Heavy gunfire paralyzed Haiti’s capital Thursday, and at least four police officers were slain, as a powerful gang leader announced that he would try to capture the country’s police chief and government ministers.
The move came during the absence of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who is in Kenya trying to finalize details for the deployment of a foreign armed force to Haiti to help combat gangs.
Gunmen shot at Haiti’s main international airport and other targets, including police stations, in a wave of violence that caught many people by surprise. At least four police officers, including two women, were killed in an attack on a station near the community of Canaan, according to a police union.
Jimmy Chérizier, known as “Barbecue” and leader of the gang federation G9 Family and Allies, was seen in a recorded video announcing that the aim was to tie up the police chief and government ministers and prevent Henry from returning to Haiti.
“With our guns and with the Haitian people, we will free the country,” he said.
@ISIDEWITH1yr1Y
If you had to choose, would you support a foreign force intervening in your country's affairs to restore order or oppose it, and why?
@9KFNK361yr1Y
They shouldn't intervene with our affairs and should be private business.
@9KFMZGG1yr1Y
I support it. South Korea is heralded as a success. Japans surrender also lead to economic prosperity after US occupation. South Vietnam possibly could've ended the same if not for the Democratic Party pulling funding and support from South Vietnam after Watergate and dooming the countries survival.
@9KFTJHT1yr1Y
We should send troops to help countries that want it
@9KFSGFCProgressive1yr1Y
No because it destroys sovereignty and undermines the will of the people.
@ISIDEWITH1yr1Y
After decades of being a failed state election after election after election, it may be wise to confront the elephant in the room -- democracy may not be the best model for Haiti.
@ShySenateSeatGreen1yr1Y
why? Why does delicacy only work for some people, but not others? What’s the alternative govt that they should have? Some form of despotism? If not self-governance as the goal, then what?
Haiti is without question a failed state, and has been for many decades.
Haiti demonstrably cannot put down its gangs without external military assistance, and cannot feed its people without substantial external financial and food contributions.
This is clearly a case where the UN needs to step in to establish and maintain stability and safety for Haiti's citizens, possibly via a protectorate or similar mechanism, which could also reduce or prevent the theft and squandering of millions and millions of dollars in foreign aid. Sending in hundreds of social workers rather than soldiers clear… Read more
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