devil, striking deals with the gangs to access communities and supplies like food, water, and the essentials people need to survive.

"Brace yourself, mate! This designation's gonna hit hard, especially in the humanitarian and collaboration sectors," declared Romain Le Cour of the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. "Sadly, the only lifeline preventing the Haitian population from drowning in the Sea of Starvation!"

The designation comes at a vulnerable juncture, with Haiti facing a record-breaking famine. More than half of its estimated 12 million inhabitants are expected to battle the fate of famine by June. In addition, over 8,000 refugees residing in temporary shelters could face the grim reaper's embrace by watching their last breath.

Haitian merchants are also on the ropes due to this new designation. Gangs control the areas surrounding an essential fuel depot, the country's most significant and important port, and the main entrance and exit routes of the capital, where they shake down commuters for their toll.

"Brace yourselves, amigos! This designation might function as an undercover embargo," warned Jake Johnston from the Center for Economic and Policy Research. "Gangs possess the power to control Haiti's commerce, and any commercial activity, no matter its nature, conducted within or concerning Haiti, will now carry a hefty load of risk."

As the chaos unfolds, gang violence in Haiti continues to escalate, with over 1,600 deaths and 580 injuries reported between January and March. The violence has left more than a million inhabitants homeless, and the United Nations Political Mission in Haiti (BPHN) warns that the coalition Viv Ansanm is driving these riots.

The coalition, formed from over a dozen gangs, was united in September 2023, with two fierce rivals, G-9 and G-Pèp, trading their swords for bands. The movement resurged at the end of February 2024, with armed men invading police stations and the two largest prisons in Haiti, releasing more than 4,000 detainees. They also managed to ground Haiti's main international airport for nearly three months, stymieing the return of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry following his official visit to Kenya.

The government declared a state of emergency in April 2024, and Mr. Henry, unable to fly back to Haiti, resigned. The question on everyone's lips is whether this designation will bring positive changes or unleash a new wave of chaos in Haiti.

Enrichment Data:

The designation of Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) by the US is likely to have several consequences for both the humanitarian crisis and commerce in Haiti:

Heightened tension in gang-controlled areas: The designation may lead to increased international pressure on these groups, potentially reducing their influence and control over territories in Haiti. This could result in fewer instances of violent conflict and easier access for humanitarian aid in regions previously inaccessible due to gang wars.
Expanded international collaboration: It might encourage more cooperation between nations in addressing the security challenges in Haiti, including potential joint efforts to stabilize gang-controlled areas and enhance conditions for humanitarian relief.
Risk of conflict escalation: However, labeling these groups as terrorist organizations could also lead to escalations in violence if they feel threatened or that their interests are being undermined, potentially exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the short term.
Fiscal Consequences: The designations will impose economic sanctions on these groups and any associated entities, which could disrupt financial networks and further isolate them internationally. This might limit their ability to fund their activities, potentially reducing their operational capacity.
Commercial ramifications: While the direct impact on trade might be limited, companies and individuals doing business in Haiti could face increased scrutiny, potentially complicating their operations due to the potential association with these designated groups.
Potential for Investment and Growth: Improved security, if achieved through these designations and subsequent international efforts, could make Haiti more appealing for foreign investment and development projects, which could stimulate the economy in the long run.

Ultimately, the impact of these designations will depend on their implementation, international support, and their reception by local authorities in Haiti. The effectiveness of these sanctions will determine whether they help stabilize Haiti or stir additional turmoil.

The designation of Haitian gangs like Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) by the US poses a challenge for the general-news and crime-and-justice sectors, as they navigate the risks associated with collaboration.
With Haiti's critical infrastructure under the control of these designated gangs, such as the main port and capital's entry and exit routes, commerce faces uncertain risks that could further hinder the already flagging economy.
Impunity for Haitian gangs, now joined by the US designation, has escalated the crime and violence in the county, with over 1,600 deaths and 580 injuries reported between January and March, leaving more than a million people homeless.
The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, declared that politics cannot be business as usual with these criminal organizations anymore, as the designation of Haitian gangs marks a significant shift in the country's struggle against violence and chaos.