Gang violence in Haiti escalates as gangs target critical infrastructure, free thousands of inmates, and form alliances to oppose foreign forces. Political turmoil deepens with Prime Minister's resignation offer and calls for intervention, while gang leader Jimmy Chilesier transforms into a political figure. Challenges in establishing a transitional government post-assassination of President Moïse, with discussions on foreign interventions led by Kenya amid escalating violence and humanitarian crisis.
Rival gang coalitions in Haiti formed a united front, targeting critical infrastructure in coordinated attacks, freeing thousands of inmates from city jails.
Political crisis in Haiti intensifies post President Moise's assassination, with calls for Prime Minister Henri's resignation, highlighting power struggles and demands for foreign intervention.
Deep dives
Gangs Unite and Launch Coordinated Attacks in Haiti's Capital
Two rival gang coalitions in Haiti, G9 and G-Pep, unite and carry out coordinated attacks in Port-au-Prince, targeting critical infrastructure like the airport, government buildings, and police stations. This alliance marks a shift in tactics, with the gangs freeing thousands of inmates from city jails.
Haiti's Political Crisis and Calls for Prime Minister Henri's Resignation
After the killing of President Jovenel Moise, Haiti faces a long political crisis. Political opposition, including Prime Minister Ariel Henri, calls for Henri's resignation or power-sharing. Henri seeks foreign forces' help to stabilize Haiti, with a UN Security Council-approved Kenyan-led police mission to assist.
Gang Leader Jimmy Churizier and the Vivon Sonb Non-aggression Pact
Gang leader Jimmy Churizier, known as Barbecue, initiates the Vivon Sonb non-aggression pact between rival gang coalitions. This pact presents a challenge to the government's authority, demanding Prime Minister Henri's resignation and highlighting political aspirations within gang leadership.
Challenges and Prospects for Kenya-Led Security Mission in Haiti
Policies perceive challenges in the deployment of the Kenya-led security mission, expecting around 5,000 police units from various countries. Concerns include terrain familiarity, language barriers, and the gangs' strength. Diplomatic efforts and potential negotiations with gang leaders are considered alongside security strategies to address Haiti's complex crisis.
In this episode of Hold Your Fire!, Richard is joined by Crisis Group Haiti expert Diego Da Rin and deputy Latin America and Caribbean director Renata Segura to discuss the latest wave of gang violence engulfing Haiti. They look at the recent attempt by gangs, who already controlled perhaps 80 per cent of the capital Port-au-Prince, to overrun the airport, ports, government buildings and other critical infrastructure and their attacks on jails that freed thousands of inmates. They look at a new pact between previously warring gangs, seemingly motivated by their determination to deter foreign forces arriving, and the aspirations of gang leaders, notably Jimmy “Barbeque” Cherizier. They talk about the worsening humanitarian crisis, as water, food and fuel become harder to access. They discuss whether Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s resignation, a new presidential council and efforts by the Caribbean’s regional bloc CARICOM to mediate among Haiti’s politicians can turn a page on years of tumult. They also assess how a Kenya-led multinational force can help loosen gangs’ grip on the capital and what role diplomacy with gang leaders can play in reducing violence.