Haiti Gang Violence Escalates; UN To Establish Multinational Security Support

Haiti gang violence is intensifying, and it is no longer confined to the capital, Port-au-Prince. It has now spread to other major cities, namely Gonaives and Cap-Haitien, according to AP.

This surge in violence has brought about a notable increase in killings, kidnappings, and sexual assaults over the past few months, as reported by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in a document released on Wednesday.

Guterres conveyed that between October 2022 and June 2023, a staggering 2,728 deliberate homicides were recorded, with victims including 247 women, 58 boys, and 20 girls.

This troubling rise in homicides is attributed to the emergence of a vigilante group known as "Bwa Kale" in the capital in April, which has been targeting gangs.

Additionally, Guterres highlighted a surge in kidnappings for ransom during this period, with 1,472 cases reported.

However, he noted that the actual number is likely higher, as families often refrain from reporting missing loved ones to authorities out of concern for the safety of the victims.

Gang members are also resorting to sexual violence, including collective rape, to terrorize communities under the control of rival gangs.

Guterres pointed to 452 reported cases of rape between October and June.

Haiti Urgently Requests International Action on Behalf of Gang Violence Victims

Haiti's Prime Minister, Ariel Henry, has urgently appealed for international intervention to address the plight of victims of Haiti gang violence.

He made this plea during his address to the UN General Assembly on September 22, emphasizing the urgent need for the international community to act swiftly, per UN News.

The violence in Haiti has reached unprecedented levels, with 3,000 homicides reported between January 1 and September 9 of the current year.

There have been over 1,500 cases of kidnapping for ransom. Due to the perilous conditions, approximately 200,000 people, half of whom are children, have been forced to flee their homes.

Sexual violence and abuse against women and girls are on the rise, and tens of thousands of children are unable to attend school due to insecurity.

Haiti's military is limited in size and equipment, and the Haitian National Police is struggling to contain the violence, necessitating international support to restore safety and normalcy to the lives of Haitians.

Kenya to Lead Multinational Security Force in Haiti

In response to Haiti's plea for assistance, Kenya has pledged to lead a multinational security force in the nation.

Kenya initially intended to send 1,000 police officers to protect government buildings and infrastructure, per BBC.

However, after a fact-finding mission, their plan has evolved to deploying an intervention force aimed at neutralizing armed gangs, safeguarding civilians, and reestablishing peace, security, and order.

Kenya also expressed a desire to assist Haiti in rebuilding crucial infrastructure and establishing a stable democratic government.

While no other country has publicly committed to adding to the 1,000 Kenyan personnel, it's expected that Spain, Senegal, Chile, Jamaica, The Bahamas, and Antigua and Barbuda may also deploy security forces.

Deployment is contingent upon approval from the UN Security Council, but it is anticipated that this force will be in place by the start of next year.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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