“Hello. It has been seven years since Haiti’s last election, almost three years since President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated, and over a year since the elected officials finished their term. However, the restoration of democracy in Port-au-Prince seems to still be a far-off possibility.”
The Haitian government has declared a state of emergency and imposed a nighttime curfew after gangs broke into the largest jails and released over 3,800 criminals on Sunday. However, with the majority of the capital now under the control of these gangs and top officials, such as acting president Ariel Henry, being out of the country, the future of the government is uncertain. According to the Miami Herald, the gangs have also made another attempt to seize control of the national airport.
The potential solution to Haiti’s state of anarchy is a UN-sanctioned security force, comprised of 1,000 police officers from Kenya, that aims to control the influential gangs. However, the news of their impending arrival has resulted in a peace agreement among the rival gangs, who have now declared their intention to target the police chief and key government officials.
Today’s newsletter features an interview with Diego Da Rin, the Haiti expert from the International Crisis Group. The focus is on the recent prison attacks and the implications for the power of gangs in the country, as well as the likelihood of defeating them. Here are the main points to take away.
Five big stories
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“The circumstances have significantly worsened.”
The current crisis in Haiti can be linked to the killing of the president, Jovenel Moïse. However, the underlying causes stem from various factors, including the devastating 2010 earthquake, the authoritarian rule of “Papa Doc” and “Baby Doc” Duvalier for 29 years, and the damaging effects of having to pay reparations to France for decades after gaining independence in 1804, which greatly hindered economic progress.
During a January discussion, Historian Prof. Matthew Smith stated to First Edition that one could view Haiti’s history as a succession of crises punctuated by brief moments of hope and tranquility. However, he acknowledged that the current situation in Haiti is unlike anything seen before in its history.
What events have occurred since that point in time?
The situation has deteriorated. According to the UN, nearly 4,000 individuals lost their lives and 3,000 were abducted in gang-related activity in 2023. Sexual violence remains prevalent, with 1,100 cases of assault against women reported by October. Approximately 200,000 people have been forced to leave their homes, and half of the population in Haiti struggle to access sufficient food. Essential resources such as electricity, safe water, and waste management are unreliable. The projected statistics for 2023 suggest that the economy has declined for the fifth consecutive year.
Recent events have led to a heightened sense of pessimism. Diego Da Rin, the author of a recent Crisis Group report, stated that the situation has significantly worsened due to the prison attack and coordinated attacks on state institutions. Police stations have been burned, the main airport has been targeted, and there have been threats to take over the national palace.
What is the extent of influence held by the gangs?
Ariel Henry, who became the acting president of Haiti after Moïse’s death, is considered illegitimate and has not been able to follow through on his promises to hold elections. This lack of democratic leadership has allowed powerful gangs to gain more control in the capital, with rival coalitions such as G9, led by former police officer Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier, and Gpèp, without a clear leader, competing for power in the city.
However, the police force in Haiti is greatly lacking in resources, as there are only approximately 10,000 active officers in the entire country, while estimates from the United Nations indicate that 26,000 are necessary. In the past year alone, around 1,600 officers have resigned.
According to Da Rin, the decision made by the UN security council in October to send a multinational security force to Haiti in order to address gang activity seemed to escalate the violence. Both sides engaged in a power struggle to claim more territory before the force’s arrival. This was an attempt to display dominance and weaken the state, and also serve as a warning to foreign troops.
The two alliances have brought back a treaty of non-aggression, called “Viv Ansanm” or “living together” in Haitian Creole, in order to overthrow the temporary government and increase their power.
Is it possible for an international security force to have an impact?
The UN declaration of backing for a Kenyan-led global military group raised hopes that it could combat the gang situation. However, it is worth noting that this is not an official UN peacekeeping unit due to the negative repercussions of the previous UN mission, which was marred by accusations of deplorable sexual behavior and a connection between sewage from a UN base and a cholera epidemic responsible for almost 10,000 deaths.
The objective of the force was not to eradicate the gangs, but rather to regain control of crucial access points to and from the capital, safeguard state facilities, and bring stability to the security landscape. However, it was cautioned that the incoming force would require extensive training to confront the gangs in a complex urban setting, where members often blend in with regular civilians.
“It is a very complicated challenge that the mission would have to face,” Da Rin said, pointing out that as well as the gangs the new arrivals would have to contend with Bwa Kale, an organic and diffuse civilian vigilante movement that has been linked to public lynchings of suspected gang members.
He stated, however, that the gangs were scared for their safety due to the potential new enemy. “While they are aware of the Haitian police’s vulnerabilities, they are worried about the support the police may receive from a well-trained and better-equipped foreign force.”
Why has that force not been implemented yet?
Five months after the force was given a UN mandate, there is still no presence on the ground – and it has only been given an initial authorisation for a year. “The clock has been ticking on that since 2 October,” Da Rin said. “It should have been enough time to train, equip, and get the funds and personnel in place.”
A significant barrier has arisen in Kenya, as the government initially committed to providing 1,000 police officers to head a potential team of 5,000 individuals – however, they encountered a court decision stating that the proposal went against the constitution. In an effort to salvage the plan, Ariel Henry visited Nairobi last week and signed a fresh agreement with Kenya’s president, William Ruto.
His departure from the nation seems to have played a role in the gangs’ assault on the jails, and his expected date of return is still unknown. According to the Miami Herald, there was anxiety over speculations of his comeback yesterday, resulting in establishments shutting down and heightened police presence.
Benin has promised to send an additional 2,000 personnel, but according to Da Rin, there is uncertainty about whether they have begun training due to the recent commitment. The issue goes beyond the number of troops being sent, as there may also be concerns about securing necessary funds for a successful mission.
It may take several months before the plan can actually be implemented. It has been suggested that Kenya will only send their officers once all the necessary funding is secured. Without a leading country, the overall success of the mission may be in jeopardy, according to Da Rin. Time is of the essence for achieving success.
How can the gangs be disempowered and democracy be restored?
Da Rin mentioned that there have been signs that gang leaders, specifically “Barbecue,” may try to present themselves as political figures in order to secure the most favorable result for the Haitian population and potentially seek a resolution.
He stated that discussions could result in a potential resolution of disarmament or pardoning. Nevertheless, the gangs currently have the advantage and have inflicted much suffering on the Haitian population. As a result, it will be challenging for ordinary individuals to comprehend any form of negotiation with those who have violently abducted, sexually assaulted, and murdered without discrimination. Therefore, it would be strategic to first deploy the mission and then proceed with negotiations from a position of power.
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In the meantime, the opposing political party does not seem to trust Henry’s commitment to hold elections by August 2025. He stated, “Many no longer have faith in his promises.” Regional leaders will need to make significant efforts to persuade them to resume talks with him.
At the present time, discussing political concerns seems like a privilege. Da Rin expressed, “The current state is critical. If the gangs persist with these widespread assaults, they could gain control of the entire capital within a short period of time.”
What else we’ve been reading
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Would you like some flashy dental jewelry? Thanks to the loosening of dress codes after the pandemic, tooth gems and grills have become a necessary fashion accessory. However, dentists are preparing for potential negative consequences, as reported by Sian Boyle and Nazia Parveen, acting deputy editor of newsletters.
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IIannon
In 2021, the number of people arrested for participating in riots in Bristol on a single day exceeded the number of arrests made during any other protest-related disorder since the 1980s. Tom Wall’s detailed article investigates the causes of this event, its consequences, and challenges the belief that those involved were a violent mob. Archie IIannon.
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Vivian Oparah talks about competing with Emma Stone and Margot Robbie for the title of Best Leading Actress at the Baftas. “It’s unbelievable, I feel overwhelmed,” says the actress who was nominated for her performance in the popular indie romantic comedy Rye Lane last year. “But at the same time, I still feel very grounded.” – Nazia
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George Monbiot emphasizes that warnings have been issued for a long time about the threat of water scarcity. However, governments are not effectively addressing the issue and instead relying solely on technology to solve it. Monbiot stresses that political and economic interventions are necessary for a successful solution.
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Sport
Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, expressed his joy as his team beat Sheffield United 6-0, calling it a fantastic evening. The victory puts Arsenal just two points behind Liverpool, the current leaders. This win also makes Arsenal the first team in the history of English leagues to secure three consecutive away wins by a margin of five or more goals.
According to reports, Mohammed ben Sulayem, the president of the FIA, is being investigated for his alleged involvement in influencing the outcome of a Formula One race. A report on ethics suggests that Ben Sulayem intervened to overturn a penalty of 10 seconds given to Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin during the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, as reported by the BBC.
The Australian footballer, Sam Kerr, who plays for Chelsea and the Australian national team, will stand trial in the UK for allegedly racially harassing a police officer. The 30-year-old, who is also the captain for the Australian team, appeared in court on Monday after being accused of using offensive language towards an officer who was investigating a complaint about a taxi fare in southwest London last year.
The front pages
The main story in our Guardian newspaper today is titled “Doctors warn of dire consequences as NHS faces largest budget cut in 50 years.” The Daily Mail’s headline is “Vicars outraged over church’s £1billion payment for slavery reparations.” “Tories divided over new definition of extremism,” reports the Times, while the Daily Mirror covers the governing party’s recent struggles with the headline “Tories in trouble – poll shows a drop in support to 20%.” The i features the headline “Tensions within Tory party as Hunt and Sunak clash over crucial Budget,” and the Financial Times highlights “€1.8bn fine handed to Apple by Brussels for stifling competition in music streaming.”
“The Metro highlights the tragic news of 55 children, with 42 being infants, who have lost their lives due to issues such as dampness, mold, and other factors in makeshift housing. Priti Patel’s call for more action to prevent small boats from crossing into France is the top headline on the Daily Express. The Daily Telegraph leads with the story of the recent German army leaks, with experts stating that this is only the beginning of a much larger issue.”
Today in Focus
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The controversy surrounding IVF in Alabama.
Following a ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court, the largest in vitro fertilization clinics in the state were forced to shut down, leaving hopeful parents in a state of desperation. In her report, Jessica Glenza covers the aftermath.
Today’s Cartoon | Illustrated by Nicola Jennings
The Upside
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Some positive news to remind you that not everything in the world is negative.
If you frequently spend your days wandering aimlessly, feeling annoyed that your brain isn’t working as efficiently, the solution may be found in your legs. In this study, Sam Pyrah talks to professionals who are finding stronger connections between exercising and creative productivity. According to Dr. Chong Chen from Yamaguchi University in Japan, even a short session of aerobic exercise can stimulate creative thoughts.
The “creative thinking” process can be separated into two parts: finding connections between unrelated things, also known as divergent thinking, and evaluating the worth of those ideas, also known as convergent thinking. Research has shown that various activities, ranging from dancing and running to even just climbing stairs, can enhance divergent thinking.
Amir-Homayoun Javadi, a cognitive neuroscience professor at the University of Kent, states that consistent participation in aerobic exercise can lead to physical changes in the brain, including a larger hippocampus. These changes can enhance various aspects of cognitive function and potentially promote creativity.
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Bored at work?
Lastly, the Guardian offers puzzles to keep you entertained all day. See you tomorrow.
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Source: theguardian.com
