New leaders take on Haiti's chaos as those living in fear demand swift solutions to gang violence
It has been just a day since the transitional presidential council took charge in Haiti, and the list of demands from the Caribbean nation's new leaders is swiftly growing. Haitians are urgently calling for security, food, jobs—immediate action is what they seek.
The council members, entrusted with the task of restoring political stability in Haiti, are under tremendous pressure to deliver quick outcomes, despite facing a longstanding crisis.
Enhancing safety in Haiti is a top priority. The alarming statistics reveal that over 2,500 individuals were either killed or injured from January to March alone, with more than 90,000 people fleeing the capital city of Port-au-Prince this year due to persistent gang violence.
"The challenge is truly monumental," stated Robert Fatton, an expert in Haitian politics from the University of Virginia.
Gangs have engaged in destructive acts, including burning police stations, attacking the main international airport (shut down since March), and raiding the country's largest prisons, resulting in the release of over 4,000 inmates.
Currently, gangs exert control over 80% of Port-au-Prince, and despite their historical reliance on influential politicians and the economic elite, they are now self-sufficient.
"It's incredibly complex to disentangle from this situation," Fatton remarked. "I don't anticipate the presidential council to provide an instant solution."
Nonetheless, the council could advocate for disarmament and devise strategies to alleviate poverty in impoverished neighborhoods, he added. "These gangs won't disappear by simply asking them to be nicer."
The nine-member council acknowledged the arduous tasks ahead after being sworn in at the National Palace, an area recently targeted by gangs.
Gunfire disrupted the ceremony, emphasizing the volatile situation. Hours later, the new interim prime minister, Michel Boisvert, addressed the council, emphasizing the population's high expectations and the urgent need for security.
However, the specific strategies the council intends to employ remain unclear. They have engaged in closed-door meetings with top government officials to select a new prime minister, form a Cabinet and an interim electoral commission, and establish a national security council.
Despite these efforts, no public announcement has been made regarding a strategy to curb gang violence. Additionally, some council members did not respond to inquiries seeking comments.
The uncertainty and lack of immediate progress have left many Haitians feeling disillusioned and anxious. For instance, Rose Hippolite, 66, and Nancy Philemon, 42, voiced their concerns about safety and the deteriorating conditions in their makeshift shelter.
Moreover, Haiti's National Police is struggling to combat well-equipped and resourceful gangs. Lionel Lazarre, from the SYNAPOHA police union, emphasized the urgent need for improved security measures, including combat helicopters, armed vehicles, and advanced surveillance equipment.
Despite challenges, there is hope, as police have managed to thwart gangs' attempts to seize key locations recently. However, time is of the essence, and the council must act swiftly and effectively to address Haiti's pressing issues.
