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Marred by political unrest and gang violence, Haiti’s humanitarian crisis has worsened in recent months. Prime Minister and acting President Ariel Henry announced his plans to resign earlier this month. Now, neighboring countries are responsible for nominating an interim replacement. As of Thursday, all participating countries aside from one have submitted their council nominations. Once the council finalizes its decision, Henry’s resignation will take effect.
Although only eight of the nine council members signed the statement, it is considered a sure sign that the nomination process is nearing completion. “We are determined to alleviate the suffering of the Haitian people, trapped for too long between bad governance, multifaceted violence, and disregard for their perspectives and needs,” the statement reads.
Hopes remain high that once the council is solidified, it will bring relief to the island nation.
Helping to establish the council is Caricom (Caribbean Community), an intergovernmental organization consisting of 15 Caribbean nations. According to an anonymous regional official, delays in the council’s swearing-in are due to security threats members have experienced. Government officials from Canada, France, and the US are also actively involved in the peace-seeking efforts.
Some of Haiti’s citizens have voiced concerns about foreign involvement in the country’s affairs. A UN proposal drafted by the US and Ecuador would send the Kenyan military to enforce order in Port-au-Prince. This has drawn criticism because the troops don’t speak Haitian Creole or French.
Gang Violence
In February, President Henry traveled to Kenya, seeking police intervention for the country. While away from Haiti, gangs released an attack on the capital city of Port-au-Prince. Gunfire rang out in government buildings and the local international airport. The airport has since remained closed, preventing Henry from returning.
Gangs place blame on Henry for interfering with election efforts. In 2021, militants assassinated President Jovenel Moïse in his home. The country attempted to hold several elections to replace the late Moïse. Henry has stated that the failed elections were due to logistical errors. Militant groups, who heavily influenced Haitian politicians, expressed dissatisfaction with Henry’s status.
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Militant leader Jimmy Cherizier has taken credit for many of the extreme attacks that have taken place over the years. At the beginning of March, 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.
Humanitarian Aid Interference
The violence has claimed the lives of many Haitian citizens and left even more homeless. Militant control of ports has stalled humanitarian aid efforts. The U.N. reports that up to 80% of Haiti’s Port-au-Prince region is under gang control.
On March 11, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that an additional $33 million worth of aid would be delivered to Haiti.
Five days later, looters in Port-au-Prince raided a container carrying essentials for pregnant women and newborn babies. Militant groups were holding hostage 260 other containers carrying different types of aid. According to UNICEF, 3 out of 4 women and children in the Port-au-Prince area lack access to necessities.
Republicans in Congress blocked a Biden proposal to send another $40 million to Haiti. Congressional leaders voiced concerns that the aid could fall into the hands of the militant groups, similar to what happened on March 16.
The United States has conducted several evacuation operations for American citizens trapped in the conflict-stricken region.