Gang violence in Haiti at record levels amid criticisms US has no ‘clear strategy’
Gangs in Haiti have been responsible for the deaths of at least 5,600 people last year, as per a recent report by the United Nations. The report also indicated that an additional 3,700 individuals were injured or abducted due to gang violence in the country.
Critics have pointed fingers at the Biden administration for not taking sufficient action to address the crisis in Haiti. According to Andrés Martínez-Fernández, a senior policy analyst at The Heritage Foundation, the administration’s response has been fragmented and politically motivated, with a focus on preventing the situation from escalating before the elections rather than resolving the underlying issues.
While the Biden administration has provided $629 million in financial and equipment support to Haiti, only $600 million of that amount has been allocated so far. This is a stark comparison to the over $113 billion in aid that Congress has provided to Ukraine. Martínez-Fernández highlighted the lack of a clear strategy in the U.S.’s involvement in both Haiti and Ukraine.
Violence in Haiti has reached alarming levels, with gangs now controlling around 85% of the capital city, Port-au-Prince. In a horrifying incident in December, the Wharf Jérémie gang massacred at least 207 individuals, accusing them of using voodoo to harm the gang leader’s son. The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, emphasized the urgent need to restore the rule of law in Haiti and provide strong support to the U.N.-supported Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS).
While the MSS has pledged over 2,500 personnel from various countries, only around 500 have been deployed so far. The mission is vastly outnumbered by the estimated 12,000 gang members operating in Haiti. The State Department has defended its actions but acknowledged that more needs to be done to address the escalating violence.
Türk has called for the full implementation of U.N. Security Council sanctions on Haiti and an arms embargo to prevent the flow of weapons into the country. He emphasized the devastating impact of weapons falling into the hands of criminal gangs, resulting in thousands of deaths, widespread displacement, and the destruction of essential infrastructure and services.
As the situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate, it is crucial for the international community to come together and take decisive action to restore peace and stability in the country. Efforts to transition the MSS mission to a United Nations Peacekeeping Operation have been met with challenges, particularly due to opposition from countries like China. However, it is imperative to find a sustainable solution to address the crisis and prevent further loss of life in Haiti.
