Haiti Report, August 25, 2024
A compilation of news about Haiti from the past week.
OCHA advocates for support for severely underfunded humanitarian appeal
OCHA is sounding the alarm about the humanitarian crisis. Their most recent estimates include:
578k internally displaced people (+60% March-June 2024). Half have headed to the Grand Sud; over 100 displacement camps in metropolitan PAP area
Half of the population is not getting enough to eat - 5m people facing food insecurity. 125k cases of severe acute malnutrition (+20% since January). The entire Artibonite department and 11 communes are projected to enter new level of food insecurity “severe nutritional distress” by end of 2024
1.5m children and teachers affected
24% of hospitals operational
x5 cases of sexual and gender-based violence in March compared to Jan and Feb combined
Almost 100k deported back to Haiti from neighboring countries in first 7 months of the year
See full report here.
PM Conille on gangs and role of diaspora
Prime Minister Gary Conille spoke to Local 10 news from FL in English. He addressed the issue of gangs and children in gangs, highlighting the need to build prisons that can house minors separate from adults in hopes that they can one day be reintegrated. He then shared four points about what he hopes the Haitian Diaspora in Miami can do: (1) keep Haiti in the headlines, (2) come back and invest and use talent and knowledge to help Haiti’s economy grow, (3) become a political force in Haiti itself, and (4) become a unified Diaspora community. https://youtu.be/ifaGSRbKhTo?si=D-xlebqHbCXx9hda
Equipment for Haitian Police and the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission
On Friday, August 23, the Haitian National Police received 20 armored Toyota vehicles ordered by Prime Minister Ariel Henry's government from the United Arab Emirates in late 2023. On the same day, the U.S. Southern Command announced that it had begun delivering 24 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles (MRAPs) to the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission at Toussaint Louverture International Airport as part of U.S. aid. While the American delivery was accompanied by an official statement, the arrival of the Haitian vehicles was first noticed in a viral social media video showing a convoy of armored vehicles, sirens blaring, near the airport. “The armored vehicles delivered today are part of an order placed by Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s government,” a source close to Garry Conille's government told Le Nouvelliste in the early evening.
The U.S. Southern Command, in its statement, emphasized that "as part of the ongoing U.S. government support for Haitian-led security efforts in the country, an additional 24 MRAPs will be delivered and transferred to Kenyan personnel deployed in Haiti as part of the MSS mission. The MSS will add these vehicles to its existing fleet of 10 MRAPs provided by the United States, which are used to support the Haitian National Police (PNH) in restoring security in areas affected by widespread gang violence,” according to the statement from the U.S. Southern Command.
In response to criticisms about the operational limitations of these MRAPs, measures have been taken. “C-17 transport missions will also deliver 34 gunner protection kits, commonly known as ‘turrets.’ Contractors funded by the Department of Defense will install the turrets on the armored vehicles to enhance the tactical field of vision and protect MSS personnel using the MRAPs during joint security operations conducted by the Haitian National Police,” the statement added. In addition to the items and services provided to the MSS mission under the presidential drawdown authority, the United States has already provided over $300 million to support the mission's efforts, according to the statement.
“The entire order placed by Ariel Henry's government has not yet arrived. The Garry Conille government, through the 2023-2024 revised budget, has placed additional orders for equipment and ammunition for Haiti’s security forces. Discussions are ongoing with partners to provide five helicopters to the security forces. These discussions are progressing,” Le Nouvelliste learned from well-informed sources. However, these sources expressed cautious optimism, noting that many promises have been made.
“Security remains a priority in the revised budget. The investment envelope initially allocated to the PNH, which represented 19% of the envelope funded by the Treasury, has now reached 39%. As for the FAD’H, these proportions have increased from 4.66% to 5.26%,” Economy and Finance Minister Ketleen Florestal told Le Nouvelliste in an interview.
"The resources allocated to the PNH (Haitian National Police) and FAD’H (Armed Forces of Haiti)," emphasized the Minister of Economy and Finance, "have enabled the acquisition of essential security equipment and materials to strengthen the institutional and operational capacities of these institutions. Additionally, several contracts related to security equipment are nearing completion, and other equipment is currently being delivered. Furthermore, the security budget has also facilitated the recruitment of a new class of police officers and the initiation of the process to enlist 500 soldiers, aimed at boosting the intervention capabilities of the security forces." https://lenouvelliste.com/en/article/249868/new-equipment-arrives-for-the-pnh-and-mss
Statement from US Southern Command https://www.dvidshub.net/news/479355/department-defense-deliver-additional-mraps-turrets-mss-mission-haiti
150 Bahamas troops in pre-deployment phase for Haiti mission
Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell said the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) troops are currently in the pre-deployment phase for their mission to Haiti. Mitchell said a forward operating base has been secured in Haiti and the Bahamian troops will be required to familiarise themselves with operational procedures. "There will be a requirement for Bahamians to go in the pre-deployment phase to get acclimated to the decision-making processes of the Kenyans, who are taking lead on this, and also to do some further risk assessment of the role they will be playing."
He confirmed that the overall mission remains the same, with the Government still committed to deploying 150 RBDF officers to Haiti. The RBDF officers joining the Mission are critical elements of maritime security and will help train the Haitian National Police (HNP) Coast Guard component to secure national ports and intercept drug and arms traffickers along the coast.
Mitchell said details are still being decided and he could not provide further information due to security concerns and ongoing negotiations with Haiti and Kenya. "I can’t say when the pre-deployment phase will be wrapped up. I know they asked us if we can get our people in on the management side as quickly as possible." He said an advance team will be deployed during this phase as soon as all agreements are signed. He promised to share more information in the future. https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-43052-icihaiti-bahamas-rbdf-troops-in-pre-deployment-phase-for-haiti.html
Acting Police Director met with USAID project leaders
The Acting Director General of the Haitian National Police (PNH), Rameau Normil, held a strategic meeting with representatives of the Haitian Citizenship Security Program (HCSP), a program led by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with the Community Police component of the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL).
This meeting is part of the capacity building program of the Police Institution. Director Normil and the various representatives discussed several points, including the collaboration between the PNH, the HCPS and the INL in implementing the community approach in the targeted neighborhoods to restore trust between the population and the police, facilitate community dialogue and enable the PNH to integrate socio-educational and community activities. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43054-haiti-security-important-meeting-to-strengthen-the-capacities-of-the-pnh.html
Presidential Council sets August 26 deadline for Provisional Electoral Council nominees
Over three months after the installation of the Presidential Transition Council (CPT) and more than two months after the formation of the government, the executive branch still has not managed to establish the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP). Despite having a two-month deadline to form the CEP after the government's inauguration, the Presidential Council has been unable to find a solution to the divisions within the sectors responsible for appointing members to the CEP.
According to Article 14 of the April 3rd agreement, under which the CPT holds power, "the Presidential Council shall appoint and publish the list of members constituting the Provisional Electoral Council in the spirit of the 1987 Constitution within 60 days from the date of the government's installation." More than two months after the government's installation, this has not been accomplished.
Out of the nine sectors of society tasked with nominating representatives to the CEP, seven remain at odds and have been unable to agree on their choices. "With a commitment to transparency and consultation in the selection of members for this prestigious and crucial institution for the success of the transition, the CPT is granting an additional deadline, ending on Monday, August 26, 2024, for sectors that have not yet done so to submit their choices," the statement concludes. https://lenouvelliste.com/en/article/249818/presidential-council-sets-august-26-deadline-for-sectors-to-finalize-the-cep
US Coast Guard repatriated 182 Haitians after interdiction near Turks and Caicos
The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Diligence repatriated 182 people to Haiti, Wednesday, following an interdiction south of Turks and Caicos Islands. “Hurricane season is an especially dangerous time for unlawful maritime migration,” said Lt. Nicholas Fujimoto, a Coast Guard District Seven enforcement officer. “The Coast Guard is proactively monitoring the maritime approaches to the U.S. and international waters of the Caribbean to prevent the tragic loss of life at sea. Makeshift vessels are unseaworthy and incapable of handling the rougher seas caused by unpredictable weather and tropical storms.”
Migrants who are interdicted at sea or apprehended ashore will not be allowed to stay in the United States or a U.S. territory. Anyone who arrives unlawfully may be declared ineligible for legal immigration options and be repatriated to their country of origin or returned to their country of departure, consistent with U.S. law, policies and international treaty obligations. “Anyone wanting to enter the United States must do so through safe, orderly and lawful pathways; don’t take to the sea,” said Lt. Cmdr. John W. Beal, public information officer for Homeland Security Task Force-Southeast. “There are consequences for unlawful entry into the United States. Anyone attempting to enter the U.S. unlawfully by sea may be disqualified from lawful parole processes, presumed ineligible for asylum and, if unable to establish a lawful basis to remain, they are subject to removal from the U.S. with a minimum five-year bar on admission, and potential criminal prosecution for unlawful reentry.” https://ht.usembassy.gov/miami-the-crew-of-coast-guard-cutter-diligence-repatriated-182-people-to-haiti-wednesday-following-an-interdiction-south-of-turks-and-caicos-isld/
US Ambassador and Prime Minister Visit Cap-Haitien
On Wednesday, August 21, 2024, U.S. Ambassador to Haiti Dennis B. Hankins visited the Cap-Haitien City Hall for a very important working meeting, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen U.S.-Haiti bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of security, economic development, and local governance. The meeting began with an in-depth discussion on the security situation in Cap-Haïtien. Representatives from the City Hall shared their concerns about security challenges and explored possible solutions to improve the protection of citizens.
The discussion then focused on the management of persons displaced by violence, a particularly important topic given the current challenges related to displaced populations. Participants addressed the needs of their compatriots and discussed solutions for their resettlement in dignified and sustainable conditions. This dialogue helped to clarify the actions needed to better support these displaced families. In addition, the City Hall discussed a strategic project to develop the region's port infrastructure, including the construction of a new modern port or wharf in Petite Anse. This meeting provided an opportunity to solicit support in order to realize this project, which is essential to local economic development.
Finally, the discussions covered the general political situation in the country. Participants discussed electoral preparations, the challenges posed by gangs, and the debates surrounding the amendment of the Constitution. These discussions highlighted the complexity of the current political context and the need for continued dialogue. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43037-haiti-cap-haitien-important-meeting-with-american-ambassador-hankins.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
Prime Minister Gary Conille arrived in Cap-Haïtien, this Thursday, August 22, at the head of a large delegation composed of members of the government and the diplomatic corps accredited to Haiti. The objective of this mission is to discuss with the authorities in order to assess the infrastructure, economic and tourist potential of the North and Northeast departments in order to better articulate and better guide government actions in terms of development of the Northern Region.
"We are here to officially visit the Region and consider together options for solutions in order to provide appropriate responses to the socio-economic and security challenges of the country. The North is one of the priorities in the government's integrated and integral development actions," explained Prime Minister Dr. Garry Conille, at the start of this mission. https://x.com/PrimatureHT/status/1826621455443886431
Mobile clinics at camp for displaced people in Bois Verna
The Fraternity Movement for Haiti (MOFHA) organized three days of mobile clinics for displaced people from the Lycée Marie Center, from August 19 to 21, 2024, with the aim of supporting those in great need of medical care. Due to the difficult situation the country is facing, many people are fleeing their homes and living in camps. In a context of growing insecurity, several health centers and hospitals, notably the Center de Santé Portail Léogane, the largest public hospital in the country, the State University Hospital of Haiti (HUEH), and Gheskio, have ceased their activities for several months. People affected by various health problems therefore find themselves without the possibility of care.
The MOFHA has set up three days of free consultations for residents of the Lycée Marie Jeanne camp, located in Bois Verna. According to Dr. Doria Dasse, head of MOFHA, “during the first two days, around 2,000 citizens were consulted and received medicines free of charge.” The absence of state initiatives to relieve these deprived people motivated this action. “We observe the situation in which people live in the camps, where the state pays no attention to the health of the population.” said Dr. Doria Dasse.
https://lenational.org/post_article.php?pol=5331
Scenario Forecasting to Support Humanitarian Planning from Mercy Corps Crisis Analysis Team
Insecurity has further limited humanitarian access, and the turbulence has revealed the severe impediment that the lack of timely, easily accessible information and analysis poses for response efforts, future planning, and coordination between peer organizations. In response to critical information gaps, Mercy Corps Haiti Crisis Analysis Team has produced a scenario forecasting report outlining possible national-level developments in conflict, and the likely repercussions including changes in needs, humanitarian access, and implications for internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Key possible developments include:
The first and likely conflict development scenario sees a progressive enhancement in security due to the deployment of the Multinational Security Support Team (MSS). The role of the MSS is to help the Haitian National Police (PNH) secure main routes and zones of the Metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, currently occupied and controlled by the gang coalition Viv Ansanm. Securing routes and zones will increase accessibility into Port-au-Prince and allow for emergency humanitarian assistance in high-risk areas where it has previously been challenging to maintain support.
The second and very likely conflict development scenario predicts a temporary escalation in conflict between the PNH and Viv Ansanm forces, as the latter upscales its offensive and defensive tactics to combat MSS and PNH operations to dismantle the coalition. This would lead to increased violence in zones of confrontation and temporarily restricted access for humanitarian workers.
The third and less likely conflict development scenario is that Viv Ansanm members will infiltrate the southern and northern departments of Haiti, blocking access in and out of the capital via main routes. This would bring humanitarian access to a standstill and further impede vital supply routes for both humanitarian aid and the local economy.
The almost certain repercussion scenario predicts that the population of IDPs in Port-au-Prince will continue to expand as violence escalates between Viv Ansanm and MSS and PNH forces. This would exacerbate high economic stressors on local markets for host communities, predominantly in the southern and northern departments of the country.
https://www.mercycorps.org/research-resources/scenario-forecasting-haiti
Suspect Arrested in Murder of Missionary Couple and NGO Leader
Police in Haiti have arrested a suspect in the fatal shooting of a U.S. missionary couple and a Haitian man who headed a nonprofit in an attack by gunmen earlier this year that stunned many in the troubled Caribbean country. The May 23 killings of missionaries Davy Lloyd and his wife, Natalie Lloyd, and Jude Montis, the country’s director for Missions in Haiti Inc., a Claremore, Oklahoma organization, was blamed on gangs rampaging across Haiti’s capital and beyond. The killings took place in the community of Lizon, in northern Port-au-Prince. The city has crumbled under the relentless violence of gangs that control as much as 80% of the Haitian capital.
A video posted on social media late Wednesday by Haiti’s National Police shows a 52-year-old man in handcuffs, accused of being involved in the killings of the Lloyds and Montis. Arrests in high-profile killings are very rare in Haiti. In the video, the suspect denies any involvement in the killings. It wasn’t immediately clear if the man has been charged and if he has a lawyer. Police claim the suspect’s phone was used to make calls after the killings, but the man rejected that accusation. David Lloyd, the father of Davy Lloyd, told The Associated Press over the phone from Oklahoma on Thursday that he wasn’t aware of the circumstances behind the suspect’s arrest. https://newstalkkzrg.com/2024/08/23/haiti-arrests-a-suspect-in-the-may-killings-of-a-us-missionary-couple-from-southwest-missouri-and-a-nonprofit-chief/
Road rehabilitation in Tabarre and demolition of homes around the airport
On Friday, August 23, Raphaël Hosty, the Minister of Public Works, accompanied by two members of his cabinet and Engineer Raymond, Departmental Director of the West of the Ministry, held an important meeting in his offices with Ms. Nice Simon, Mayor of Tabarre.
This meeting aimed in particular to take stock of the progress of the road rehabilitation projects underway in Tabarre including: Carrefour Rita - Bute Boyer; The axis connecting the American Embassy to the premises of the Motorized Intervention Brigade (BIM); The section from the premises of the BIM to the National Road; Carrefour Rita - Carrefour Bouzy; Carrefour Bouzy via Trois Mains to Carrefour Rita; Carrefour Rita - Toussaint Louverture International Airport; The Carrefour axis - Civil Protection premises; From the American Embassy to Fleuriot.
In addition, the issue of expropriations for demolition around the Toussaint Louverture International Airport for security reasons was also addressed. The mayor expressed the financial and logistical challenges that the Tabarre City Hall was facing to carry out this expropriation program. 80 high-rise houses overlooking the Toussaint Louverture International Airport have still not been demolished. The Land Director of the Tabarre City Hall explains that the operation must now include 193 other small houses near these houses that will also be destroyed. The cause of the delay is the slowness of the Ministry of Finance to make available the availability of checks to compensate the owners. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43058-haiti-politic-monitoring-of-ongoing-works-and-expropriations-for-demolition-around-the-airport.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
Challenges and conservation efforts in Haiti’s Parc National des Trois Baies
Despite being designated as a protected area in 2013, the park faces significant challenges in protecting its species. Over 10 years after the government’s decision to establish the mechanism to protect the area’s biodiversity, the park's governance remains problematic, with the Ministry of the Environment and the National Agency for Protected Areas (ANAP) struggling to gain local support and effectively manage resources. The absence of the Protected Area Surveillance Brigade (BSAP) further complicates conservation efforts.
Northern Haiti’s park, the Parc National des Trois Baies (PN3B) or Three Bays National Park, is one of the country’s nine marine protected areas established to preserve its rich biodiversity. Despite being designated as a protected area in 2013, the park faces significant challenges in protecting its species.
This vast area spans approximately 292 square miles, covering five municipalities: Limonade in the North department, Caracol, Terrier-Rouge, Fort-Liberté, and Ferrier in the Northeast department. The PN3B is home to diverse ecosystems, including extensive mangrove forests and coral reefs—the largest on Haiti’s northern coast. https://haitiantimes.com/2024/08/25/challenges-to-protect-parc-national-trois-baies/
11,770 passports made available and production to resume
The Directorate of Immigration and Emigration (DIE), headed by Stéphane Vincent, announced on Thursday, August 22, 2024 that 11,770 passports had passed the control stage and were ready to be issued to applicants. “Following this step, passport production will resume on Monday, August 26, 2024 with a new optimized methodology to improve efficiency,” we can read in a press release. The DIE also informs that all its services are fully operational and that arrangements have been made to ensure improved production and rapid delivery of passports. https://haiti.loopnews.com/content/la-die-annonce-la-disponibilite-de-11-770-passeports?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1724422252-1