By Dessalines Ferdinand –
In an opinion piece published last March, we argued that “the U.S. government has indirectly generated chaos in Haiti, and therefore they are obliged to fix it.” We assert that the U.S. has both a historical and geographical responsibility to prevent Haiti from descending further into turmoil.
The United States is widely considered to have one of the most extensive and sophisticated intelligence networks in the world, with organizations such as the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency. Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, Haiti has been engulfed in chaos, with approximately 200 gangs terrorizing the country. As a result, hundreds have been murdered, and nearly half a million have fled their homes. Additionally, over half the population, including 3 million children, is facing food emergencies, with 1.4 million on the brink of famine.
It is known that Haiti does not manufacture arms and munitions, and many sources have repeatedly pointed out that the weapons used by the gangs have been traced back to the United States. Despite this, the Biden administration seems indifferent to the situation. For many, it is incomprehensible how the most powerful nation on earth has allowed this chaotic situation to persist in a neighboring country. Historically, the United States viewed Haiti as a counterbalance to Communist leaders in Cuba. Haiti’s potential as a trading partner and an actor in the drug trade makes the nation strategically important to the United States. Therefore, Haiti’s stability is of significant interest to the U.S., and we are encouraged that the U.S. government finally recognizes the imperative need to intervene and help stabilize Haiti for several compelling reasons.
First and foremost, Haiti is located in the backyard of the United States. The proximity of Haiti to the U.S. means that instability in Haiti can quickly spill over into American territories. The chaos in Haiti poses a direct threat to the security and well-being of the region. As a close neighbor, the U.S. has a vested interest in ensuring that Haiti does not descend further into violence and disorder.
Secondly, Haiti does not manufacture arms and munitions. The weapons used by gangs to terrorize the Haitian people are not produced locally but are instead coming from the United States. This fact places a significant responsibility on the U.S. to take action. The U.S. has the resources and capabilities to identify and stop the flow of illegal arms to Haiti, thereby cutting off the supply that fuels the violence.
Thirdly, it is about the United States’ credibility in the eyes of the world. The U.S. is known for having one of the most extensive and sophisticated intelligence networks. Given these capabilities, the U.S. should be able to track and prevent the smuggling of arms into Haiti. The persistence of this issue highlights a failure to leverage these intelligence resources effectively to stop the violence before it reaches catastrophic levels.
Addressing the chaotic situation in Haiti will also help the U.S. with the Haitian boat people dilemma. The ongoing violence and instability in Haiti have forced many Haitians to flee their homeland in search of safety and a better life. This has led to an increase in the number of Haitian boat people attempting dangerous journeys to reach the United States. By helping to stabilize Haiti, the U.S. can reduce the number of people forced to undertake these perilous voyages, thereby mitigating the humanitarian crisis at its borders.
Haitians have attempted to calm the situation and restore order on their own, but these efforts have been unsuccessful. Consequently, swift action from the U.S. became imperative. Despite escalating gang violence in Port-au-Prince last March, which further destabilized the nation and pressured Prime Minister Ariel Henry to step down, the Biden administration has consistently stated it will not deploy troops to support Haitian national police operations. This is understandable, as the U.S. has a complex history of intervention in Haiti, often resulting in mixed outcomes and sometimes exacerbating the country’s issues. The administration may wish to avoid repeating past mistakes.
Utilizing its diplomatic channels, the U.S. successfully advocated for a UN-backed mission to restore order in Haiti. Last year, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin traveled to Kenya to secure the country’s support in leading the security mission. Kenya has offered a contingent of 1,000 police officers, along with 1,500 additional volunteers from other countries. The first contingent of Kenyan police officers finally arrived last Tuesday in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. Many Haitians see the arrival of Kenyan soldiers as a hopeful sign that international intervention could help stabilize the country. They are optimistic that the presence of a multinational security force might curb the gang violence and restore order, allowing them to live in peace and safety.
Working with Congress, the White House has already pledged a $300 million package to support the international peacekeeping force. Without deploying U.S. troops to Haiti, the Biden administration appears to be on a path to addressing the chaotic situation that the U.S. had a hand in creating.
The United States has both a moral and strategic duty to intervene in Haiti’s ongoing crisis. The proximity of Haiti, the origin of the weapons fueling the violence, the extensive U.S. intelligence capabilities, and the impact on immigration all point to a clear responsibility for the U.S. to act. In conclusion, the United States must persist in its efforts to assist and prevent further chaos in Haiti, thereby ensuring stability and security for both nations.
