Patrick Gaspard, leader of the Center for American Progress, discusses the dire circumstances in Haiti due to political instability and gang violence. They explore the role of American guns and policy, the need for international intervention, support from Haitian Americans, and the Biden administration's actions towards Haiti.
Criminal gangs in Haiti obstruct governance, while influx of American firearms intensifies turmoil.
Political turmoil post-President Moise's assassination necessitates international assistance for stable governance and security measures.
Deep dives
Criminal Gangs' Control in Haiti
The criminal gangs in Haiti have destabilized the nation, obstructing the establishment of a stable government and a roadmap for progress. Despite the American government rejecting desperate refugees, the influx of American firearms exacerbates the turmoil. Urgent intervention in the US is necessary to reckon with the repercussions of supplying these violent groups with weaponry.
Haiti's Ongoing Crisis
Haiti has been marred by a series of crises, including assassinations and collapsed regimes, leading to criminal gang dominance. The government operates symbolically, with roads marred by debris from street conflicts and citizens facing constant threats of violence. Efforts to escape the chaos have prompted Haitians to seek refuge in neighboring territories, only to encounter repatriation challenges when reaching the US amid scant political aid.
Challenges in Forming a Transitional Government
Political turmoil in Haiti unfolded following the assassination of President Moise and the unresolved leadership succession, resulting in Prime Minister Henri's plea for international peacekeeping assistance. The transitional government's establishment faced hurdles like dissent over governance frameworks and escalating gang violence, elevating the urgency for stable political structures and enhanced security measures.
Impact of US Involvement in Haiti
The influx of American guns into Haiti, constituting a significant portion of seized weapons, exacerbates the violence in the region. Reports indicate arms shipments from Miami feed into criminal activities, underscoring the need for US accountability in regulating the arms trade. While efforts focus on humanitarian aid and security initiatives, more emphasis is required on stemming the weapon flow to mitigate the crisis's intensity and repercussions.
Haiti has suffered under decades of crises, but the latest may be its most intractable. Violent criminals are now effectively in charge of the country, after years of assassinations and political instability left a power vacuum. As a new international force prepares for an intervention, A Word host Jason Johnson discusses the current troubles with Patrick Gaspard, leader of the Center for American Progress. They explore how Haiti fell into such dire circumstances, the role that American guns and policy have played, and how Haitian Americans and the U.S. government could help Haiti find stability.
Guest: Patrick Gaspard, chief of the Center for American Progress
Podcast production by Kristie Taiwo-Makanjuola
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