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Haiti’s Transitional Council Responds to Escalating Gang Violence

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — In a high-stakes address on Thursday, the head of Haiti’s transitional presidential council, Fritz Alphonse Jean, announced significant measures aimed at combating a troubling rise in gang violence, describing the current state of affairs in the nation as “hell for everyone.”

This declaration came in the wake of intense protests in Port-au-Prince, where thousands of demonstrators clashed with police while rallying for an end to gang-related atrocities. The violence erupted just outside the council’s offices and those of the prime minister, illustrating the public’s mounting frustration with deteriorating security.

This protest marks the largest mobilization since the council’s formation one year ago, highlighting a significant moment in the ongoing political and social challenges facing Haiti.

Addressing the protesters, Jean acknowledged their suffering: “Haitian people, you’ve spoken, and we’ve heard you. We understand your misery. We know your pain and your suffering,” he stated, reflecting the anguish felt by many citizens.

According to U.N. reports, the violence has led to the deaths of over 4,200 individuals from July to February, with an additional 1,356 injured. The turmoil has also resulted in homelessness for more than 60,000 people within a single month, as stated by the International Organization for Migration.

Analyst Diego Da Rin from the International Crisis Group emphasized the importance of Jean’s remarks, framing the protests as expressions of escalating dissatisfaction with the government. “Protesters from various parts of the capital deliberately marched toward key government buildings to express their frustration,” he noted.

Coincidentally, Jean’s speech coincided with the anniversary of a political agreement that founded the transitional government, during which Da Rin observed a prominent decline in unity among the political factions that supported its inception. “The groups that originally backed this government are now calling for a change in leadership,” he disclosed.

While there was recognition of prevailing discontent, the council has yet to effectively respond to these pleas for change, something that is echoed by the international community.

Jean detailed specific neighborhoods that have been heavily impacted by gang violence, emphasizing the severe consequences faced by residents: loss of homes, businesses, and safety. “You lost your homes, you lost your businesses, you lost your jobs, they raped you, they raped your kids. The criminal gangs killed a lot of people,” he lamented. Jean invoked historical context, stating that the ongoing struggle against gang violence reflects a broader fight against oppression.

In a call to action, he urged citizens to resist gang influences and support law enforcement, advising against being drawn into criminal activities. “Don’t let people profit from your distress and drag you in bad directions,” he warned.

Jean declared that the council would implement “important measures” to address the vicious cycle of violence, which includes the allocation of resources for security initiatives and collaboration with members of a state environmental force known as BSAP to bolster efforts against gangs.

While Jean called for immediate action from the police and prime minister, details regarding the financial commitments and the integration of BSAP agents into the anti-gang strategy remain unclear.

Moreover, the electoral council is reportedly preparing to enact measures that will lead to new elections, aiming to ensure that Haiti can elect new leadership by February 7 next year, which would mark a significant political milestone, given that the country has not had a functioning presidency since the assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021.

In a bid to address security challenges, a U.N.-backed mission, led by Kenyan police, was deployed to Haiti last year. However, reports indicate that this mission is severely under-resourced, operating with only about 40% of the intended 2,500 personnel.

Throughout his address, Jean highlighted the transnational nature of Haiti’s security issues, suggesting that gang violence is linked to larger challenges such as money laundering and drug trafficking. Da Rin concluded that Jean’s framing of the gang crisis as a transnational issue is an attempt to garner international support for the aid needed to address the escalating threats.

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