Overview:
The Réveil National political party has proposed a presidential council with Guy Philippe as president of Haiti, while Prime Minister Ariel Henry struggles to return to the country.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a developing story we are monitoring from Haiti and online. We’ll post updates as soon as they are verified.
See below these updates for the original story.
UPDATE — Saturday, Mar. 9, 11h30 p.m
Several vehicles and a generator burned by gangs at Haiti’s MICT
Armed bandits set fire to at least five vehicles and a generator at Haiti’s Interior Ministry (MICT), Port-au-Prince, on the night of Mar. 8, reports the Haitian press. The Haitian National Police (PNH) intervened quickly in hours-long gun-battle to prevent the gangs from setting ablaze several public infrastructures in the vicinity of Champs-de-Mars, notably the MICT building.
Rumors swirled early Saturday morning on social media that the building of the Haiti Interior Ministry was set on fire by armed gangs who have been ruling the streets of Port-au-Prince since Mar. 29. But local reporters found those rumors unfounded. They instead confirmed that fire was set on cars in the ministry’s parking lots and a generator. Several bandits were killed during an intense exchange of gunfires with the police.
Aside from the MICT building, other important government infrastructures are located in the Champs-de-Mars area such as the presidential palace “Palais National,” Supreme Court “Court de Cassation,” office of taxation “DGI,” Court of Accounts and Administrative Litigation “Cour des Comptes,” Museum of the Haitian National Pantheon “MUPANAH,” Haitian Army “FADH” headquarter, Port-au-Prince police station, and the Departmental Unit for the Maintenance or Order “UDMO.”
Elsewhere, armed gangs operating in the Plain Cul-de-Sac area vandalized the branches of two banks, UNIBANK and SOGEBANK, in Lathan on Friday night. Since the beginning of the escalation of gang violence in the capital on Feb. 29, all major activities have been paralyzed, including the banking institutions.
UPDATE — Thursday, Mar. 7, 1 p.m
Haiti’s government extends the state of emergency and nighttime curfew
The Haitian government said Thursday it was extending the state of emergency and nighttime curfew in place to curb violent gang attacks that have paralyzed Port-au-Prince and its surroundings in a brutal battle for control and political takeover. The state of emergency concerns the entire south-central Haiti– west department that includes the capital.
In a press release, Haiti’s government indicates that the extension of the state of emergency will remain in place for about 30 days from Thursday, Mar. 7 to Wednesday, Apr. 3. The decision was taken in a bid to “restore order” in the country shaken by gang attacks on police substations and civilian prisons in Port-au-Prince.
The nighttime curfew, declared after the escape of nearly 4000 inmates, is also extended throughout the entire western department from Thursday, Mar. 7 to and Sunday, Mar. 10, from 6:00 PM to 5:00 AM..
According to the government’s statement on Mar. 7, the conditions on the ground have not changed, namely “to take appropriate measures to regain control of the situation.” During the curfew and the state of emergency, public demonstrations are forbidden.
The government cites a previous decree issued on Mar. 6 to explain that the measures do not apply to on-duty public agents including firefighters, paramedics, identified healthcare personnel or other emergency assistance workers and journalists. The governmental authorities have instructed the national police to take all necessary measures to enforce the curfew and arrest anyone who tries to violate the government’s decision.
Some media outlets like Radio Tele Metronome have been pointing out the failure of the government to enforce the first state of security emergency declared last week. They show a strong sense of skepticism as to whether the decision to renew the same failed measures will effectively yield the expected results.
Meanwhile, the outlaws continue to demonstrate their power by seizing control of the sub-police stations and setting them ablaze. The latest incident happened on Wednesday night when armed gangs took control of the sub-station in Marché Salomon, in downtown Port-au-Prince. No loss of life was reported in this new attack on this police infrastructure, which was set on fire.
UPDATE — Wednesday, Mar. 6, 11 p.m
The Marché Salomon sub-police station set on fire by gangs in Haiti
Armed bandits from “Grand Ravine” set fire to the Marché Salomon sub-police station in downtown Port-au-Prince on the evening of Wednesday, March 6. This situation sparked panic in certain surrounding areas such as Magloire Amboisse and Ruelle Chavanne, where residents issued SOS calls against any potential gang invasion.
Before setting the fire, they vandalized the space and made a video sent to their leader Renel “Ti lapli” Destina.
The bandits continued to multiply their attacks on police infrastructures. Approximately 9 sub-police stations were set on fire by gangs in a week, and four police officers were killed.
No one knows the day or date when the bandits intend to decide to stop their assault. One of them, Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier, threatens to launch a war in the country that could lead to genocide if the current Haitian Prime Minister, Ariel Henry, does not resign.
UPDATE — Thursday, Mar. 7, 1 p.m
US government officials clarify they had not asked Haitian PM to resign
The US Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, indicated Wednesday that the Biden Administration has not demanded the resignation of Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry.When asked during a press conference about reports that Washington was exerting pressure on Henry to resign, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield said: “What we have asked (Henry) to do is move forward with a political process that will lead to the establishment of a presidential transitional council that will lead to elections.”
“We think it’s urgent that he starts by restoring normality for the Haitian people,” she added.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller also intervened to explain the position of the United States on the issue as a coalition of armed gangs is seeking to oust the Haitian prime minister and violence has dramatically escalated in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, the capital.
”We urge him (Henry) to expedite the transition to an empowered and inclusive governance structure that will help the country prepare for a multinational security support mission and pave the way for free and fair elections,” Miller explained to reporters. US not calling for Haitian prime minister to resign: State Dept
The information about the pressure of the United States on Henry to resign was first reported by the Miami Herald early on wednesday. It spread quickly and had the effect of a bomb in Haiti. Most of the Haitian media had relayed it to the population. And on social media networks, people posted their various reactions.
In the midst of confusion and turmoil in Haiti, the future of Prime Minister Henry is still up in the air– for anyone to guest– despite the fact that the US State Department denied calling him to resign. One of the gang leaders behind the violence blighting the Haitian capital Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier “Barbecue” has warned of a “civil war” if PM Henry does not step down.
US officials continue to maintain that they are working particularly with Kenya, the CARICOM, and Haiti’s officials to move forward with the deployment of the multinational security support mission that should help shore up security against gang violence and facilitate a path to restoring democratic order in the country.
As of this writing, Prime Minister Ariel Henry was still in Puerto Rico under the protection of the FBI security, as after the Dominican Republic refused to let his flight land on Dominican soil and then transit on a private plane to Haiti. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that Washington would not assist Henry to return to Port-au-Prince, or discuss his travels.
UPDATE — Wednesday, Mar. 6, 12 p.m.
Gang leader Barbecue threatens civil war in Haiti
While Prime Minister Ariel Henry has been trying to enter the country in vain since Sunday, gang leader Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier has been threatening a civil war. He made these statements on Mar. 5, after rampant gang attacks on police officers, police stations and prisons.
“If Ariel Henry does not withdraw, the country will suffer genocide,” Cherizier said during a news conference. “If Ariel Henry does not withdraw, if the international community continues to support Ariel Henry, it will lead us directly to a civil war.”
Cherizier also pointed the finger at the international community, in particular the United States, Canada, France and the Core Group. He said they will be responsible for all the deaths Haiti will see, unless Henry resigns.
Meanwhile, the gangs now remain the masters of the streets. They continue to plunder public and private companies, burn cars, vandalize hospitals and impose their condition.
Henry, still in San Juan, Puerto Rico, was expected to go to the United States, then travel to Jam
UPDATE — Tuesday, Mar. 5, 9 p.m.
UN Security Council plans to meet about Haiti on Wednesday
The UN Security Council plans to hold a private meeting on Haiti in the afternoon of Wednesday, March 6, at the request of Ecuador and the United States, according to the Council’s Haiti spokespersons.
Members will discuss the most recent escalation of gang violence in the country that has caused the death of several police officers, allowed thousands of prisoners to escape from jail and blocked the return of Prime Minister Ariel Henry and other cabinet ministers from trips abroad.
Representatives of both Haiti and Kenya — which is tasked with leading a deployment force to combat gangs in Haiti — are expected to participate.
UPDATE — Tuesday, Mar. 5, 9 p.m.
Haitians abroad react
Excerpt of statement by Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Florida 20th District)
“We must make public safety our priority and not allow criminal gangs to continue holding Haiti hostage. Haitians have been repeatedly asking for stability, safety from gang violence, and for their voices to be heard. The Haitian people deserve our attention.
I am also alarmed about the lack of progress towards a transition consensus government.
The Biden-Harris Administration, along with the international community, must focus on urgently restoring security for the Haitian people and alleviating the ongoing humanitarian crisis.”
UPDATE — Tuesday, Mar. 5, 9 p.m.
Haitians abroad react
Excerpt of statement by Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Florida 20th District)
“We must make public safety our priority and not allow criminal gangs to continue holding Haiti hostage. Haitians have been repeatedly asking for stability, safety from gang violence, and for their voices to be heard. The Haitian people deserve our attention.
I am also alarmed about the lack of progress towards a transition consensus government.
The Biden-Harris Administration, along with the international community, must focus on urgently restoring security for the Haitian people and alleviating the ongoing humanitarian crisis.”
UPDATE — Tuesday, Mar. 5, 7 p.m.
Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry is reportedly in San Juan, Puerto Rico after Dominican authorities turned away his plane from landing on Dominican soil on Mar. 5. The Prime Minister, who returned from Kenya after signing a reciprocity agreement for the MSS deployment, has had difficulty returning to Haiti after a gang takeover of the international airport of Port-au-Prince caused massive flight cancellations.
The Haitian government, led by the Minister of the Economy Michel Patrick Boisvert, has said nothing about the prime minister’s return date.
“The information obtained indicated that Henry’s plane was circling, but his entry was not authorized,” according to Dominican newspaper CDN. “He was able to make the landing without problems on the neighboring island because it is an American territory.”
According to the newspaper, the security authorities of the Dominican state evaluated for several hours, but in the end they did not authorize the entry of the Haitian prime minister on Dominican territory.
See below for original story posted.
Henry cabinet members also struck nearby
Along with Henry in Puerto Rico are the ministers of the interior and environment. Minister of the Environment James Cadet was forced to turn back on Mar. 4 after flights to Haiti were suspended due to attacks by gangs trying to take control of Toussaint Louverture International Airport.
Meanwhile, Minister of Justice and Public Security Emmelie Prophète Milcé, who is also Minister of Culture and Communication, is in the Dominican Republic. She was on her way from a cultural activity in France when the Air Caraïbes airplane carrying her, unable to land in Haiti, went into Dominican territory.
See below for original story posted.
Dominican Republic takes protective measures
Since the release of prisoners from Haiti’s two largest jails, the Dominican government has taken measures to protect its territory, banning all air operations and land crossings with Haiti.
See below for original story posted.
ORIGINAL — Tuesday, Mar. 5, 5 p.m.
PORT-AU-PRINCE — A political party led by Guy Philippe has proposed a presidential council with the former rebel and convict to serve as president of Haiti as the country confronts its latest crisis. After days of gang violence left the country under state of emergency, the political party, Réveil National pour la Souveraineté d’Haïti, said Tuesday that Phillipe, a Haitian judge and a nun should be installed at the National Palace to govern Haiti.
Jean Rodaille Lundi, a spokesperson for Réveil National, said the presidential council could be installed as soon as Tuesday, depending on how quickly signatures are received from the political parties invited to join the proposal.
“We arrived at the choice of these personalities after several meetings with various political parties and civil society organizations,” said Lundi on Radio Caraïbes, without revealing the names of the political parties already signed. “These three individuals on the council will have the destiny of the country in their hands to navigate the difficult situation we are in today.”
Alongside Philippe, the other two members of the council named are Appellate Judge Durin Junior Duret and nun Françoise Saint-Vil Villier. The trio would have the mission of putting the country back on the path of development through the implementation of 5 major points, according to Réveil National, Lundi said. He listed five main tasks for the panel:
1. Restoring national security
2. Economic recovery and food security
3. Addressing constitutional issues
4. Strengthening institutions
5. Holding elections for the renewal of political personnel
“The council and the signing parties will choose a prime minister to form a consensus government to restore order in the country,” Lundi added. “After this consensus government, all Haitians will be able to return home, and there will be no more lawless zones.”
Participating parties, detailed plans unknown
As of mid-afternoon Tuesday, a complete list of political parties that have signed the new proposal was not made available. Nor had there been public reactions from the instigator of the initiative.
However, among the political leaders supporting Philippe’s approach to seizing power since the former rebel leader returned to Haiti after serving prison time in the United States are: Moise Jean Charles from Pitit Dessalines and former senator Jean Hector Anacacis of Alternative League for Progress and the Haitian Emancipation (LAPEH). In the past, Jean Charles has warned the international community against thwarting efforts to establish a new government to replace Henry’s.
“I urge government ministers under Ariel Henry to resign, otherwise they will be considered enemies of the Haitian people,” Jean Charles said on Tuesday, March 5. “Foreign ambassadors will also be called upon to leave the country if they attempt to block this process.”
However, Jean Charles said Duret would preside over the Council, not Philippe. According to the politician, the former parliamentarian from Grand Anse will take charge of security recovery activities in the country.
This crisis resolution proposal with Philippe as president of the country comes after gangs gathered under the coalition of “Viv Ansanm” broke into prisons, set fire to police stations and killed police officers during five days of tension in the capital of Port-au-Prince and the Plaine du Cul-de-Sac between Feb. 29 and Mar. 4.
The government has declared a state of emergency and curfew, but Henry’s whereabouts remain unclear. Henry has been abroad, unable to re-enter the country. Numerous flights to Haiti have been canceled, with gangs targeting the Toussaint Louverture International Airport to bar Henry from returning.
Without the police and the army Monday, the armed bandits would have taken control of the airport that day.
Gangs, “rebels” and former politicians join Philippe’s quest
Since his return to Haiti, Philippe — convicted of conspiring to launder money derived from drug trafficking — has been advocating for a revolution in Haiti aiming to remove Prime Minister Henry, who, in his view, has failed in his mission. Several political leaders such as Jean Charles, Claude Joseph, Jeantel Joseph, and members of the BSAP have joined Philippe in his quest. Among the latter, movements that have led to the death of five BSAP agents by the national police.
Questioned about the actions of the gangs during these past few days, Lundi said that the criminals behind the violence are people thrown into difficult situations who have armed themselves. Lundi called on everyone to avoid seeking revenge or dwelling on past grievances.
“We are in a revolution, the rebels [the bandits] are rebelling, they are freedom fighters,” Lundi said. “A group of citizens [the bandits] have taken up peaceful protest movements and have agreed to liberate their country and reconcile with the people. As rebels, they are rebelling to change the situation.”
To Réveil National members, this revolution is due to end Mar. 5, with the installation of the presidential council at Haiti’s National Palace. According to the political party, Henry is no longer the leader, and he would be better off not returning to the country.
guy phillipe and other leader need to act right now we doon’t need any american puppets in charge anymore