Overview:
In a month-long operation from Feb. 29 to Mar. 26, Haitian police have neutralized 17 suspected criminals and confiscated firearms and vehicles, though gang violence against public and private infrastructure persists. Meanwhile, the anticipated multinational mission to combat these gangs remains stalled.
PORT-AU-PRINCE — The National Police of Haiti (PNH) reported on Tuesday that during operations conducted from Feb. 29 to Mar. 26, police officers killed 17 suspected criminals, confiscated 17 firearms, and seized a vehicle. Among those fatally wounded were the escaped gang leader Ernst “Ti Grèg” Julmé and a beleaguered gang known as Makandal, a member of the Kraze Baryè gang in Pétion-Ville.
The PNH listed 12-gauge shotguns, AK47s, 9mm pistols, and M4 rifles among the seized weapons. These operations were in response to attacks on public and private institutions by the “Viv Ansanm” gangs coalition led by Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier.
According to the PNH, these attacks, which began on Feb. 29, have created a climate of terror in the metropolitan region of Port-au-Prince. In this context, the PNH reiterated its commitment to continue the fight against armed gangs.
“The Chief Commander of the PNH, Frantz Elbé, has issued formal instructions to the heads of specialized units of the PNH to intensify operations to allow citizens to go about their daily activities in peace,” said the police in a statement that solicits the collaboration of the civilian population.
Since February 29, Haiti has been in a state of near-total paralysis due to escalating violence from gangs. Their alleged criminal activities have instilled a climate of terror that affects all sectors of activity in the country. The human toll has been devastating, with both civilians and police officers falling victim to gang violence. These gangs have targeted hospitals, schools, and commercial banks, and have set fire to at least a dozen police stations and substations.
Assessing the impact of gang violence
On March 6, the National Network for the Defense of Human Rights (RNDDH, per its French acronym) reported that several police stations had been set ablaze by the gangs. They also breached two detention centers and one retention center during the recent period of violence. Numerous detainees seized these opportunities to escape, and several unaccounted-for prisoners lost their lives during these chaotic episodes.
Determining the exact extent of damage caused by gang activities from Feb. 29 to Mar. 26 remains challenging. The gangs’ onslaught on the population continues unabated. They set a market in Source Matelas ablaze, burned down the Frères Nau school, and torched dozens of cars between Rue de la Réunion and Champ-de-Mars in Port-au-Prince on Monday, according to local media reports.
Insecurity is a long-standing issue in Haiti. Multiple political regimes have sought to restore law and order, but none have successfully eradicated the powerful gangs that now control more than 80% of Port-au-Prince. Overwhelmed by the escalating violence, Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s government requested international aid to combat gang violence on October 2, 2022.
Awaiting international security support
One year later after the UN Security Council authorized the deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) led by Kenya, Haïti is still awaiting. However, before the mission can be deployed, Haïti must meet the requirements outlined by the Kenyan justice system, and address the $600 million financing problem.
As Haiti’s situation worsens, with UNICEF warning of a potential humanitarian catastrophe, the Kenyan government has put its mission on hold until a new government is established. This comes in the wake of the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Despite an agreement between Haitian political actors and CARICOM on a presidential transition council, disagreements among the council members have delayed the establishment of the new structure, thus further stalling the deployment of the multinational mission.
Meanwhile, Haitians remain divided on the potential deployment of the international mission. While some argue that the mission should have already been in action, others have faith in the capabilities of the Haitian police and army to resolve the security crisis. Civil engineer Donley Lebrun is among those who believe that the deployment of foreign forces on Haitian soil will not resolve the ongoing crisis. He cites the example of several previous foreign deployments, including MINUSTAH, which did not successfully address the country’s security issues.
“Choosing between the bad and the worst is forgetting that there is a difference between cleaning your house and keeping it clean,” says Lebrun. “If all layers of Haitian society have the will, the crisis in Haiti would be resolved in no time. We just have to unite,” he added.