Haiti turns to Africa and Latin America for help in quelling Crisis

By Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer

#Haiti, May 19, 2023 – Haiti’s government has now turned to Latin America and Africa, to persuade them to help with contributing to the deployment of a multinational military force to the Caribbean country, where rampant gang violence has claimed countless lives over the years, officials say.

With the lack of decision on the part of the United Nations Security Council, on the ongoing and worsening crisis in Haiti, Haitian officials have recently been engaging in a series of diplomatic moves to convince African and Latin American states of the urgency for the formation of a multinational force, to aid in mitigating criminal gangs plaguing the country.

This move by Haiti, was highlighted by Jean Généus, Haitian Foreign Affairs Minister, who told Haitian Caribbean News Network that the country is seeking military aid from Africa and regional partners.

He continued to say that Ariel Henry, Prime Minister of Haiti, recently had talks with Macky Sall, President of Senegal, and he also said they are conversing with other African and Latin American countries regarding assistance. Généus didn’t say what countries.

Haiti’s system is in need of change to effectively combat the crisis making the lives of people a living hell.

James Boyard, Professor and Specialist in international relations, expressed this need.

He said, “Haiti’s diplomacy needs reform. We need to become more open to cooperation with African countries, Latin American States and other.”

Boyard continued to say that the broadening of Haiti’s alliances while keeping intact the ties with Western capitals, is necessary.

The Professor later spoke to the reason why Africa would more than likely be quick to help Haiti.  He referred to the racial connection saying Haitians and Africans are descendants of common ancestors, he told HCNN.

Additionally, he called Haiti an extension of Africa in America and that Haiti should make use of that.

Regarding Latin America, he mentioned that Latin American countries have received help from Haiti in the past to claim their independence and that he believes they will be receptive to the country’s cry for help this time around.

The actions taken by the Haitian Government are long overdue.  The situation in Haiti has evidently worsened overtime.

The 12,000 strong police force with only 9,000 properly prepared for service, have been overpowered by the intense violence which has awakened vigilantism as civilians now protect themselves, taking justice into their own hands which has often proven lethal.

There has been no reported feedback on the request by Haiti so far.