Port-au-Prince is bracing for a continued battle against rampant gang violence as the Transitional Council of the Haitian President (CPT) pledges to intensify efforts in 2025. Leslie Voltaire,the CPT president,emphasized the urgent need for societal mobilization to combat the escalating terror inflicted by armed groups,which have claimed over 5,000 lives in the past year alone. He called for collective action from all sectors of society, urging citizens to collaborate with community police and appealing to international allies for support in curbing the influx of weapons. The CPT’s declaration marks a critical moment in Haiti’s ongoing struggle for safety and stability amidst chaos and lawlessness.
Q&A: Addressing Gang Violence in Haiti – Insights from Leslie voltaire, President of the Haitian Transitional Council
Time.news Editor (TNE): Thank you for joining us, Mr. Voltaire. Haiti is presently experiencing a tumultuous period marked by rampant gang violence. Could you elaborate on the scale of the challenge and recent statistics?
Leslie Voltaire (LV): Thank you for having me. The situation in Haiti is dire, with armed groups contributing to an unprecedented crisis. In the past year alone, we’ve seen over 5,000 lives lost due to gang-related violence. This statistic starkly illustrates the extent of terror that our communities are facing daily.
TNE: The Transitional Council has made a notable pledge for 2025. What are the key elements of this pledge, and how do you plan to mobilize society against these gangs?
LV: Our pledge for 2025 revolves around an urgent societal mobilization. We aim to engage all sectors—government, civil society, and ordinary citizens—to come together against the escalating threats posed by these groups. We believe that grassroots efforts,alongside local community police initiatives,are essential. By fostering collaboration at all levels, we can build a united front to combat this violence.
TNE: How can citizens get involved in these efforts? What practical steps do you recommend?
LV: citizens play a crucial role. We encourage them to cooperate with local authorities and community organizations. Practical steps include reporting suspicious activities,participating in neighborhood watch programs,and engaging in community discussions about safety.Awareness and action can make a big difference.We also urge individuals to voice their concerns and highlight issues to local leaders,as community dialog is vital.
TNE: You mentioned international support as a part of your strategy. What specific assistance is being sought from global allies?
LV: Yes, addressing this crisis requires international collaboration. We are seeking support to curb the influx of weapons that fuels gang violence. This includes assistance in terms of resources to strengthen local law enforcement and initiatives to provide humanitarian aid for the communities most affected. Collaboration with international allies can create a robust framework to tackle the deeper issues driving gang proliferation.
TNE: What implications does this ongoing violence have for Haiti’s future, especially concerning stability and recovery?
LV: The implications are significant. continuous gang violence undermines efforts for recovery and economic stability. It discourages investment and can lead to increased poverty and dislocation within communities. However, if we can unite as a society and receive support from the international community, there is hope for rebuilding trust, stability, and progress in Haiti. Collective action today can pave the way for a more secure tomorrow.
TNE: As we draw to a close,what message would you like to convey to our readers regarding Haiti’s current crisis?
LV: I want to emphasize that the fight against gang violence in Haiti is not just the responsibility of the government but of every citizen. We are at a critical juncture; mobilization and collaboration will be key to overcoming this challenge. Every effort counts, and together, we can reclaim our communities and build a future free from fear. It’s time for action,unity,and commitment to restoring safety in Haiti.
TNE: Thank you, Mr. Voltaire, for sharing your insights into this pressing issue. We hope for a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Haiti.
LV: Thank you for having me. Let’s work together towards a safer future.