Canada Condemns Ongoing Gang Related Violence in Haiti

OTTAWA, Canada – Canada has “strongly” condemned what it describes as the “horrifying violence that continues to be perpetrated by gangs in Haiti”.

canhai(File Photo)Foreign Affairs Minister, Mélanie Joly,  responding to the ongoing violence in Haiti, said the violence is “resulting in immense suffering.

“Unchecked violence and corruption have created deep insecurity, harming civilians and leaving children at risk of starvation,”  she added.

Last Tuesday, the United Nations Security Council  was told that gangs continue spreading terror and fear in Haiti and that the country was mired in a “complex and multifaceted crisis” encompassing security, economic, social, human rights, development and humanitarian challenges.

Haiti’s Ambassador to the United Nations,  Antonio Rodrigue, who was among top officials briefing the UN Security Council on the ongoing political and socio-economic situation in the country, said that the past three weeks have seen a targeted and sustained joint security operation against gangs by security officers with the international support mission (MSS) and Haitian National Police, particularly in the centre of Port-au-Prince, but tangible results have been “slow”.

He said the security forces “continue to face difficulties in maintaining control in disputed areas”, due mainly to a lack of both equipment and personnel. There are still just over 400 officers out of a hoped-for 2,500.

Rodrigue said more support was urgently needed for the mission to expand and allow safe elections to proceed.

Joly said that the politically-motivated violence is clearly aimed at undermining the transition process, which is critical to restoring security and democratic institutions.

“This must not be tolerated. It is essential that all stakeholders continue to abide by the agreed transition process,” she said, adding “the future of Haiti relies on a stable, democratically elected government, the restoration of security, and improved socio-economic conditions”.

Jolly warned that none of these are possible while gangs hold Haitians hostage.

“Canada reiterates its support to the transition process and remains committed to a coordinated response, with a focus on Haitian-led solutions, together with international partners.

“ It is imperative that the international community support the Haitian National Police and the Multinational Security Support Mission as they work to prevent further atrocities. We must stand in solidarity with the Haitian people. Only through our collective efforts can Haiti achieve lasting peace and stability,” the Canadian foreign minister added.