Criminal gangs are increasing their attacks in Haiti

UNITED NATIONS (CMC) – The head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), Maria Isabel Salvador, has warned that criminal gangs are increasing their attacks in areas they do not yet control and that the situation in the country ” “Unfortunately, things have gotten worse.” worsened”.

In his speech to the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday evening, he pointed to escalating attacks over the past week around the capital, its suburbs, the agricultural region and the city, where residents have been under prolonged siege and are demanding more security reinforcements .

She told the council that the violence was “spreading terror and fear and overwhelming the national security apparatus” and that the Kenya-led Multinational Security Assistance Mission (MSS) remained “significantly understaffed, hindering its operations and its ability to carry out operations.” could hinder their mission.” Tasks”.

Earlier, Haiti’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Antonio Rodrigue, said that over the past three weeks there had been a targeted and sustained joint security operation against gangs of security officers from the MSS and the Haitian National Police, particularly in the center of Port-au-Prince , but tangible results have been “slow.”

Kenya, which has so far contributed the most officers to the MSS, announced that it would send 600 more to Haiti by mid-November.

Funding has also lagged, and an alliance of well-equipped armed gangs called Viv Ansanm has spread across the capital and surrounding regions.

The UN Security Council was told that the recent massacre in Pont-Sondé was an example of the ongoing violence, and Salvador also warned of increasing tensions between the country’s two executive bodies, led by Prime Minister Garry Conille and Leslie Voltaire of the Transitional Presidential Council (TPC ). ), further eroding public trust in government.

The United Nations estimates that more than 4,200 people have fled their homes in new attacks around the capital since Thursday. Most of them sought refuge in makeshift camps in schools, churches and health centers.

National police said they would be deployed this week to some areas where fighting intensified, while Prime Minister Conille said on Monday he had immediately recalled hundreds of police and soldiers from VIP protection so they could be sent to combat zones.

Meanwhile, the TPC condemns threats by criminals against journalists in Haiti.

“Freedom of the press is sacred and non-negotiable. “The TPC expresses its unwavering support for all journalists in Haiti who courageously pursue their mission at the risk of their lives,” it said in a statement after two gang leaders, Jimmy Chérizier aka “Barbecue” and Vitelhomme Innocent, made threats to journalists.

The Justice Ministry also warned on Tuesday of unspecified threats against Prime Minister Conille and other members of the TPC.

While the ministry did not provide details of the threat, it said it had “consistent and persistent” information that the top officials may be targeted by unnamed actors aimed at sowing “unrest and panic in the country.” .

The ministry is calling on police and judicial authorities to take “appropriate measures” to ensure the safety of officers.