He Government of Mexico condemned the recent acts of violence in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, carried out by several gangs.
This was announced by the Foreign Ministry through its X account (@SRE_mx) in which it indicated:
“Mexico expresses its condemnation for the acts of violence recorded in recent days in Haiti, at the hands of armed gang groups in Port-au-Prince, in its metropolitan area and in the department of Artibonito.”
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The agency stated that these events compromise the rule of law on the Caribbean island but, despite this, it reiterated the support of the Mexican Government for the transition process and called for the country’s political forces to:
“Continue working to finalize the agreements reached in Kingston, Jamaica, that allow the holding of elections in 2025, the institutional strengthening and development that the population requires. “Our country will continue to work with the brother people of the Caribbean through international cooperation actions.”
Due to the above, Foreign Affairs reiterated its travel alert to that nation.
On Saturday, a group of gangs increased their attacks against some communities in the Haitian capital that are not yet under their control, leaving several houses on fire.
He @GobiernoMXthrough the @SRE_mxexpresses its condemnation for the acts of violence recorded in recent days in Haiti, at the hands of armed gang groups in Port-au-Prince, in its metropolitan area and in the department of Artibonito.
These acts compromise the…
— Foreign Affairs (@SRE_mx) October 31, 2024
These events culminated a week of clashes between these criminal groups and the police in the Solino neighborhood in Port-au-Prince, members of the gang coalition.
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The Caribbean island has been mired in violence since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021.
The number one public enemy in Haiti is called Jimmy Chérizier, known as Barbecue, who leads an organization of criminal groups in the capital, Port-au-Prince.
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Time.news Interview with Dr. Sofía López – Expert on Caribbean Politics and Security
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Dr. López. Thank you for joining us today. We’ve seen a troubling escalation of violence in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, primarily driven by armed gangs. The Mexican government has condemned these acts. Could you start by sharing your perspective on the current situation in Haiti?
Dr. Sofía López (DSL): Thank you for having me. The situation in Haiti is indeed alarming. The proliferation of gangs has not only exacerbated insecurity but also undermined the rule of law, which is fundamental for any democratic society. The violence we’ve seen recently is a stark reminder of the fragility of the Haitian state and the urgent need for both local and international intervention.
TNE: The Mexican Foreign Ministry’s statement called for political forces in Haiti to finalize agreements reached in Kingston. How critical is international support in stabilizing Haiti at this point?
DSL: It’s absolutely vital. International cooperation can provide the necessary resources for institutional rebuilding and security. The agreements from Kingston were a step toward addressing the political stalemate and preparing for the 2025 elections. However, these efforts need sufficient backing. Without it, we risk a further descent into chaos, which only benefits the gangs that thrive in such conditions.
TNE: You mentioned the upcoming elections in 2025. What role do you think these violent incidents play in the electoral process?
DSL: The violence certainly poses a significant threat to the electoral process. It creates an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, which could suppress voter turnout and undermine the legitimacy of the elections. Moreover, if gangs continue to exert their influence, they might even attempt to manipulate the electoral process to maintain their power or disrupt it for their agendas.
TNE: Mexico has reiterated its travel alert for Haiti. What advice would you give to potential travelers or those with interests in Haiti given the current climate?
DSL: Safety should always be the priority. Anyone considering travel to Haiti should stay updated on the security situation, avoid high-risk areas, and heed travel advisories. For those with connections, it’s crucial to have contingency plans and be prepared for the possibility of sudden changes in the security environment.
TNE: Besides governmental action, what role can civil society play in responding to the violence and pushing for a democratic process in Haiti?
DSL: Civil society groups are essential in advocating for human rights, mobilizing communities, and holding leaders accountable. Grassroots movements can foster dialogue between different political factions and push for a peace-building process. Their local knowledge and networks are invaluable in navigating the complexities of the situation on the ground.
TNE: As we discuss these challenges, what gives you hope for Haiti’s future amid such turmoil?
DSL: Hope lies in the resilience of the Haitian people. Despite decades of hardship, they have continually sought to reclaim their rights and rebuild their communities. Moreover, there are glimmers of international solidarity and cooperation that, if properly harnessed, can lead to substantial progress. Encouragingly, there are also emerging leaders within civil society who are committed to positive change.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. López, for sharing your insights on this complex issue. It’s important to stay engaged and informed as we watch developments in Haiti unfold.
DSL: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this critical topic. It’s vital for all of us to remain informed and supportive of efforts to restore stability and justice in Haiti.