The situation in Haiti is dire, with the current interim president stranded abroad and criminal gangs taking control of the capital. Many Haitians perceive the Transitional Council as a foreign imposition, further exacerbating tensions in the country. Violence erupted in Port-au-Prince over the weekend, with armed gangs attacking police officers in the Delmas neighborhood, instilling fear and panic among the population.
Port-au-Prince is akin to a city under siege, with the population living in constant fear amid escalating violence. Reports indicate a significant rise in crime, with 2,500 murders recorded between January and March, a 53 percent increase from the previous year. Kidnappings have also surged, prompting hundreds of thousands to flee their neighborhoods. The inadequacy of Haiti’s police forces in combatting the well-armed gangs is apparent, as vigilante groups form in some districts to take matters into their own hands.
The recent clashes around the National Palace, where a nine-member interim council is set to commence its work, highlight the challenges ahead. The council was established last week, with the aim of guiding the country until new elections can be held. However, questions remain about how this council, comprising mainly political figures, can navigate the complexities of Haitian politics and ensure a smooth transition of power. The council is faced with the daunting task of organizing elections, appointing a new prime minister
