Haiti’s Deepening Security Crisis – NY Carib News

Haiti is gripped by a deepening security crisis, marked by rampant gang violence that is holding the country hostage. The streets of Port-au-Prince, once bustling with life, have become places of unspeakable violence, with more than 200 gangs reportedly controlling nearly 80% of the city. Against this backdrop of bloodshed and instability, the international community, led by Kenya, CARICOM and the United States, is trying to find solutions. But can this fragmented and often foreign intervention bring lasting peace to a country ravaged by centuries of outside interference?

To understand Haiti’s current gang crisis, it is crucial to recognize the legacy of international interventions that have shaped the country’s path. The United States, Canada and France played key roles in Haiti’s instability, starting with the 2004 coup that ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. The subsequent period saw the arrival of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), which was marked by numerous human rights violations, including a deadly cholera outbreak caused by UN peacekeepers. These interventions, intended to stabilize the nation, instead undermined trust in international institutions and left Haiti more vulnerable than before.

Today’s gang violence is a byproduct of this long history. The power vacuum created by weak governance, combined with economic decline, allowed criminal organizations to flourish. Gangs control entire neighborhoods and their influence extends into the political and economic spheres, further eroding Haiti’s sovereignty.

Kenya has taken on an unlikely leadership role in Haiti, with the Kenyan police at the center of the United Nations Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS). Kenya’s involvement, while significant, reflects broader geopolitical dynamics. The US, tired of sending troops and haunted by past failures, sees Kenya’s involvement as a low-risk strategy to bring stability. However, this raises important questions. The Kenyan armed forces, despite their capabilities, are ill-equipped to deal with the complexities of Haitian gangs, which are deeply entrenched in local communities. Many Haitians remain skeptical, fearing that Kenya’s mission will become yet another in a long line of foreign occupations, reminiscent of the UN’s disastrous legacy under MINUSTAH.

Moreover, the reach of the MSS, with only a thousand Kenyan police officers on the ground, is insufficient to tackle the vast network of criminal organizations. It is clear that Kenya’s involvement is symbolic rather than transformational; The hard work of rebuilding Haiti’s fragmented institutions will require much more than a limited use of foreign police.

CARICOM, the Caribbean Community, has also gone a step further in mediating Haiti’s political crisis. Earlier in 2024, CARICOM successfully brokered a political agreement aimed at leading the country to democratic elections in 2026. This was a crucial step forward, but the challenges are immense. Haiti’s political landscape is fragmented and the transitional government is led by Prime Minister Garry Conille.

The United States bears significant responsibility for the current situation in Haiti. The 2004 coup, which was engineered with Washington’s support, set off a cascade of political instability that led to the rise of gangs. In addition, U.S. policies such as trade liberalization in the 1990s devastated Haiti’s agricultural sector, pushing many into poverty and crime. The influx of firearms into Haiti, often smuggled from the United States, has armed the gangs, exacerbating the violence.

Yet the US also holds the key to Haiti’s recovery. Washington’s financial and diplomatic resources are unparalleled, and its ability to garner international support is critical. The Biden administration has shown a willingness to get involved, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently visiting Haiti to assess the situation. However, US policy remains inconsistent. Although Washington supports the MSS, it has resisted calls for direct military intervention. The US must take a more proactive role, not only on security, but also in addressing the root causes of Haiti’s instability: poverty, corruption and weak governance.

First, the international community must prioritize Haitian-led solutions. Haiti’s civil society is vibrant and resilient, and any effort to resolve the crisis must meaningfully engage these actors. Although the MSS is a necessary short-term measure, it cannot be the long-term answer. Strengthening the Haitian National Police (HNP) should be the focus of international efforts. This includes providing training, equipment and intelligence support to the HNP so that they can gradually take control of the situation.

Second, economic recovery is crucial. Gangs thrive in Haiti because of widespread poverty and lack of opportunity. International aid should be aimed at rebuilding the country’s infrastructure and economy. This includes revitalizing agriculture, investing in education and creating jobs – especially for Haiti’s youth, who are often drawn into gangs to survive.

Third, the United States must reckon with its past. This means recognizing the role the country has played in the destabilization of Haiti and committing to policies that respect Haitian sovereignty. Any solution that does not address the underlying political and economic factors will only perpetuate the cycle of violence.

Haiti’s gang crisis is not just a security problem; it is the culmination of decades of failed governance and foreign interference. While Kenya, CARICOM, and the United States all have a role to play, Haiti’s future must be determined by Haitians themselves. The international community must support this process, not dictate it. Haiti deserves a chance to rebuild, free from the shadow of occupation and violence.