Réginald Delva, the former Secretary of State for Public Security speaking on the increase in kidnappings for ransom (more than 782 since the start of 2021 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-35118-haiti-news-zapping.html) deplored earlier this week "the armed bands are better equipped and seem better organized than the National Police of Haiti (PNH)."

He explains that the bandits strike when they want and that Joseph Wilson, aka "Lanmò Sanjou" Leader of the "400 Mawozo" gang, an extremely dangerous individual wanted for several months by the PNH, can even afford to give himself a humanitarian dimension by sometimes freeing hostages in poor health.

Delva also deplores the psychological ascendancy the bandits have gained over law enforcement and citizens at large. He believes that the PNH should take advantage of periods of "relative calm" to strike blows at gangs on their own territory and insists on the need for the police to regain their lost ascendancy as soon as possible in order to regain morale and regain efficiency.

Finally, he criticizes the authorities for not informing the population sufficiently about kidnappings and the precautionary measures to be taken, which prevents citizens from preparing.

On the other hand, Gédéon Jean, the Coordinator of the Center for Analysis and Research on Human Rights, estimates that gangs "currently control 60% of the national territory, including strategic axes for the country" and also notes that these gangs have field experience and have financial and material resources at their disposal.

SL/ HaitiLibre