As Haitians arm themselves with sticks and machetes, where are the country's friends? Opinion
Published: May. 28, 2023, 11:00 a.m.
By Jersey Journal Guest Columnist
By Yonel Pierre
“Where are the friends of Haiti – if any?”
This simple question I conspicuously put forward in the most recent byline I wrote a few months ago about the lingering troubles of Haiti. Indeed, great are the number of concerned individuals who have asked that same question in distinctive ways, as if to launch an alarming SOS to help save the most tumultuous Caribbean nation: “Where are the friends of Haiti?”
The answers always beg the question of whether Haiti has any true friends. Not long ago, Canada’s response was clear: ‘’Because of our involvement in Ukraine, we are regrettably not in a position to extend our full attention to Haiti’s situation.” But, to their defense, the Canadians sold a few tanks to Haiti; the heavily armed bandits that have been terrorizing the Haitian population for a while had no hard time disabling a couple of them during a confrontation with the national police, on one occasion.
I am convinced that other powerful friendly nations, such as the United States, would find it convenient to offer similar answers. Of course, they too are heavily involved in the war in Ukraine.
I am strongly in favor of standing up against a bully such as Mr. Putin in support of Ukraine. That’s exactly what friends do. They show up when needed; they bring with them whatever is necessary.
More:
https://www.nj.com/opinion/2023/05/as-haitians-arm-themselves-with-sticks-and-machetes-where-are-the-countrys-friends-opinion.html
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A child running home after school amid gang violence in Haiti. — Reuters pic
Monday, 29 May 2023 8:20 AM MYT
PORT-AU-PRINCE, May 29 — Violence by armed gangs has fallen “drastically” since the emergence of a vigilante justice movement that has seen at least 160 suspected criminals killed in the last month, a report by local human rights research group CARDH said on Sunday.
The situation in the Caribbean country remains extremely volatile as heavily armed gangs continue to drive a humanitarian crisis that has displaced tens of thousands amid frequent kidnappings for ransom, gang rapes, tortures and murders.
The vigilante movement, known as “Bwa Kale”, began after residents of the capital Port-au-Prince lynched and set fire to over a dozen suspected gang members in the early morning of April 24.
CARDH said “almost no” kidnappings had been recorded in the last month and counted 43 gang-linked murders, down from 146 in the first three weeks of April.
More:
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2023/05/29/haitis-deadly-vigilante-movement-sees-decline-in-gang-violence-says-report/71436