UN Flags Escalating Violence in Haiti Amid Gang Expansion and Political Tensions
United Nations Headquarters, New York (October 2024) — In a sobering update to the United Nations Security Council, Maria Isabel Salvador, head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), has unveiled a grim reality: violence perpetuated by criminal gangs in Haiti has intensified, spreading terror across regions not yet under their control. This spike in violence compounds an already grave situation, as the national security forces find themselves increasingly overwhelmed.
In her address, Salvador highlighted a troubling surge of attacks targeting the capital, its suburbs, and even agricultural hotspots, placing residents at great risk and leading to a desperate cry for enhanced security measures. “The spread of violence is seeding terror and fear, overwhelming the national security apparatus,” Salvador asserted. She specifically noted the under-resourced Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission, which faces critical staffing shortages that hamper its operational effectiveness.
Security Operations and Delayed Outcomes
Amid this chaos, Haiti’s Ambassador to the UN, Antonio Rodrigue, pointed out that a collaborative security offensive involving the MSS and the Haitian National Police was underway, especially in central Port-au-Prince. Yet, despite these efforts, tangible results have come slowly, revealing the depth of the security crisis. In a bid to bolster efforts, Kenya has announced plans to deploy an additional 600 officers by mid-November.
Funding challenges further exacerbate the issue, and an alliance of heavily armed gangs, known as Viv Ansanm, is rapidly expanding its influence across the capital and its environs. The recent massacre in Pont-Sondé stands as a stark testament to this unrelenting violence.
Political Tensions and Mass Displacements
The situation is further complicated by rising tensions between Haiti’s dual executive branches, headed by Prime Minister Garry Conille and Leslie Voltaire of the Transitional Presidential Council (TPC). These rifts are eroding public trust in government institutions. Since last Thursday, the UN estimates that over 4,200 people have been displaced, seeking refuge in makeshift camps within schools, churches, and health centers.
In response, national police forces have been redeployed to areas experiencing intensified fighting. Prime Minister Conille announced a strategic shift, recalling hundreds of police and military personnel from VIP protection to redirect them to critical combat zones.
Threats Against Journalists and Officials
Amidst the turmoil, the TPC has taken a firm stand against threats aimed at journalists, denouncing statements from gang leaders Jimmy Chérizier, alias “Barbecue,” and Vitelhomme Innocent. "Freedom of the press is sacred and non-negotiable," said the TPC, underlining support for journalists working under perilous conditions.
The Ministry of Justice has also issued warnings regarding unspecified threats against Prime Minister Conille and other TPC members. Although details remain sparse, the ministry cites "consistent and persistent" intelligence suggesting that top officials are potential targets for entities intent on fuelling "trouble and panic."
These developments have prompted authorities to push for heightened security measures to ensure the safety of government officials, as the crisis continues to loom large over the nation.
Conclusion
As Haiti grapples with escalating violence and political instability, the calls for international support and enhanced local security commitments grow louder. The challenges ahead are formidable, with the international community watching closely, anticipating more decisive interventions to restore peace and stability in the troubled nation.
