Unrest between the government and gangs in Haiti — which has been increasing for several months — has led to growing concerns. According to multiple sources including the BBC and CNN, Haiti gangs, the G9 alliance, are pushing for Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s removal and have boosted steps to take control of the capital’s Toussaint Louverture Airport to prevent the return of the premier from coming to Haiti from his Kenya trip, while armed forces were deployed to prevent gangs, which have by this time carried out attacks in several places including police stations and two prisons, from which they freed thousands of inmates. Consequently, the possibility has increased for larger violence in the coming days in Haiti.
Even if it remains uncertain, the growing unrest may lead to a civil war, given that the political, gang related and other problems remain unresolved. By this time, Jimmy Chérizier, the gang leader who leads the G9 alliance and the violence, has threatened a civil war if Ariel Henry does not step down. Notably, since Henry’s coming to power immediately after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021 without an election, Jimmy Chérizier has been opposing Haiti’s premier, whose rule is rendered illegitimate and who has not organized presidential elections as originally promised for holding in 2023. Haiti gangs, who are estimated to control around 80 percent of the capital, have already mounted attacks. Additionally, some civil society groups and many people, including those who came to the street along with the gang, oppose the premier and favor elections.
Even if any civil war does not happen, further deterioration is likely, to say the least, because of political and other causes. While the obstacle to the Prime Minister’s return is indicative of the already troublesome condition, the gang violence, which has turned out to be complex since the beginning of talks for a deal with Kenya, which was signed later, regarding the deployment of Kenyan police officers to tackle gangs in Haiti, has killed around 1200 people including police officers since the beginning of the year, displaced tens of thousands and hindered food aid and medicine supplies. More importantly, gang violence is less likely to reduce if steps are not taken to mitigate the crisis.
It is crucial to address the ongoing crisis and prevent further deterioration. Holding the promised presidential elections will lead to the transition of power to elected officials and ensure the legitimacy of the government, along with a potential for reducing the chance of further deterioration of gang violence at least for now. But it definitely remains uncertain whether there will be any lasting peace at all without addressing the gang violence — given the menace of the decades-long gang violence and the growing power of gangs. While it is vital to hold elections, it is consequently crucial to address the menace of gangs too for peace in Haiti.
It is desired that effective steps be taken to address the concerns. But the intention of the Prime Minister for elections in 2025 may hinder an earlier solution. Additionally, it may be difficult to hold elections in the present context without support from gangs. But international steps including the steps of the United Nations may help resolve the election crisis and hold peaceful elections. International cooperation is also crucial to address the gang problem and ensure lasting peace.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
