Haiti violence escalates following prisoner escapes

In the midst of the chaos, gang leaders demanded the resignation of the Prime Minister. They argue that the government’s inability to solve economic hardships faced by the population, necessitates a change in leadership.

The UN estimates that 80% of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, is controlled by gang members. They have barricaded their turfs preventing security officials from access. Schools, businesses, and hospitals have been closed for months as some have permanently shut down due to killings and kidnappings.

The gang leaders accuse the Prime Minister of clinging to power unconstitutionally and are acting on the request of the ‘people’. No presidential elections have been held in the country for the past eight years.

The United Nations and other organisations have expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Haiti. It has appealed for a $674 million financial assistance to cater for more than half of the country’s population.

Millions of children are under threat of malnutrition and lack of basic amenities, while parts of the youth population is forced to join the gang groups amid the chaos.

The Dominican Republic has refused to open refugee camps for those fleeing Haiti. This has forced thousands of women and children suspended amid the ongoing violence. In some instances, these women and children are used for ransom and sexual exploitations by gang members.

Despite foreign attempts to neutralise the situation, there are huge concerns about the deployment of African officers, particularly from Kenya, who do not speak French and understand the country’s turmoil.

There appears to be no imminent end to the suffering of the Haitian people, but we’re hopeful that some sort of resolution can be reached swiftly.