Haiti faces a severe escalation of violence, described as a “wave of extreme brutality” by UN agencies and NGOs. Thousands are being displaced, with tragic accounts of killings, particularly of families and children. Despite attempts by a multinational force to restore order, gangs remain dominant in the capital, prompting urgent calls for support and intervention to address this humanitarian crisis.
A recent statement from a coalition of United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations, and donors has highlighted a severe escalation of violence in Haiti, describing it as a “wave of extreme brutality.” This surge in killings has resulted in thousands of individuals being forced to abandon their homes, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince.
Reports indicate horrific acts, such as entire families being massacred, with children and infants among the casualties. Gangs have increasingly asserted their control over Haiti’s capital, and despite the deployment of additional police forces through a Kenya-led multinational security support mission (MSS), violence has persisted.
The coalition expressed profound concern regarding the alarming intensity of this violence, which has notably intensified since January, adding to the already dire human toll. Approximately 4,000 individuals have fled the Kenscoff region, alongside another 2,000 from Delmas, Port-au-Prince, and Petion-ville.
Eyewitness accounts detail chilling attacks, wherein homes were set ablaze while residents were inside. One survivor recounted, “They set fire to our house with my father inside. It’s cruel.” Such incidents highlight the ongoing terror inflicted by criminal gangs.
Haiti’s longstanding instability has worsened dramatically, especially after organized gang attacks last year aimed to oust the then-prime minister Ariel Henry. Following this, power was transferred to an interim government, which, along with the MSS, has been striving to reclaim authority from the gangs.
The UN and various officials are persistently calling for enhanced support and resources for the MSS, which currently includes approximately 1,000 personnel from different nations but has fallen short of its intended strength. Tragically, the violence last year resulted in the deaths of 5,600 individuals, representing a 20 percent increase from the previous year.
In response to the ongoing crisis, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime declared a commitment to combat gang violence, stating, “We are relentlessly committed to enabling the police, the army and MSS to put gangs out of action.” His remarks came in observance of his first 100 days in office and signal a pledge to restore order in the nation.
In summary, Haiti is experiencing a devastating surge in violence characterized by extreme brutality, leading to mass displacement and loss of life. The persistent control of gangs over the capital, amidst efforts for restoration by the interim government and international support, highlights a critical humanitarian crisis. Calls for immediate action and support from the international community are vital in addressing this escalating situation.
Original Source: www.france24.com
