Kenya is actively preparing for a critically important mission in Haiti, with Kenyan Chancellor Alfred Mutua recently announcing preliminary measures aimed at ensuring the success of this operation. At the heart of these preparations, a key aspect is the learning of the French language by Kenyan forces, a step intended to facilitate communication with the local population and Haitian authorities. This strategic decision reflects Kenya’s deep commitment to playing a substantial role in preserving stability and security in Haiti.

Chancellor Mutua emphasizes that this mission goes beyond language mastery, encompassing logistical efforts, the acquisition of appropriate equipment, and thorough personnel training. The ultimate goal is to ensure that Kenyan troops are ready to face all the challenges that await them in Haiti.

At the core of this crucial mission is support for the Multinational Mission in Haiti and a commitment to eradicate the gangs that have plagued the country for an extended period. These gangs have thrived in the absence of adequately equipped security forces to counter them. Kenyan Chancellor Alfred Mutua is confident that his country’s intervention can play a decisive role in eliminating this threat.

Mr. Mutua has also responded to criticism from certain segments of Kenyan civil society. He has emphasized that the gangs do not enjoy the support of the Haitian population, thus reinforcing the legitimacy of the security mission. Kenyan forces are not in Haiti to occupy the country but to work closely with local authorities and international organizations to restore peace and stability.

In 2018, Haiti embarked on a large-scale project: the canalization of the Massacre River. However, this initiative quickly turned controversial, becoming the source of heated diplomatic tensions between Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

The initial goal of this ambitious project was to provide irrigation to over 3,000 hectares of the fertile Maribahoux Plain. However, its implementation proved to be a challenging endeavor fraught with disagreements.

The original project plan highlighted a critical point: the canal, primarily constructed from rock and gabion, would not be able to indefinitely contain the water. This limitation immediately raised concerns about water management and potential environmental risks.

The Cuban firm DINVAl was tasked with carrying out this colossal undertaking. Yet, the controversy extended beyond technical aspects. The construction of the canal quickly evolved into a politically and diplomatically charged issue.

The government of the Dominican Republic strongly criticized the decision of authorities in Ouanaminthe, Haiti, to build this canal, fearing it could have adverse effects on their own territory. In response, the Dominican Republic imposed sanctions on Haiti, including border closures and the suspension of visa issuance.

This escalation of tensions between the two neighboring countries has raised concerns at both regional and international levels. Environmental experts have also voiced worries about the potential consequences of the Massacre River canalization on local ecosystems and riverine populations.

The security situation in Haiti remains tense, marked by a worrying resurgence of criminal activities carried out by armed gangs. Faced with this growing threat to public safety, Haitian authorities have recently made a drastic decision: to place the National Police on maximum alert.

This stringent measure aims to strengthen the police’s capabilities in their fight against the gangs operating in the country.

According to a memo issued by the Central Directorate of Administrative Police, starting from Saturday, September 2, and until further notice, all leaves and permissions for members of the Haitian Police are suspended, except in cases of illness. This decision, while drastic, is considered a necessary response to curb the rising power of gangs that challenge the authority of the state.

Kenya stands out with a historic decision as it accepts to take charge of leading a multinational force in Haiti, aiming to restore order in a country plagued by increasing instability. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Alfred Mutua, announced this initiative in an official statement released this Saturday, marking Kenya’s commitment to supporting Haiti in its quest for normalcy.

This decision comes in response to a request from the Group of Friends of Haiti, seeking to provide support for the major political and security challenges facing the Caribbean nation. Kenya has expressed its willingness to collaborate with other nations to successfully carry out this crucial mission, working towards stability and the restoration of order in Haiti.

It is important to note that the deployment of this multinational force will not proceed without conditions. The statement emphasizes that Kenya will await a mandate from the United Nations Security Council before proceeding with the deployment. This UN approval is a crucial element to ensure a legal and coordinated action in accordance with the international community.

Kenya’s decision to actively support Haiti through this multinational force demonstrates the firm commitment of the African country to stability and peace in the Caribbean region. It also reflects Kenya’s determination to play a leading role in international efforts to address global crises and promote cooperation among nations.

This initiative opens new prospects for collaboration between Kenya and the international community in conflict resolution and peace restoration in troubled areas. By taking the lead of this multinational force, Kenya shows its willingness to actively contribute to Haiti’s stabilization, offering a glimmer of hope for a better future in this troubled region of the world.

Haiti, already grappling with numerous economic and social challenges, is now on the brink of another fuel crisis that could severely impact the transportation sector and disrupt fuel supply throughout the country. The Association of Petroleum Professionals (APPE), representing oil industry experts, has raised the alarm about the exorbitant tariffs imposed by gangs, which are impeding the smooth distribution of fuel within the nation.

The situation is particularly worrying as transporters face extremely difficult conditions when trying to access the Varreux Terminal. To gain passage rights, they are required to provide 15 gallons of fuel per truck in addition to paying substantial fees to gangs. These gangs charge 200 thousand gourdes to allow trucks to leave the terminal and an additional 800 thousand gourdes per fleet to pass through the airport road. Moreover, further negotiations and payments are demanded along the northern route, depending on the specific itinerary.

The crisis is compounded by a near blockade at the Martissant level, which effectively blocks the southern exit of the capital. In the unfortunate event of fuel trucks being stolen or diverted, transporters are forced to bear the cost of recovering the stolen product. These exploitative practices are putting immense financial strain on transporters and fuel distribution companies, thereby posing a significant threat to the proper functioning of the sector and creating an environment of economic uncertainty.

In response to this alarming situation, oil professionals have urgently appealed to the authorities, especially to the Minister of Finance, seeking intervention. They emphasize that these exorbitant tariffs and disruptions in fuel supply have the potential to paralyze the transportation sector, leading to severe fuel shortages across the entire nation. Such a crisis would have catastrophic consequences on the daily lives of Haitians, who are already vulnerable due to prolonged periods of instability.

The recent announcement by the Haitian government regarding a slight decrease in petroleum product prices has been met with disappointment by the population. The previous prices for gasoline were 570 Gourdes, 670 Gourdes for diesel, and 665 Gourdes for kerosene.

Unfortunately, the new prices only reflect a minimal decrease: gasoline will be sold at 560 Gourdes, a reduction of only 10 Gourdes, while diesel will be offered at 620 Gourdes, a decrease of 50 Gourdes. As for kerosene, it will be sold at 615 Gourdes, also a decrease of 50 Gourdes.

For the Haitian population already facing considerable economic difficulties, this insignificant decrease in gasoline prices is perceived as a lack of effort on the part of the government to alleviate the financial burden on households.

Reverend Gregory Toussaint asserts that nothing can compare to the millions he will spend in support of Haiti. He hastens to affirm that neither the Shekinah nor the Tabernacle of Glory receive support from white individuals, and he feels no fear in the face of attacks.

Indeed, when one possesses a vision for their country, engaging in aggressive acts becomes impossible. Furthermore, he adds with determination that he fears nothing. The undisputed leader of the Tabernacle of Glory recalls that this is not the first time he has invested millions of dollars for the benefit of Haiti.

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Recently, he celebrated the marriages of no fewer than 33 couples, which cost him a considerable sum of $500,000. During Hurricane Matthew, he generously spent an equivalent amount in American dollars to aid the victims.

Moreover, he did not hesitate to spend over $250,000 during the coronavirus pandemic. The head of this church urges politicians not to be swayed by trivial matters. As for the leader of the Shekinah family, he maintains that he does not need to occupy the presidency to change Haiti’s destiny.

He cites the examples of Gandhi and Martin Luther King, who, despite not being presidents, valiantly fought for their countries. Similar to these iconic figures, he devotes all his efforts to transforming Haiti. In response to a young man who declared his unwavering support until the grave, the reverend concludes by stating that he has already acquired an entirely new burial garment for this event.

The Office of Work Accident, Sickness, and Maternity Insurance (OWASMI) officially launched a new health insurance program called PROSH (OFATMA Health Disability Program) (OHDP) during a launch ceremony held on July 10. This initiative aims to support people living with disabilities in Haiti.

The presence of the Minister of Social Affairs, Odney Pierre Ricot, the Secretary of State for the Integration of Disabled Persons, Gérnard Joseph, the Director General of OFATMA (in french), Dr. Carl François, as well as numerous participants, testified to the importance given to this cause.

The PROSH (in french) program aims to initially assist 1,000 people living with disabilities. Dr. Carl François welcomed this initiative, emphasizing that it demonstrates strong solidarity towards disabled individuals. In his speech, the Director General reiterated that 10% of the Haitian population, approximately 1.5 million people, face physical disabilities.

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He also assured that the PROSH program would be maintained even under future administrations, while committing to expanding its impact and reaching a greater number of beneficiaries. Both Minister Odney Pierre Ricot and Secretary of State for the Integration of Disabled Persons, Gérnard Joseph, praised this initiative aimed at improving the lives of people living with disabilities.

The Minister expressed his awareness of the challenges these individuals face on a daily basis, highlighting that they are often marginalized, humiliated, and forgotten. Despite this, he encouraged them to show courage and perseverance in the face of obstacles. The beneficiaries of the program expressed their gratitude to OFATMA and the Secretary of State for the Integration of Disabled Persons for making this initiative possible.

However, they hope that the government, through the Secretary, can do more to meet their specific needs. OFATMA’s PROSH program marks an important milestone in improving access to healthcare for people living with disabilities in Haiti. It demonstrates the government’s commitment to social inclusion and the protection of the rights of disabled individuals.

With the continued support of relevant authorities and organizations, this program has the potential to positively change the lives of many Haitians living with disabilities by providing them with a better quality of life and equitable access to healthcare services. This initiative thus demonstrates a willingness to create a more equitable and inclusive society for all Haitian citizens, regardless of their disability status.

William O’Neill, an independent expert on the human rights situation in Haiti, held a press conference on June 28, 2023, where he shared the findings of his ten-day visit to the country.

Speaking at the Karibe Hotel in Pétion-Ville, O’Neill discussed his meetings with local authorities, representatives from civil society organizations, and his visits to the National Penitentiary and the prison in Cap-Haitien.

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O’Neill emphasized the importance of a Haitian-led solution, stating, “Haiti’s path forward must be driven by its own people. It requires the establishment of performance and monitoring systems to ensure accountability and integrity at all levels of the hierarchical chain.”

In his assessment, O’Neill stressed the need for Haitian institutions to implement measures that promote transparency and hold individuals accountable for their actions. He underlined the significance of building a system that upholds the principles of justice and human rights.

O’Neill’s visit aimed to shed light on the human rights situation in Haiti and provide valuable insights to assist in addressing the challenges faced by the country. By emphasizing the need for local ownership and robust systems of oversight, he hopes to contribute to the development of a more accountable and just society in Haiti.

The Haitian Interbank Payment Service is once again operational following a technical difficulty, according to the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH). However, the PRONAP service has not yet been restored, which is affecting daily banking transactions.

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Customers are facing difficulties in conducting check transactions, and even money transfers from abroad have been affected. The BRH is asking for patience while waiting for the complete restoration of PRONAP.

Measures are being taken to strengthen security and prevent future technical difficulty. Haitian authorities need to take action to maintain customer trust and preserve economic stability. Customers are encouraged to follow the BRH’s guidelines and stay informed about updates regarding PRONAP.