Haiti PM and officials face threat amid rising gang violence

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Haiti’s Justice Ministry has urged for increased security measures for Prime Minister Garry Conille and other Cabinet officials due to threats from unnamed sources. The ministry cited “consistent and persistent” information suggesting these officials might be targeted to create “trouble and panic.” Specific details were not disclosed. Authorities have been asked to take necessary steps to ensure the officials’ safety, though neither judicial authorities nor the prime minister’s office responded to requests for comment.

This request for enhanced security comes amid rising gang violence in parts of Port-au-Prince that are not yet under gang control, months after a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police began. Recent attacks have displaced over 4,000 people in neighborhoods such as Solino and Tabarre 27. The violence, which intensified nearly a week ago, is attributed to a coalition known as “Viv Ansanm,” responsible for large-scale attacks on government infrastructure starting in February. These attacks led to the resignation of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

Diego Da Rin, a Haiti analyst with the International Crisis Group, stated that Haiti’s politics and violence are closely linked. He emphasized the seriousness of the threats against current leaders and called for immediate action. He noted that periods of political crisis often coincide with increased armed group activity.

A DW journalist accompanied Kenyan policemen in Haiti and minutes into the patrol, they were attacked by gangs.

We have 400 policemen in Haiti fighting against 200 gangs, with approximately 15,000 members.

The situation is dire. pic.twitter.com/WY3vzoxjnX

— Francis Muli (@FmuliKE) October 22, 2024

Concerns have heightened following the assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse at his private residence in July 2021, which triggered significant political instability. Justice Minister Carlos Hercule, in an interview on Monday, attributed the current gang violence to “forces of darkness” that have operated in Haiti for the past 20 years. He mentioned that these groups form coalitions with ex-convicts and delinquents during periods of calm.

The U.S. government and other entities have warned that the U.N.-backed mission to control the gang violence is underfunded and understaffed. The U.S. has proposed turning it into a U.N. peacekeeping mission, a move supported by the former leader of Haiti’s transitional presidential council. On Monday, the top U.S. diplomat for Latin America and the Caribbean condemned the ongoing violence, urging those looking to destabilize Haiti for personal gain to consider the well-being of the nation and its people. Brian A. Nichols, the U.S. Department of State’s assistant secretary for western hemisphere affairs, also advised against political infighting, referencing recent disputes between Conille and members of the transitional presidential council.

What Other Media Are Saying ABC News reports Haiti’s Justice Ministry warns of threats against Prime Minister Garry Conille and his Cabinet due to gang violence, escalating since February 2024.(read more) Caribbean National Weekly reports Haiti’s Justice Ministry calls for heightened security measures to protect Prime Minister Garry Conille amid escalating gang violence and unspecified threats.

The article highlights the urgent need for increased security, particularly after a surge in gang violence has displaced thousands and heightened the risk of targeting top officials. The Justice Ministry’s call underscores the mounting challenges faced by Haiti’s government as it navigates deepening instability and unrest. The situation is further complicated by the 2021 assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse and ongoing threats against journalists, highlighting the pervasive threat of violence and the importance of swift action to ensure the safety of key figures. The escalating violence, attributed to the gang coalition “Viv Ansanm,” has resulted in significant displacement and loss of life, with recent attacks targeting government infrastructure and civilian areas, including schools and neighborhoods previously outside gang control. The article emphasizes the need for effective governance and stability in Haiti as it faces a challenging political landscape and escalating security threats.(read more)

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions asked about this news

Why is Haiti’s Justice Ministry asking for more security for officials?

Due to threats from unnamed sources aiming to create trouble and panic.

What has caused the recent violence in Port-au-Prince?

Rising gang violence, particularly from the coalition ‘Viv Ansanm.’

How has gang violence affected neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince?

Over 4,000 people have been displaced in areas like Solino and Tabarre 27.

What did Diego Da Rin say about the link between politics and violence in Haiti?

Haiti’s politics and violence are closely linked, with threats against leaders being serious.

What has been the U.S. response to the situation in Haiti?

The U.S. condemned the violence and proposed turning the U.N.-backed mission into a peacekeeping mission.

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Publish date : 2024-10-22 20:50:00

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