Gang violence soars in Haiti despite presence of foreign troops

Tension continued to grip Haiti’s capital Wednesday as violence flared again, sending panicked residents fleeing for safety.

Haitians have long lived with instability and violence, however in the past week gangs have taken advantage of a political crisis in the country to make a power grab.

On Sunday, the country’s transitional council fired interim Prime Minister Garry Conille, swiftly replacing him with businessman Alix Didier Fils-Aimé.

Gangs also shot at three different planes of U.S. airlines – Spirit, JetBlue and American Airlines – landing and taking off in the capital, Port-au-Prince.

One flight attendant was injured, and bullets riddled the airplane.

The Federal Aviation Administration restricted U.S. airlines from flying to Haiti for 30 days, though American Airlines announced it would pause flights until February.

The United Nations, also said it was temporarily suspending flights to Port-au-Prince, slashing access to humanitarian aid and personelle in the country.

It’s left Haiti once against isolated from much of the world and with only a trickle of the humanitarian assistance it needs as the Caribbean nation teeters on the brink of famine.

“We call for an end to the escalating violence, to allow for safe, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access,” U.N. spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said on Tuesday.

Foreign reaction

The international community has responded to Haiti’s dire security situation by deploying troops as part of the Multinational Security Support Mission.

Leading the mission is Kenya, with 400 elite police officers already deployed and plans to deploy 1,000 personnel in total.

Other contributing countries include Jamaica, with 200 personnel, and The Bahamas, with 150. Additionally, Bangladesh, Benin, and Chad have pledged troops, while Antigua and Barbuda has committed to sending troops, though exact numbers are not specified.

The mission also receives significant support from other nations.

The United States has pledged $300 million, providing logistical, financial, and medical assistance.

Canada has contributed $123 million, including $80.5 million specifically for the mission. Furthermore, Spain, Senegal, and Chile are expected to deploy security personnel.

This collective effort aims to address Haiti’s worsening crisis, characterized by gang violence, humanitarian needs, and political instability.

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