The American Chamber of Commerce in Haiti (AmCham Haiti) observes with horror and desolation the alarming deterioration of the situation in the departments of Artibonite and Center, marked by growing insecurity and precarious living conditions where the population lives permanently against a backdrop of automatic weapons fire.

"We strongly condemn the acts of violence which have marked the daily lives of our fellow citizens [...] which have only gotten worse in recent weeks. The numerous attacks against civilians as well as cases of kidnappings: the massacre perpetrated in Canaan against the faithful https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40355-haiti-flash-a-faithful-march-against-the-canaan-gang-ended-in-a-bloodbath-video.html, the destruction of the installations of the food production company Tropic S.A in Tabarre as well as that which occurred at SunAuto, to name but a few These are acts that we cannot tolerate. The various attacks by Savien's gang in Artibonite and the repeated assaults by criminals from Grand Ravine against the residents of Carrefour-Feuilles, forcing a panicked crowd to move around without shelter, are equally unacceptable. These compatriots, and many others who have experienced these acts of violence for too long, are left to their own devices and deserve essential support.

Faced with the heartbreaking misery of our fellow citizens, we urge the Government to assume its responsibilities. The Haitian people, exhausted by years of suffering, deserve a better future. The time has come for our leaders to realize that it is the responsibility of the State to protect its citizens, and to demonstrate concrete leadership to confront the scourge of insecurity which overwhelms the entire population. We urge the authorities to implement all necessary measures to restore order and security in the country in order to avoid this looming bloody humanitarian tragedy."

IH/ iciHaiti