September 2022 — Pax Christi USA supports the Quixote Center’s efforts to raise awareness of and respond to the civil emergency in Haiti:
[From the Quixote Center] The crisis of insecurity in Port au Prince is severe. In July alone nearly 500 people were killed when rival gangs warred in Cite Soleil. Armed groups control transportation routes into and out of the capital, and use this position to extort travelers and businesses, engage in kidnappings, and use extreme violence against those challenging their position.
Against the backdrop of this increasingly desperate situation, the calls for an external force to come in and clean up the gangs seems appealing to many. Louis Almagro, secretary general of the Organization of American States, has argued for the return of a United Nations’ peacekeeping mission (the UN Mission to Stabilize Haiti, or MINUSTAH, occupied the country from 2004 until 2017). The Washington Post has been calling for a return of troops in Haiti for some time, and doubled down on the call in an editorial last week. Pam White, former U.S. ambassador to Haiti, was more direct, “Figure out how to get some well trained and equipped troops in Haiti – yesterday.”
Calls for foreign intervention are predicated on the belief that the security situation is dire, and that Haitians are too divided to come to an agreement on the fundamental questions regarding transition from the Henry regime currently in place to a new set of governing institutions. Serious questions of how elections are organized and by whom remain sticking points, for example. In this context, a chorus of voices calling for the international community to intervene and fix things is gaining traction.
Read the entire statement on the Quixote Center’s website here.
As long as I can remember, Haiti has been troubled by insecurity–caused by humans and caused by natural disasters. I have worked alongside Haitian immigrants–most times exhibiting respect and an inner joy. Certainly we should pray that food, clothing and shelter needs are addressed and that the strength of nonviolence can guide some sort of movement that is beneficial to the people. Respectfully and deeply, all sides should continue to listen to the people–with all sides joining to meet their needs. Opposing groups should be listened to as well, in order that some compromise be reached. Perhaps outside NONMILITARY arbitrators could become involved. From afar, I cannot even think of having a solution to offer–but only to pray for nonviolent developments. Likewise, I pray for action of a nonviolent nature to be taken. To do nothing in any way should not be an option.
War is always a waste. Compromise and respect for others necessary
negotiation, not violence is needed. In war there are no winners