The gangs in Haiti have worked together to overthrow the interim Prime Minister, Ariel Henry. He is the US-backed choice, and the gangs that essentially run Haiti behind the scenes do not want a US puppet in power. Henry had left Haiti for Kenya to ask for assistance with the gangs, but while he was away, the gangs have taken control and refused him entry back into Haiti. The entire country is in turmoil. There is no food entering Haiti or aid.
Henry has just resigned, which is the first step toward peace. In Henry’s place, an interim Prime Minister will fill in along with a temporary council of ministers.
Will the gangs accept this change? It doesn’t seem likely. Who decided this over an actual election? Who is deciding the temporary Prime Minister and council? This appears to be a bandaid situation when surgery is needed. The people of Haiti should have the say, not foreign leaders.
If foreign leaders want peace in Haiti, they would work with the gangs on a ceasefire so that Haitians can vote on their government, which is what it seems like the gangs are pushing for.
One of the most powerful gang leaders released a statement about Haiti’s current turmoil: “It’s the Haitian people who know what they’re going through. It’s the Haitian people who are going to take destiny into their own hands. Haitian people will choose who will govern them,” Chérizier said. (AP, Ariel Henry, Haiti PM, says he’ll resign as violent gangs rampage)
The next step is to allow an election, but the gangs must agree to peace so that all Haitians can vote. It does not seem likely that the gangs will accept another puppet government because that is why they overthrew Henry.
The real discussion that must occur is the inclusion of the gangs in these elections, because if they are not included, the violence will continue. It’s a double-edge sword, though. What do these gangs stand for? Do they advocate for change or do they advocate for violent control? Do they want what is better for Haiti? The most important question of them all is whether or not Haitians want them running their government? It truly depends on what the Haitians want for their country, not what the US or any other foreign entity should dictate.
This is not up to foreign leaders and governments to decide. This is a decision that must occur among Haitians and the more meddling and push for what these governments want over what Haitians want will only exacerbate the violence that is spiraling out of control right now.
Kenya was set to send 1,000 police officers to Haiti which would have escalated violence between these police officers and the gangs. This decision has been postponed because of Henry’s resignation.
Meanwhile Haitians are trying to find safety and have been refused entry into the Dominican Republic. Many Haitians are without any food. Families are struggling to survive.
15,000 Haitians have been displaced.
The WFP has ceased shipments to Haiti.
Hospitals are struggling to function.
What Haiti needs is aid and to be heard, not silenced so that countries can push for a government that aligns with their economic practices. This is how this all started and it seems like this might end in a similar situation if Haitians are not heard.
From the river to the sea, may the whole world be free.
BE UNGOVERNABLE
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Articles for reference. Please read and share.
AP: Ariel Henry, Haiti PM, says he’ll resign as violent gangs rampage
Reuters: Kenya pauses police deployment to Haiti after PM’s resignation
NBC: Escaping gang violence in Haiti: A Mother’s journey to safety with her three children