News from the Coordination Europe-Haiti / November 2024

News from the CoEH / November 2024

Dear Friends,

The situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate. While the political elite remains entangled in internal power struggles, the urgent needs of the population are being ignored. The humanitarian and social crisis worsens day by day.

The election of Donald Trump in the United States risks further exacerbating the situation. He has announced plans to expel migrants, including tens or even hundreds of thousands of Haitians. These individuals sustain many families in Haiti through remittances, and such a measure would further destabilize the country.

The international community, dominated by the United States and an often complacent Europe, continues to rely on outdated and ineffective approaches. It persists in supporting a corrupt elite responsible for this crisis instead of reevaluating its policies and exploring new, sustainable solutions. In this context, we recommend the book Aid State: Elite Panic, Disaster Capitalism and the Battle to Control Haiti by Jake Johnston. This work highlights, through American sources, the disastrous consequences of international interference in Haiti.

The Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM), supported by the United States and approved by the UN Security Council, has also proven ineffective. Of the 3,000 police officers initially planned, only 400 have been deployed so far. Linguistic barriers, a lack of equipment, and an unclear strategy render this mission nearly powerless. Security continues to deteriorate, and the proposed transformation of this mission into a UN operation raises doubts about its effectiveness. The risk of failure, similar to the MINUSTAH mission, remains high.

To sustainably improve security in Haiti, it is imperative to combine several approaches:

- Strengthen, reform, and effectively support Haiti's security forces.

- End the trafficking of arms and ammunition, particularly from the United States and the Dominican Republic.

- Provide genuine alternatives for young people who are often forcibly recruited or join gangs due to a lack of options.

- Address the humanitarian and social crisis in a structural and effective way.

As the Coordination Europe-Haïti (CoEH), we are committed to working toward these essential changes, striving to help Haitians regain hope for a fairer and more promising future.

We invite you to visit our website to better understand the current situation in Haiti, Haiti's position in European politics within today’s complex geopolitical context, and the demands we address to the European Union. Together, we can contribute to supporting Haiti and fostering real change.

With our warmest regards,

Christophe Mohni

Coordination Europe-Haïti (CoEH)

Latest articles

Appeal from the CoEH to the European Union for Support in Upholding Human Rights in Haiti and Greater Attention to Vulnerable Groups

The Coordination Europe-Haiti (CoEH) raises alarm over the worsening security and humanitarian crisis in Haiti, where human rights are gravely endangered, particularly for women and children. The international security mission remains ineffective, while poverty and mass displacement continue to rise. The CoEH calls on the European Union to support a transition that breaks with old practices, strengthen Haitian institutions, and invest in sustainable solutions focused on the population and youth. It emphasizes the urgency of addressing humanitarian needs while adopting a holistic approach to break the cycle of violence and despair.

Haiti: A New Executive Takes Office Amid a Worsening Crisis

Haiti is undergoing significant political upheaval amid a deepening crisis. In the span of a month, both the Presidency of the Transitional Council (CPT) and the office of Prime Minister have changed hands, reflecting ongoing instability at the highest levels of government. Meanwhile, the security situation has worsened, with armed groups gaining ground and violent incidents disrupting daily life, including the suspension of all international flights. These challenges are compounded by allegations of corruption within the CPT, further eroding public trust in the transitional leadership. The newly appointed Prime Minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, now faces immense pressure to address the spiralling crises and restore hope for the nation’s future.

A Haitian Woman's Perspective on Haiti’s Presence in Europe Today

From October 8 to 28, 2024, Colette Lespinasse, the representative of Coordination Europe Haiti (CoEH) in Haïti, visited several European countries to engage with people and organizations interested in Haiti’s future. This included meetings with parliamentarians, representatives from CoEH member organizations and other NGOs, Haitian diaspora groups, and former aid workers who once served in Haiti. These exchanges offered insight into Europe’s stance on Haiti, revealing that while some solidarity groups remain deeply concerned, European political attention is largely absorbed by other global crises. Faced with limited budgets, many European actors now prioritize partnerships offering clear economic or political returns, leaving less focus on Haiti. Yet, amid these shifts, solidarity organizations continue striving to raise awareness, collect funds, and promote sustainability, underscoring the enduring need for advocacy in Europe-Haiti relations.

Will Controlling the "Tie-Wearing Bandits" Solve the Security Crisis in Haiti?

Since the establishment of a new executive in Haiti in May 2024, led by a Presidential Transition Council (CPT) and a new Prime Minister, the country's security situation remains alarming, despite the arrival of foreign troops under the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMAS). Former President Michel Martelly, recently sanctioned by the United States for his involvement in drug trafficking and his support for armed gangs, now embodies the figure of the "tie-wearing bandit." While these sanctions mark a symbolic turning point, questions persist about their real impact on the ground, given the past role of the United States in his rise to power. In this context, support from the European Union for the Haitian justice system to combat criminal elites would be a welcome initiative.

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Chez: Entraide et Fraternité
Rue du Gouvernement Provisoire 32
B-1000 Bruxelles, Belgique E coordination@coeh.eu