Tensions in Haiti have been steadily rising since 2010 when the country faced a devastating earthquake. The natural disaster caused billions of dollars in damages and killed at least 220,000 people. Many Haitian politicians have faced claims of mishandling donations sent to Haiti in the wake of the earthquake.
In 2021, political disputes came to a head when President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in his home. Following his death, the country attempted to hold several elections to replace the late president. Ariel Henry, who served as prime minister under Moïse, assumed office and has acted as president for the last three years.
Henry has stated that the failed elections were due to logistical errors. Militant groups heavily influencing Haitian politicians expressed dissatisfaction with Henry’s presidency. Last Monday, Henry agreed to resign from office once a transitional government is negotiated by neighboring countries.
As elected officials become seemingly sparse or tainted by militant influence, the rebel groups have caused widespread destruction. Now, the situation in Haiti has caused numerous deaths and left thousands of people homeless.
Jimmy “Barbeque” Cherizier
At the center of a federation of more than a dozen gangs is Jimmy Cherizier. The crisis in Haiti took a turn at the beginning of March when Cherizier orchestrated a prison break, one of the largest the country has ever seen. Thousands of inmates escaped from two prisons causing Haiti to declare a 72-hour state of emergency.
Until 2018, Cherizier worked as an officer for the Haitian National Police. He formally announced the creation of Revolutionary Forces (G9) in June 2020, less than a month after the Bel Air Massacre. Cherizier identified himself and other group members as community leaders fighting injustice. Despite this claim, members of G9 have committed acts of rape, kidnapping, and murder.
The U.N. reported that Haiti saw over 8,400 injuries, murders, or kidnappings in 2023.
Interference with Aid Delivery
A lack of essential needs has added to the humanitarian crisis in Haiti. On Saturday, a container carrying essentials for pregnant women and newborn babies was looted in Port-au-Prince, the small nation’s capital city. The dominating militant groups intercepted resources like child development materials and water equipment.
Now, more than 260 containers carrying various forms of aid and supplies are under control by these rebel groups. According to UNICEF, three out of four women and children in the Port-au-Prince area lack access to necessities. The country also faces shortages of medical supplies.
Related Stories
Evacuations
America is currently focusing its efforts on evacuating U.S. citizens from the war-stricken country. On Sunday, a government charter plane rescued dozens of American citizens who had been left stranded in Haiti’s capital. The federal government had warned of rising tensions instructing all Americans to leave as soon as possible.
The U.N. reports that up to 80% of Haiti’s Port-au-Prince region is under gang control.
