By Steven Aristil
SAINT-MARC, Haiti (Multibagger) - Prime Minister Garry Conille of Haiti is on a mission to the United Arab Emirates and Kenya to seek security assistance following one of the deadliest gang attacks in the Caribbean nation's recent history.
The Gran Grif gang's brutal assault in the town of Pont-Sonde in the western Artibonite region left at least 70 people dead, including infants, and forced over 6,000 residents to flee, causing widespread shock in a country accustomed to violence.
With the national police force outgunned and understaffed, Conille emphasized the need for support on multiple fronts during a press conference before his trip.
The U.N. Security Council has extended an international security force's mandate to aid local police in combating gangs and restoring order in Haiti. However, progress has been slow, with only around 400 Kenyan police officers currently on the ground.
Conille aims to expedite the deployment of additional Kenyan troops to support the national police force during his visit to Kenya. He also plans to discuss securing regular assistance from the United Arab Emirates to enhance Haitian law enforcement capabilities.
Following the attack, Conille visited injured patients at a hospital and assured reinforcements were on the way from the capital, Port-au-Prince. Additionally, the director of police in the Artibonite department has been replaced in response to the incident.
The Gran Grif gang's leader cited retaliation for civilian passivity towards the killing of his soldiers by authorities as the motive behind the attack. The conflict in Haiti has escalated, with armed gangs controlling vast areas and displacing hundreds of thousands.
International aid has been slow to materialize, exacerbating the crisis as neighboring nations deport migrants back to Haiti. The number of internally displaced persons has surged to over 700,000, highlighting the urgent need for security and stability in the country.
As an investment manager, it is crucial to monitor geopolitical developments like the security situation in Haiti, as instability can impact global markets and investments. Understanding the challenges facing countries like Haiti can provide insights into potential risks and opportunities for investors.