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Situation in Haiti
- An assault was carried out in Pernier on 16 February by the “Kraze baryè” gang, during which dozens of people were executed.
- The assault was ordered by Vitelhomme Innocent who accused residents of the area of having provided information to the authorities, causing the death of one of his followers.
- The assault against Kenscoff by the by the “Viv Ansanm” coalition which took place at the end of January led to at least 150 deaths and over a hundred houses burnt down, whilst numerous people are still missing.
- Armed men took control of telecommunications antennas in Kenscoff on 16 February, where soldiers from the Haitian Armed Forces (FAD’H) and agents from the Protected Areas Security Brigade (BSAP) were stationed. The attack resulted in three deaths among the security forces.
- The base was recaptured by the authorities later that same day through a joint operation by the Haitian National Police (PNH) and the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission.
- Another operation in Kenscoff took place on 17 February, in which one police officer was killed and another injured, while several bandits were killed or injured.
- The spokesperson for the PNH, Lionel Lazarre, acknowledged the difficulties faced by police officers during the operation, including challenging terrain and the capture of two PNH armored vehicles by the gangs.
- Six farmers, including a teenage boy, were arrested and executed by the PNH in Petite-Rivière de l’Arbonite, according to public accusations made by their relatives on 13 February. They were suspected of being affiliated to gangs, which the relatives have denied.
- Gang members attacked several areas of Carrefour-Feuilles on 14 February. Police officers in the area tried to repel the attack. It is unclear whether reinforcements were sent to stabilise the area.
- Armed men pillaged and set fire to the general hospital on 13 February. The stolen equipment is valued at 3 millions US dollars. The hospital had been closed since 29 February 2024.
- Armed men attacked the Montrouis police station on 12 February resulting in the death of an officer, and the injury of three others.
- At least 184 children died in 2024 as a result of the insecurity in Haiti, with 105 more injured. Many of the victims were enlisted in gangs. 2024 was the deadliest year for children since 2021.
- Amnesty International published a report on the plight of children and teenagers in Haiti. It outlines how they are recruited by gangs, many having no other way of providing for themselves and their families, and sometimes being forced to do jobs under fear of death.
- The report also describes the stigma of those coming from neighbourhoods controlled by gangs, and the fear of police officers and community members related to this stigma.
- The Haitian government and UN signed a protocol to facilitate the care of children associated with gangs, including transit centres and a demobilisation and reintegration process. However, there is little capacity for this amid the current instability.
- The situation of Internally Displaced People (IDPs) was discussed by Minister Herwil Gaspard at the conference “Les Mardis de la Nation” held on 18 February. The creation of support centers for IDPs, offering kits, training, and assistance was announced.
- The government is also implementing humanitarian initiatives, like the PREJEUNES program, to help IDPs and vulnerable youth amidst a challenging security and socio-economic context.
- Millions of residents of the Arbonite department demonstrated on national road number 1, expressing their anger at the lack of measures taken by regional authorities to dismantle the gangs, and specifically the Gran grif gang of Savien.
Situation on the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT)
- The CPT is facing an uncertain future, with little success in solving Haiti’s problems and an unresolved corruption scandal. The CARICOM held a meeting on 6 February to discuss potential solutions to the crisis.
- The bureau of the Montana Accord boycotted the meeting, advocating for societal consultations and a citizens’ conference for a new governance.
Situation on the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission
- The United States has exempted the Kenya-led MSS Mission from a funding freeze impacting US-funded international aid initiatives. U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, approved exemptions allowing for the provision of millions of dollars assisting the MSS missions and PNH.
- 140 Kenyan soldiers arrived in Haiti on 6 February to strengthen the mission. Among these, is an all-female elite SWAT team. In addition, three helicopters were delivered on behalf of the Salvadoran contingent.
International situation
- Haiti was extensively discussed in the latest meeting of the Development Committee at the European parliament. Present in the discussion were the UN Resident Coordinator, UNODC, Human Rights Watch (HRW) and the Delegation to the Caribbean-EU Parliamentary Assembly.
- US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, states that the MSS mission must be expanded to be able to defeat the gangs, whilst emphasising that the solution to the country’s problems lies with the Haitian people.
- The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will visit the Caribbean and meet with the 15 members of CARICOM.
Links of interest
Plus d’une dizaine de personnes assassinées par le gang Kraze baryè à Pernier
Au moins 150 morts à Kenscoff, selon la FJKL
Insécurité : les bandits s’emparent d’un point stratégique à Kenscoff
Kenscoff: la PNH et la MMAS ont repris le contrôle de la base des antennes à Obléon (Téléco)
Un militaire et deux agents de la BSAP tués à Kenscoff
Kenscoff : La PNH fait le bilan d’une opération et fournit des explications sur les blindés interceptés par des gangs
Families Accuse Police of Executing Six Farmers in Petite-Rivière de l’Artibonite
Violence des gangs : Des habitants de Carrefour-Feuilles de nouveau chassés de leur domicile
Medical Equipment Stolen from Fire-Ravaged General Hospital, Says Prince Pierre Sonson
Incendie à l’Hôpital général
Violence in Montrouis: One Officer Killed, Three Injured Following Gang Leader’s Death
Le gouvernement annonce des initiatives pour les déplacés internes
2024 DEADLIEST YEAR FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES IN HAITI AFTER SURGE IN ARMED GROUP VIOLENCE
Haiti: “I’m a Child, Why Did This Happen to Me?”: Gangs’ Assault on Childhood in Haiti
Artibonite: nouvel appel des habitants pour le démantèlement des gangs
La CARICOM tente difficilement de sauver le CPT…
U.S. Continues Its Support for MSSM
MMAS : 140 policiers kényans sont arrivés à Port-au-Prince, trois hélicoptères livrés
Marco Rubio : le premier objectif est de « pacifier » Haïti
Meeting of the DEVE Committee 18 February
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