DEAL WITH THE DEVIL
Gang lord so hungry for power over Haiti he’s vowed to do a..
s no countervailing longer a question of them at the table. ust take the table.” s, once intertwined itical and economic own increasingly nancing their operh nefarious means ping ransoms. to sophistiry, including hine guns, men have tralised the olice force. ty in Haiti is of them to nation. The G9 Family led by Chérizier is one of the two main coalitions that stand out.
Renata Segura, of think-tank the International Crisis Group, said: “Gangs have become stronger and have the upper hand in terms of security… We are very concerned.” The organisations, comprised of many smaller gangs, operate with impunity, terrorising the streets and challenging the authority of the state.
There were around 5,000 gang-related killings in the past year, with many more people being displaced. Haiti’s government
has declared a state of emergency, citing the “deterioration of security” and the “escalating violent criminal acts by armed gangs”.
The crimes include widespread looting and attacks on children.
The storming of the nation’s two largest jails last weekend, resulting in the escape of thousands of inmates, was a reminder of the precarious situation.
Over 300,000 civilians have abandoned their homes in the search for sanctuary from the violence.
Millions face acute food shortages and there could be a famine.
The United Nations has warned of a looming humanitarian crisis.
The inability of the international community to effectively address the causes of Haiti’s woes has made the situation worse, leaving the country close to collapse.
Mr Henry acknowledged the futility of his efforts to govern amid the turmoil. He said: “The government I’m running cannot remain insensitive in front of this situation.
“There is no sacrifice that is too big for our country.
“The government I’m running will remove itself immediately after the installation of the council.”
He has fled the country. He was told by the Dominican Republic, which borders Haiti, that he is not welcome there either. Instead, he has gone to Puerto Rico.
The Dominican Republic’s president Luis Abinader said: “The presence of the Haitian prime minister in the Dominican Republic is not considered appropriate.
“This decision reflects the position of the Dominican government to safeguard its national security.”
He has threatened to close the border. Thousands have crossed from Haiti to the Dominican Republic, a nation that attracts 200,000 British tourists each year.
There were violent protests in Haiti demanding the resignation of Mr Henry, who became prime minister after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021.
Mr Henry first pledged to step down by early February, then later said the nation’s security must be re-established first to ensure fair elections in 2025. But as the violence ramped up, he was forced out.
Chérizier intends to fill the void. Shortly before Mr Henry announced his resignation and officials revealed the creation of the transitional council, Chérizier rejected any solution backed by the international community.
He said: “It’s the Haitian people who know what they’re going through.
“The people are going to take destiny into their own hands and choose who will govern them.”
With a hold on power and a willingness to use violence to maintain it, Chérizier is a potent symbol of Haiti’s descent into darkness.