Many Haitians displaced by violence are now living in schools. Haiti at a crossroads: security crisis and political instability Peace and security
Haiti is experiencing a severe political and social crisis, exacerbated by unprecedented violence from armed gangs. The situation in the country continues to deteriorate, and it does not seem to be improving in the near future. This was stated by UN Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas Miroslav Jenča, speaking at a Security Council briefing on the situation in Haiti.
Political instability
New challenges that have emerged three years after the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse are adding to the tensions of a period of instability, he noted. On November 11, the Transitional Presidential Council appointed a new prime minister. Alix Didier Fils-Aimé became the fourth head of the cabinet during the transitional period. His appointment was the result of several weeks of intense political debate.
However, international organizations, including the UN, Jenca continued, are concerned about the slow pace of restoration of democratic institutions. In order for elections to be held in 2025, it is necessary to complete the appointment of all members of the Provisional Electoral Council of Haiti. In this situation, the UN is actively supporting the political process, including the involvement of civil society and youth, the UN Assistant Secretary-General emphasized.
Security crisis
At the same time, a security crisis is escalating in Haiti. On the day the new prime minister took office, armed gangs fired on four passenger planes, which led to the closure of the international airport in Port-au-Prince.
Criminal groups, Yencha continued, are constantly increasing the territory under their control. According to experts, at the moment they control about 85 percent of the country’s capital. Bandits attack government institutions, social infrastructure and residential areas, creating a direct threat to the lives of civilians. On the night of November 18, a coordinated attack was recorded on the Petion-Ville suburb of the capital, where the UN offices and diplomatic missions are located. The clashes resulted in numerous casualties.
Humanitarian situation
“The humanitarian situation also continues to deteriorate,” Miroslav Jenča noted. “In particular, the number of internally displaced persons has increased significantly in recent months.”
According to him, the UN continues to provide assistance to Haiti, but more resources are needed for a full-fledged response. To date, the humanitarian plan for Haiti has been funded only 43 percent. To solve the country’s problems, the assistant to the UN chief emphasized, it is important to increase international assistance, as well as to intensify the activities of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti.
The deployment of the mission began in June of this year, and its potential has not yet been fully realized. The contingent can be increased from 400 to 2,500 people, but this requires significantly more voluntary contributions and support from the international community. “Otherwise,” stressed Miroslav Jenča, “the mission will not be able to effectively support the Haitian National Police in the fight against banditry.”
The UN and international organizations continue to work to expand assistance to Haiti in the context of the growing crisis, said the Assistant Secretary-General. An important step in this direction will be the transformation of the Multinational Mission into a peacekeeping operation, which will allow the international community to more effectively address issues of ensuring security and stability in the country.