It is one of the most recent attacks by armed groups who operate in Haiti, kidnapping, killing, blocking roads, executing journalists and police officers in total impunity, thus worsening ungovernability in the Caribbean country, whose crisis is increasingly profound.

The events occurred during an alleged truce in which some areas are involved after the Qatar World Soccer Cup and Christmas celebrations, and amid the implementation of a general security plan boosted by the government to preserve life and the assets of millions of citizens. The move raised the number of police in the main cities, especially during festivities.

And the ceasefire is apparent, because in mid-December armed men kidnapped and later killed the technical operation manager with the National Drinking Water and Cleaning Division, Lubenson Théodate, while clashes in Petite-Rivière, in Artibonite Department, forced more than 10,000 people out.

Hostile gang confrontations left a toll of 2,769 murders in Haiti during 2022, most in the capital´s metropolitan area, according to data provided by the human rights organization Colectivo Défenser Plus, which didn´t include the victims who have died in hospitals as a result of violence.

With insecurity, the economy going downhills and the political and economic elite internationally sanctioned for trafficking, funding gangs and destabilization, Prime Minister, Ariel Henry, is seeking a new political agreement to hold elections next year and reform the Constitution.

However, the consensus already signed by political and social organizations, plus representatives of the private sector, receives criticism by those who think that Henry should leave power now to give way to a transition government.

Meanwhile, violence spreads, hunger reached catastrophic levels and corruption only deepens the serious instability.

Taken from Orbe

By Anelí Ruiz García, Chief Correspondent/ Port-au-Prince

jg