November was marked by 280 deaths, the highest number ever recorded in 1 month. The number of kidnappings for ransom is equally worrying. Kidnappings in 2022 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-38338-haiti-flash-1-448-people-killed-and-1-005-kidnapped-by-gangs-in-11-months.html are more than double of the number recorded in 2021 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-35491-haiti-insecurity-haiti-is-the-country-with-the-highest-rate-of-kidnappings-per-capita.html , making each trip an ordeal for Haitians..."

Jean Victor Généus, Minister of Foreign Affairs, recalls that the northern entrance to Port-au-Prince is still controlled by gangs, which "makes the Lafiteau Container Port inaccessible, where more than 3,000 containers of food, pharmaceuticals and raw materials for assembly plants are blocked" adding "Some products are starting to run out and prices are soaring due to the scarcity [...]"

The only wheat flour factory has been shut down for several months, the victim of sabotage by gangs, as the National Cement Plant, which is located in the same industrial zone.

Speaking about the effect of the sanctions, he explains "The gangs have slowed down their activities in some places but continue to terrorize the population in others. Their ability to cause harm has remained almost intact and they have the possibility of resuming their abuses whenever they want.

It is urgent that the friends of Haiti bring this [military] assistance which, if it is robust enough, can help the National Police to overcome the armed gangs."

TB/ iciHaiti