Haiti has long had issues with violence and an unstable government. Recently, the violence and instability have been worsening due to the policy of the former leader of the country and the chaotic situation.
Ariel Henry came to power, unelected, after his predecessor’s assassination in 2021. His time in office has been plagued with violence, and the way he came into power has led to him gaining a negative reputation in the country.
In February, he announced that he would be postponing the election due to the increase in violence, which led to outrage sweeping the country. Several gangs declared that they wanted to liberate the country from his rule and thus launched a coup.
On March 11th, Henry announced that he would be stepping down and a transitional council would be put in place to organize the next election, but it is estimated that gangs still control about 80% of Port-au Prince, the capital city.
The lack of supplies for doctors and police is another factor contributing to the rapidly deteriorating situation. Doctors are overloaded by the number of patients that need medical attention. The gangs have also closed almost every exit and entrance to the city, essentially isolating it. Additionally, police are struggling to reclaim any of these roads due to a lack of supplies and ammunition.
Many people are unable to escape this violence due to economic disparity and have to live in constant fear of gun violence. Though plans have been made to send a Kenyan police force in to reinstate law and order, many people in Kenya object to this action, calling it an occupation and saying that it is a job for the Kenyan military.
The violence and political turmoil in Haiti are devastating to its civilians’ lives, and Port-au-Prince, a once bustling city, is now a ghost town. People are watching this crisis with much interest due to its proximity to the United States. If one is interested in donating to humanitarian relief for the people affected by this crisis one could donate to OCHA they are a worldwide humanitarian relief organization they have been working in Haiti for years.