Thursday, September 29, 2022, leaders of human rights organizations and Haitian civil society as well as the former American ambassador to Port-au-Prince, Pamela Ann White (2012-2015), participated in a hearing session at the American Congress on the situation in Haiti.

Excerpts from Pamela Ann White's intervention on security in Haiti :

"It pains me to say this since I have spent forty years working as a diplomat around the world, but it is time to throw away the gloves and stop pretending that ‘normal” diplomacy will work in Haiti. As everyone knows who cares about the Haitian people, Haiti is a failed state. There is no legitimate government, no judiciary, no parliament, and a weak police force incapable of stopping the gangs that now rule over 60% of the capital. There is no chance of planning elections under the current security crisis.

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All the international players espouse again and again that increased security, private sector growth, improved education and health services are all needed – and they are correct. But why not admit that what is needed right NOW is not some complicated five-year plan to solve all of Haiti’s many, many challenges, but boots [soldiers] on the ground right NOW. [...]

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There is absolutely zero doubt that Haitians are living in hellish conditions – all social services were terminated months ago. Port au Prince has the highest number of kidnappings in the world [...] Children in orphanages are terrorized with bullets zooming over their heads [...] he Haitian National police (HNP) have fewer weapons, fewer members, and a lot less money with which to carry out operations than gangs do.

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[...] there must be a force with trained professionals who can outgun the thugs. I personally don’t care if they are mercenaries or UN troops or former New York policemen – the killing has got to stop. Perhaps the private sector can be convinced to FINALLY step up to the plate and instead of playing games with gangs, they pay troops to save Haiti

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My vote is to first secure the streets and homes and livelihoods of the Haitian people. Then increase humanitarian aid. Then talk about elections and many other needed reforms. But NOTHING will move if we cannot ensure security. Nothing will move except the wholesale takeover of a nation by thugs. Once again, I heartily agree with the Washington Post’s editorial which states, The situation is not tenable, and waiting for worse to come is not a policy, it is an abdication of responsibility. The United Nations, the Organization of American States, and key governments, including the Biden administration, must face Haiti’s collapse squarely, and act to prevent further carnage and suffering."

Download Pamela A.White's full speech (PDF) : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/HHRG-117-FA00-Wstate-WhiteP-20220929.pdf

HL/ HaïtiLibre