Kenya, leader of international forces in Haiti, discusses the rampant gang violence in Port-au-Prince. CBC's Paul Hunter explores the harsh living conditions and perspectives of Haitians awaiting foreign intervention to curb the chaos and terror in the city.
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Quick takeaways
Gangs in Port-au-Prince create lawless environment, limiting movement and instilling fear among residents.
International intervention in Haiti is welcomed cautiously by Haitians, seen as a potential aid in restoring stability and autonomy.
Deep dives
The Crisis in Haiti
Port-au-Prince, Haiti, faces a devastating humanitarian crisis due to escalating gang violence. Criminal gangs control much of the city, causing widespread terror, displacing thousands, and creating a lawless environment. Gang leaders, like 'barbecue,' perpetrate extreme violence, including killings, rapes, and kidnappings, making life unbearable for residents. The presence of gangs severely limits movement, with people unable to leave safely and outsiders unable to enter, creating a sense of isolation.
International Intervention in Haiti
International efforts are mobilizing to address the crisis in Haiti, with a UN-backed police force and forces from around the world preparing to intervene. The situation in Port-au-Prince remains dire, with gangs equipped and controlling access routes, posing challenges to the incoming multinational force. While past foreign interventions in Haiti have faced skepticism, the current need for support is acknowledged by Haitians, balancing the desire for aid with a call for Haitians to lead their own solutions.
Hope Amidst Despair
Despite the ongoing challenges in Haiti, there remains a sense of hope among its people for a better future. Resilience and determination characterize the Haitian spirit, fueled by a necessity to maintain hope in the face of adversity. While acknowledging past struggles and interventions, Haitians express a cautious optimism towards incoming foreign forces, viewing them as a means to reclaim stability and autonomy in rebuilding their nation.
For months, Haiti has been ravaged by out-of-control gangs, especially in the country’s capital of Port-au-Prince. But international forces are expected to arrive any day now, led by Kenya.
Getting in and out of Haiti is dangerous — and for many, impossible. But CBC’s Paul Hunter managed to go inside the gang-controlled capital and tells us what life is like for Haitians struggling to escape the brutal conditions and how they feel about the looming international intervention.