Haiti, a Caribbean nation in the Greater Antilles, shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic. It covers about 27,560 sq km of land with a population of approximately 11.7 million inhabitants. The Caribbean nation entered a state of emergency, after gangs stormed the capital city’s most important prisons, releasing thousands of inmates. The country’s airport is under siege, and business activities have been grounded in most of Port-au-Prince. Here are a few points to note.
- Haiti, the first black colony of slaves to revolt against the French colonisers faces deepening chaos and instability.
- The assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021 sparked the crisis.
- Before his death, Haiti expressed interest in closer ties with Russia.
- Moïse’s assassination fuelled suspicion of US involvement, angering Haitians.
- US-backed Ariel Henry replaced Moïse, further inflaming tensions.
- Pro-Russian sentiment is rising in Haiti, with calls for Russian aid.
- Haiti’s history of colonial exploitation by France contributes to its woes.
- Recent discoveries suggest vast oil reserves beneath Haiti.
- These resources could be a factor in the international power struggle.
- Gang violence has escalated, making Haiti ungovernable for Prime Minister Henry. Gangs have attempted to take over key infrastructure like airports.
- Henry’s attempt to return from a trip was thwarted by the gangs.
- The situation is so bad, Henry might have to govern from exile.
- Kenyan troops are presently in Haiti to assist with containing gang violence.
- The true power behind the gangs and how to address it remains unclear.
- The US is blamed for mishandling the situation and seeking African help.
- Haiti’s history as the first successful slave revolt against a coloniser is significant. The majority of former French colonies remain unstable.
- France is believed to still hold a grudge against Haiti for its independence struggle.
- Haiti’s vast natural resources make it a strategic prize in this complex situation. It also has huge deposits of Gold, Copper, bauxite, calcium carbonate, marble, hydropower, arable land.