PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti. – After arriving at Haiti’s National Palace this week, Local 10 News witnessed a significant change in the Caribbean nation: dozens of members of its newly reformed military, marking the first time since the 1990s that Haiti has had an army.
The military is part of a larger mission led by newly selected Prime Minister Garry Conille, who is determined to dismantle the gangs that he says control over 80% of the capital city, Port-au-Prince.
Conille, who was selected by the Caribbean community just eight weeks ago, is setting up operations to address the country’s gang crisis.
The situation in Port-au-Prince underscores the profound challenges facing Haiti as it grapples with escalating violence and instability.
6 p.m. report:
Speaking with Local 10 News exclusively, Conille outlined the Haitian government’s efforts to reinforce police forces and the military, creating a unified strategy involving all sectors responsible for security.
“I can tell you the leadership of the army and the police are committed to it, but we also want to make sure that we have a functioning justice system so that as soon as these people are caught, we can process them right now,” he said.
He also expressed deep concern over the recruitment of children, some as young as 12, into gang life.
“I’ll give you an example: As we build prisons, we already have to factor in the fact that we have to separate our children from adults,” he said. “We have to give these children the chance to reintegrate. Eventually, we have to provide them with the opportunity for them to just, you know, put down their guns and reintegrate into society to a certain extent.”
“Now that does not mean that we’re not going to do everything we can and use every tool we have to pursue justice for those that have been harmed by these gangs for years and years and years,” Conille explained. “We will be relentless in pursuing justice.”
Despite the challenges, Conille remains optimistic, stating, “I guarantee you we’ll get there,” while acknowledging the necessity of international support and partnerships.
He aims to secure the country and hold elections by 2026, a goal that hinges on maintaining the commitment of the Haitian people and the promises of international allies.
Conille has postponed the start of the school year to Oct.1 as an estimated 600,000 families have been displaced by gang violence, with many schools now serving as shelters.
“I have no doubt that if we continue to build the commitment of the Haitian people and if our partners, and this is important, deliver on their promises and commitments,” said Conille.
In a message to the South Florida Haitian community, Conille urged them to keep Haiti in the headlines, return to invest and share their expertise, become a political force and unite for the future of Haiti.
He stressed that the country’s success depends on these efforts and warned that without them, Haiti’s future is in jeopardy.
As Conille works to restore order, patience among Haitians is growing thin, but he remains determined to bring about the change they desperately seek.
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