In a televised speech, Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille urged gangs to surrender their weapons as he acknowledged the escalating violence in Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince. Conille emphasized the need to address the rampant violence that has plagued the city and beyond.
The call for disarmament comes as a second group of 200 Kenyan police officers arrived in Haiti to assist in quelling the widespread gang violence as part of a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenya.
Gangs currently control 80% of Port-au-Prince and have been responsible for the deaths and injuries of over 1,500 individuals in the first three months of this year alone.
Recent observations by journalists revealed a heavy police presence in downtown Port-au-Prince, with armored vehicles patrolling the area. Shots were heard, but it remains unclear who fired them or if there were any casualties.
Conille's message to the gangs was clear: 'Drop your weapons and recognize the authority of the state.'
Following coordinated attacks by gangs on key state infrastructure, including seizing control of police stations and storming prisons, former Prime Minister Ariel Henry resigned in April. A transitional presidential council was established, with Conille assuming the role of prime minister.
The arrival of Kenyan forces in late June has seen a decrease in gang violence, with patrols focusing on areas not yet under gang control.
Plans are underway to deploy additional police and soldiers from various countries to bolster security efforts in Haiti. Conille emphasized the gradual process of reclaiming gang-controlled territories, emphasizing a systematic approach to restore peace.
Gang violence has displaced over half a million people in recent years, with women and girls comprising the majority of those affected. The U.N. highlighted the use of rape as a tactic to control women's access to aid in makeshift camps.
U.N. Women's executive director called for immediate action to address the insecurity and brutality faced by women in Haiti, stressing the urgency of halting such violence.
