FILE PHOTO: Former police officer Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier, leader of the ‘G9’ gang alliance, is flanked by gang members after a press conference in Delmas 6, Port-au-Prince, Haiti March 5, 2024. REUTERS/Ralph Tedy Erol/File Photo

Smartencyclopedia staff & Agencies

PORT-AU-PRINCE  – The United States has intensified calls for Haiti’s Prime Minister, Ariel Henry, to expedite a political transition amidst mounting pressure from armed gangs seeking his ouster. As security collapses and a humanitarian crisis worsens, Henry, Haiti’s unelected interim leader, has been in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico since Tuesday, raising concerns about his willingness or ability to return to his country.

“We are not calling on him or pushing for him to resign, but we are urging him to expedite the transition,” stated State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller during a press briefing on Wednesday.

The U.S. is advocating for “an empowered and inclusive governance structure that will move with urgency to help the country prepare for a multinational security support mission,” paving the way for free elections, Miller added.

The security mission, initially requested by Henry in 2022 to combat escalating gang violence, was ratified by the United Nations last year. However, financial contributions for the force have fallen short of the estimated needs, delaying its deployment.

Jimmy Cherizier, known as Barbeque and leader of a coalition of criminal gangs in Port-au-Prince, warned of a united front against the proposed mission. He stated that if Henry does not step down and international support persists, it could lead to a civil war culminating in genocide.

Henry, in power since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021, has postponed promised elections, citing the need for security before a fair vote. The political transition council established by Henry, known as the HCT, has faced criticism for excluding opposition voices.

The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, emphasized the urgent deployment of the planned security force, calling the current situation “beyond untenable” for the people of Haiti.

According to U.N. reports, over 36,000 people have fled their homes within Haiti, with nearly 1,200 killed and 700 injured since the start of the year. Gang-controlled areas experience widespread reports of rape, torture, and ransom kidnappings, severely impacting access to food, medical services, and humanitarian aid.

The Dominican Republic, sharing the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, has heightened border security in response to the crisis. Trade flows remain operational under military surveillance, with the country maintaining its stance against establishing Haitian refugee camps within its territory.

As the United Nations Security Council convenes behind closed doors on Haiti, the international community faces increasing pressure to address the dire situation and prevent further escalation.