Haitian gang leader threatens Belize and Jamaica after Kenyan Peacekeeping Deployment

Published by [email protected] at September 15, 2024

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Posted: Sunday, September 15, 2024. 4:21 pm CST.

By Horace Palacio: A Haitian gang leader issued threats against Belizeans and Jamaicans on Friday, following Kenya’s decision to lead a United Nations-backed peacekeeping mission in Haiti, raising regional concerns over security as the Caribbean nation faces escalating gang violence.

In a video circulating online, the gang leader warned Belize and Jamaica, both members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), after Kenya committed to sending police forces to assist in stabilizing Haiti, which has been overrun by armed groups. Although Belize and Jamaica are not directly involved in the deployment, their regional ties and support for peace efforts in Haiti have made them targets of the gang’s threats.

Kenya’s offer to send 1,000 officers to Haiti comes amid international efforts to restore order in Port-au-Prince, where gang control has led to widespread violence, kidnappings, and displacement of civilians. The proposed mission, which has gained support from the United States and other nations, still awaits formal approval from the UN Security Council.

The governments of Belize and Jamaica have not yet responded to the threats, but CARICOM leaders have repeatedly called for a peaceful resolution to Haiti’s ongoing crisis. Both nations have backed diplomatic efforts to address the instability and humanitarian crisis affecting the Haitian population.

Haiti has been engulfed in turmoil since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, with armed gangs exploiting the power vacuum to expand their influence. The UN estimates that gang violence in the country has forced thousands of people to flee their homes, further exacerbating the country’s humanitarian challenges.

The international community is closely monitoring the situation in Haiti as peacekeeping efforts move forward, with Kenya’s potential deployment seen as a crucial step in curbing the influence of armed groups.

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