According to the UN, more than 5,000 people have fallen victim to rampant gang violence in haiti this year.
the multinational UN defense force has so far managed to do little against the massive violence in Haiti. Photo taken on December 5 from Port-au-Prince.
It’s a terrible holocaust: More than 180 people were killed in the Haitian Cité Soleil slum over the weekend. this is what the institution of the Committee for Peace and Growth (CPD) wrote in a statement on Sunday. According to the Réseau national de défense des droits humains (The National Network for the Defense of Human Rights, RNDDH), the victims are said to be women and men over 60 years of age
Micanor Altes, the leader of the Wharf-Jeremie gang, is said to be responsible for the crime. micanor Altes is also known under the pseudonym “Wa Mikanò” and “Monel Félix”. According to United Nations estimates, the gang has around 300 members. Félix is said to have ordered the massacre after one of his children fell ill. In desperation, Micanor Altes turned to a ”bócò”, a voodoo priest, says the RNDDH. The Voodoo cult is a well-known religion in Haiti, which originated when it was a French colony with slaves from West Africa in the 17th and 18th centuries.The priest attributed the child’s critical health to witchcraft practices. He blamed this on elderly people in the region who practiced voodoo.
Members of Jeremie’s Wharf gang then killed dozens of elderly people with machetes and axes on Friday, mutilated the bodies and burned them in the streets. On Saturday, the son of gang leader Micanor Altes died, followed by the murder of many others.
Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince is about 80 percent under gang control. They control crucial roads, access to the port and the airport. And they create aid supplies that residents rely on. In November, two American airline passenger planes were shot down in Port-au-Prince. “The estimated four million residents of Port-au-Prince are effectively being held hostage as gangs now control every major road in and out of the capital,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said in a statement in of November.
After the weekend killings, Türk said Monday that the number of deaths from gang violence had risen to more than 5,000 this year. Over 2,000 others were injured. The UN also estimates that 700,000 people have fled across the country, half of them children. The officers sent from Kenya as part of the UN’s multinational defense force have so far done little to combat the violence that is emerging in haiti.
The violence has increased to some extent since the spring. Last March, rival gangs met. They are now led by the most powerful gang leader: Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier.
Chérizier was proven to be involved in two massacres in 2017 and 2018. One of them took place in November
Criminal gangs are also in control in other parts of the country. There are said to be around 200 gangs in the country. In October,at least 115 people,including several infants,were murdered in Pont-Sonde,a town in the Haitian breadbasket of Artibonite. The crimes came from the Gran Grif gang. They considered their actions a betrayal because residents working with a self-defense group blocked their toll operations.
What are the main factors contributing to gang violence in Haiti?
Title: Unraveling the Crisis: An Interview on the gang Violence in Haiti
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Host (time.news Editor): Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re taking a deep dive into the escalating violence in Haiti, were over 5,000 individuals have tragically lost their lives this year alone due to rampant gang violence. Joining us today is Dr. Jean-Pierre Louis, a renowned expert on Haitian politics and social issues. Thank you for being here, Dr.louis.
Dr. Jean-pierre Louis: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to shed light on the situation in Haiti.
Host: Let’s start with the recent report of devastating violence in the Cité Soleil slum, where over 180 people were killed. What can you tell us about the circumstances surrounding this tragedy?
Dr. Louis: Indeed, that incident was shocking and illustrates the extreme brutality that has become commonplace in certain areas. The Cité Soleil slum has been a hotspot for gang activity, and the violence often disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including the elderly, as highlighted by the victims being mostly older men and women aged over 60. The lack of law enforcement and effective governance exacerbates this situation.
Host: Speaking of law enforcement, what role does the multinational UN defense force play in this ongoing crisis?
Dr. Louis: The UN force was intended to stabilize the situation; however, reports indicate that they have struggled to make a significant impact. There are various reasons for this, including insufficient resources, unclear mandates, and local resistance.It’s concerning, as their inaction can lead to a further deterioration of public safety and trust in international efforts.
Host: It’s alarming to hear that despite the presence of a defense force, violence persists at such a scale. What do you believe are the underlying causes of the rampant gang violence in Haiti?
Dr. Louis: The roots of this violence are multifaceted. Historical injustices, political instability, and economic deprivation have created a fertile ground for gang proliferation. Moreover, gangs like the one led by Micanor Altes exert control over local territories, exploiting systemic neglect by the state. Many young people see gangs as their only viable option for social mobility, which perpetuates the cycle of violence.
host: There seems to be a lack of effective intervention strategies. What measures do you think the international community should consider to help Haiti?
Dr. Louis: A comprehensive approach is necessary. This coudl involve not only enhancing security measures but also committing to long-term growth initiatives.Economic support, education programs, and community development initiatives are crucial. Additionally,empowering local leaders and organizations to restore trust and governance can be pivotal.
Host: When looking at the current international response, what message do you think the global community is sending to the people of Haiti?
Dr.Louis: Unfortunatly, it appears that the message is one of neglect. The ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis indicate that many feel abandoned. The Haitian people are resilient, yet they need support and solidarity from the international community, not just in terms of security but also in addressing the root causes of their plight.
Host: Well said, Dr. Louis. It’s clear that the road to recovery is long and fraught with challenges. Is there a glimmer of hope that you see on the horizon for Haiti?
Dr. Louis: Hope exists in the form of community resilience and the commitment of many Haitians who continue to fight for their rights and futures. There are grassroots movements and NGOs working tirelessly on the ground. With targeted support and strategic international cooperation,there is potential for positive change.
Host: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Louis. The situation in Haiti undoubtedly requires urgent attention and action. We appreciate your expertise and the work you do to bring awareness to these critical issues.
Dr. Louis: Thank you for having me. it’s vital to keep the dialogue going.
Host: And thank you to our listeners for tuning in today.Stay informed and engaged as we continue to monitor this unfolding crisis. Until next time, take care.
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