I have been catching up on the latest news about Haiti online. It appears that there is widespread disapproval of PM Henry, but supporters of the gangs are not providing viable solutions to bring lasting peace or resolve the current crisis in the country. There is a lack of substantial criticism towards Jimmy ‘Barbecue’ Cheizier and the gangs that have brought the country to a standstill. If we agree that PM Ariel Henry should step down today, what will be the next course of action? For all the criminals urging his removal, please present an alternative solution to address the current issues of crime and the breakdown of law and order in the country…? If Henry resigns, who or what actions do you propose? We would like to hear that.
- If someone like Jimmy ‘Barbecue’ Cheizier, a gang leader, assumes power, no government on Earth will recognize him and his government. This would mean that the country would become a safe haven for gang leaders, as if it isn’t already, and the country, which is already struggling, will further deteriorate. The gang leaders may seek power, but they lack the ability to govern the country. Barbecue, in his confusion, presents himself as some kind of revolutionary, but the reality is that he is a criminal.
- If Henry resigns, who will lead the country? Do you have any names in mind? Elections cannot be conducted amidst the ongoing violence, chaos, and breakdown of law and order. With 80% of the capital under the control of unscrupulous and violent gang leaders, who will be responsible for conducting, observing, or organizing the elections? The ‘G9 Federation’ or its affiliated gangsters?
Lastly, Henry may not be popular, but he is currently Haiti’s best option until elections can take place. Criminality is rampant across the country, and even the security forces are compromised, largely due to former President Moïse, who encouraged gang violence to retaliate against his political opponents. Now the situation has escalated, and the current polarization engulfing Haiti is largely a consequence of the former president’s actions.
We continue to offer our prayers for Haiti, hoping that law and order will be restored and that the multinational pan-African solidarity forces, led by Kenya, will avoid repeating the past instances of sexual violence or other pitfalls that plagued previous missions. We express our gratitude to President Ruto for his vision and leadership. We agree with Vice President Rigathi Gachagua when he said two weeks ago, “The people of Haiti are like our own people. If you look at the people of Haiti, you will definitely see your sister or brother in trouble.”
There is a lot that needs to be done to address the current challenges in Haiti. The issues are deeply rooted and longstanding.
More prisons need to be constructed throughout the country, staffed by experienced wardens, to keep dangerous criminals off the streets. Maximum security prisons are necessary, and the entire security infrastructure needs to be reorganized and strengthened.
The courts and judiciary system should undergo reform, and the political class should be streamlined to enable our Haitian compatriots to live in peace. In addition to the issues of gang violence, the Haitian political class has repeatedly failed the people of Haiti.
In summary, critical reforms must be pursued and implemented across the entire political bureaucracy to achieve peace and tranquility. PM Henry is not the problem. THE GANGS ARE, and his resignation will not solve the issue, but rather exacerbate it!
