Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille has intensified his stance against rampant gang violence in Haiti.
According to the Associated Press, Prime Minister Conille has vowed to dismantle gang operations controlling major sectors of Port-au-Prince.
The alarming escalation of gang activities has seen 80% of the capital under gang control, leading to widespread violence and hardship. Demonstrating the severity of the crisis, over 1,500 individuals suffered deaths or injuries in just the initial months of this year.
Amid this chaos, hundreds of thousands have been displaced, seeking refuge wherever possible. Garry Conille's stern message was broadcast nationally, indicating a significant governmental crackdown on the lawless entities rampant across the city.
Conille's hardline approach coincides with the deployment of 200 Kenyan police officers, part of a broader UN-sanctioned effort to restore order. This multinational coalition includes members from diverse nations, including the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Chad, and Jamaica, altogether forming a force of 2,500 personnel.
The arrival of these forces follows a series of intense gang-led aggressions that severely disrupted state functions, closing the international airport and crippling critical infrastructure for extended periods earlier this year.
The Haitian leadership, drastically altered after the resignation of Ariel Henry in late April, has seen Garry Conille stepping in to navigate through these turbulent times, a period marked by the instigation of a transitional council.
Under such dire conditions, the use of sexual violence has surfaced as a disturbing weapon by gangs, especially against women and girls sheltered in makeshift camps. The crisis is exacerbated by the fact that many victims are already grappling with the trauma of displacement and physical insecurity.
Sima Bahous, expressing concern on behalf of the United Nations, emphasized the urgent need for intervention. She pointed out the extreme levels of insecurity and the harsh realities facing women at the mercy of gang brutality. The international community has taken note of these distressing developments, compelling a global response.
Utilizing stern rhetoric, Garry Conille called upon gang members to cease their operations and acknowledge the authority of the state, underlying the urgent need to reestablish societal norms and safety in Haiti.
Prime Minister Garry Conille passionately expressed:
Life every day in Port-au-Prince has turned into a battle for survival. Many innocent people have lost their lives. Drop your weapons and recognize the authority of the state. We need to free Haiti from all sorts of gangs that are killing and raping the population.
The situation preceding Conille's administration witnessed substantial instability, with gangs leveraging violent tactics that hindered essential services and paralyzed economic activities. This led to horrific conditions for civilians, many of whom were forced to abandon their homes and livelihoods.
Residents see the deployment of Kenyan officers and the UN mission as a potential turning point for peace and stability. Garry Conille's strategic moves and international collaboration highlight a critical phase in Haiti's quest for peace and governance. A comprehensive strategy is needed to address immediate threats and underlying issues fueling violence. The world is closely watching these interventions, marking a pivotal moment in Haiti's history.
