Security

d5tid: 
2325

Kenyan Police Advance Team Arrives in Haiti

  • Posted on: 25 June 2024
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

At long last, a Kenyan advance team of police officers arrived in Haiti.  It is hoped the first security forces will arrive soon after.  With sufficient support, the Kenyan-led multi-national force (MSS) could eventually reach 2,500 security personnel. As 80% percent of of Port-au-Prince ia controlled by gangs and insecurity has metastasized in other departments as well, the MSS has a very challenging task ahead.  One hopes this will be the last foreign intervention in Haiti - but the seeds of insecurity will remain until the Haitian government invests in its own people and can maintain security.  The full article by Miami Herald journalist Jacqueline Charles is linked and follows. 

A Transition Beset By Challenges and Uncertainty

  • Posted on: 23 March 2024
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

In the past, Haitian politicians used and had influence over gangs.  Now the gangs hold the power, controlling 95% of Port-au-Prince as well as the Artibonite and Ouest departments. Gangs charge "fees" for using national roads, kidnap and have attacked government and civilian infrastructure, including the national airport, national palace, and a prison which freed 4,000 criminals, swelling their ranks.  Embassies and international NGOs are evacuating their staff leaving Haitians feeling abandoned when most in need.  A transition council is being formed and the Kenyan-led Multi-National Securtiy Support Mission (MSS) remains pending.  More information on the increasingly grim situation follows in a New Humanitarian piece by Daniela Mohor. 

Violence Spreads North With Over 10,000 Displaced

  • Posted on: 29 September 2023
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

Unchecked violence continues to spread like a cancer in Haiti, with over 10,000 displaced from their homes in the north.  Suspected gang members attacked a police station in Saut-d'Eau and the Zanmi Lasante (Partners in Health) Facility in Mirebalais has also been attacked.  The Kenyan-led peacekeeping force is still more idea than reality and despite the violence, the United States continues to deport Haitians.  The peacekeepers will face a much worse security situation than any previous peacekeeping force.  More information follows in the Reuters article below. 

Kenya Ready to Lead Multinational Force to Haiti

  • Posted on: 1 August 2023
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

Kenya's Foreign Ministry said his country is ready to lead a multinational force into Haiti, which is experiencing a surge in violence between police and gangs.  During a time when so few countries are willing to get involved in Haiti's increasingly desperate situation, it is refreshing to see a country, and one that is not even remotely close to Haiti geographically, offer to take a leadership role.  The proposed 1,000 police officers would help train and assist the Haitian National Police in restoring security.  The deployment would still require a U.N Security Council mandate and formal approvals in Kenya.  The brief article is linked and follows, updates will be posted in comments. 

MINUSTAH Releases Semi-Annual Report (August 31 - March 15)

  • Posted on: 14 March 2013
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

Below is the latest semi-annual report from the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) covering the period from August 31st - March 15th. The report provides an overview of key developments during this time, especially police capacity, rule of law, and human rights promotion - all of which need to be strengthened significantly before MINUSTAH can fully transition its responsibilities to the Haitian government.    

Refugees International: Haiti Still Trapped in an Emergency

  • Posted on: 7 October 2010
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

Refugees International (RI) researchers Melanie Teff and Emilie Parry traveled to Haiti in September to assess the needs of Haitians displaced by the earthquake.  Attached and below are their findings.  For the displaced, this is still clearly an emergency.  Less than 30% of camps have managers, a serious problem given insecurity and the fact that the majority of the displaced are not going anywhere until the Haitian government develops a systematic approach for determining land ownership and resolving property disputes.  Most agree that the response of UN agencies could have been improved with better surge capacity, clarity over who is responsible for protection and a concerted effort to include Haitians in coordination efforts instead of shutting them out. 

 

Building a More Resilient Haitian State

  • Posted on: 14 August 2010
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

The RAND Corportation has produced a report that convincingly argues building the Haitian state should be central to reconstruction efforts.  This includes the development of skilled, trained, and properly organized government personnel and management systems within and across Ministries.  The report suggests that, at least through the medium term, the Haitian government should contract out health and education services, monitoring and regulating but providing no direct services itself.  It also notes the importance of developing the capacity and accountability of the Haitian National Police.  A summary is copied below and the full report is attached.   

USIP Report: Haiti After the Earthquake

  • Posted on: 31 January 2010
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

In the aftermath of the January 12 earthquake, the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) released a report on opportunities for effective reconstruction.  The report emphasizes he importance of: (1) providing training and budget support for the Haitian government; (2) rapid job creation, not just in Port au Prince, but around the country; (3) building up the capacity and credibility of the Haitian National Police and courts; (4) strengthening disaster preparedness and response; and (5) the importance of gender sensitive recovery activities.  The report is attached and copied below.    

Across Globe, Empty Bellies Bring Rising Anger (New York Times)

  • Posted on: 20 April 2008
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

Last week, the New York Times ran an article about the relationship between hunger and insecurity, with considerable attention given to Haiti.  It notes the food rioting, the mud cookies, and the desperation that comes from not being able to feed onself and one's family.  Hunger is not new to Haiti.  While this article has raised awareness about hunger in Haiti, it does not go into why or offer up solutions which is unfortunate.