Haiti

A disastrous earthquake hit Haiti in 2010, leaving the country in deep distress. Reconstruction failed to address the systemic problems underlying its extreme socio-economic inequality and endemic political and gang violence. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021 and a bout of natural disasters soon thereafter, Haiti’s humanitarian plight has gone from bad to worse. Crisis Group aims to shed light on the sources of Haiti’s strife and supports core reforms to the security sector and state that could pave the way for credible elections, improved security and clean government.

CrisisWatch Haiti

Deteriorated Situation

Violent protests erupted calling for PM Henry’s resignation as gang violence, both between rival outfits and against govt, wreaked havoc in Port-au-Prince. 

Anti-Henry protests spread across country. Former coup leader Guy Philippe, who has urged Haitians to join him in peaceful revolution to remove acting PM Henry, 6 Feb joined anti-govt protests in Pétionville neighbourhood of capital Port-au-Prince. Demonstrations 7 Feb took place in over twenty cities, turning violent as protesters looted and set fire to state buildings; police killed five members of Brigade for the Security of Protected Areas, armed environmental agency led by close friend of Philippe. Henry that night urged calm and promised to hold meetings with opposition to organise elections. Leading politicians including Jean Charles Moïse, now allied with Philippe, and former PM Claude Joseph 18 Feb organised fresh protests in Port-au-Prince, Ouanaminthe and Les Cayes cities. CARICOM (body of Caribbean nations) 28 Feb announced Henry agreed to hold elections by Sept 2025. 

Resurgent gang rivalry displaced thousands, wave of attacks rocked capital. After two-month lull in fighting between G9 and Gpèp coalitions in Cité Soleil, at least three gangs from Gpèp 5 Feb launched attack on area controlled by rival gang from within G9 coalition; UN 13 Feb said fighting displaced almost 10,000. G9 leader Jimmy ‘Barbecue’ Chérizier 29 Feb claimed responsibility for wave of attacks on police stations and airport in Port-au-Prince; he stated it was coordinated offensive by gangs belonging to G9 and Gpèp to capture national police chief and govt ministers, and prevent Henry (on visit to Kenya – see below) from returning to Haiti. Apparent gang coordination suggests they could now be seeking to form united front and potentially join forces with Guy Philippe and his allies to oust PM in coming months.

Preparations for Kenyan-led multinational mission to Haiti continued. Henry 29 Feb visited Kenya amid efforts to overcome legal obstacles preventing Nairobi from instigating multinational mission to Haiti. Canada and other countries 22 Feb pledged another $120mn for mission amid funding concerns. U.S. ambassador to UN 26 Feb said Benin offered to contribute 2,000 troops to mission. 

In another important development. Judge 19 Feb charged 51 individuals in relation to 2021 killing of President Moïse.

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In The News

5 Mar 2024
The situation [in Haiti] is an emergency … If the gangs continue with these large-scale attacks, they could control all of the capital in a matter of days or weeks. The Guardian

Diego Da Rin

Consultant, Latin America and Caribbean
4 Mar 2024
The gangs are showing they can bring Haiti to its feet whenever they want. The Guardian

Diego Da Rin

Consultant, Latin America and Caribbean
27 Jan 2024
Absent a robust external mission that would be deployed very soon, we are facing quite a tragic scenario in Haiti. AP

Diego Da Rin

Consultant, Latin America and Caribbean
21 Sep 2023
[The police in Haiti] are completely outgunned by the gangs right now. The Guardian

Diego Da Rin

Consultant, Latin America and Caribbean
1 Aug 2023
The Haitian security forces and U.S. forces present in Haiti are not able to enter the areas where most kidnapped people are held. ABC News

Diego Da Rin

Consultant, Latin America and Caribbean

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Diego Da Rin

Diego Da Rin

Consultant, Latin America and Caribbean

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