In a bid to address Haiti's escalating security crisis, Prime Minister Garry Conille has embarked on a diplomatic mission to the United Arab Emirates and Kenya. This urgent trip, initiated on October 6, 2024, comes in the wake of one of the most devastating gang attacks in recent Haitian history.
The Caribbean nation, which gained independence in 1804 as the first black republic, is currently grappling with widespread violence and instability. The recent assault by the Gran Grif gang in Pont-Sonde, located in the western Artibonite region, resulted in at least 70 fatalities, including infants, and forced over 6,000 residents to flee their homes. This incident has sent shockwaves through a country already accustomed to outbreaks of violence.
Haiti, sharing the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic, has long struggled with political instability and economic challenges. As the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, it faces numerous hurdles in maintaining law and order. The country's national police force, severely understaffed and outgunned, is struggling to contain the growing influence of armed gangs.
Prime Minister Conille stated before his departure, "As you can see, we are being attacked on several fronts." His trip aims to expedite the deployment of international security assistance, particularly from Kenya, and to secure additional support from the UAE for Haiti's national police force.
The United Nations Security Council recently authorized a one-year extension of an international security mission to aid local police in combating gang violence. However, progress has been limited, with only about 400 mostly Kenyan police officers currently on the ground in Haiti.
"One of the aims of this trip is to go to Kenya to discuss with President Ruto how we can speed up the deployment of remnants of the Kenyan troops as quickly as possible to continue supporting the national police force."
The security crisis in Haiti has led to a surge in internal displacement, with the number of displaced persons exceeding 700,000 – nearly doubling in just six months. This situation is exacerbated by the country's limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities, as well as its vulnerability to natural disasters.
Haiti's challenges extend beyond security issues. With a population of approximately 11.4 million and a median age of about 24 years, the country faces significant socio-economic hurdles. The literacy rate stands at around 61%, and the nation grapples with high infant mortality rates and low life expectancy.
Despite these challenges, Haiti boasts a rich cultural heritage, including vibrant art and music scenes. The country's official languages are Haitian Creole and French, and Voodoo is recognized as an official religion alongside Christianity.
As Conille seeks international support, the people of Haiti continue to endure the consequences of ongoing violence and instability. The international community's response to this crisis will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of this historically significant Caribbean nation.