Haiti Roundup: Jail break, improved security efforts, Suriname pledges support

Police force tackle escalating violence

Haiti's police are struggling to contain the escalating violence from armed gangs, with the police chief's house being attacked and key institutions threatened. The police, though outnumbered and outgunned, have gained newfound respect among some Haitians and have managed to defend government buildings. Help from a multinational force led by Kenya has been delayed, leaving the police to continue battling the gangs on their own. The police force is understaffed and lacks proper equipment, but has shown resilience in the face of significant challenges, The Irish Times reports.

Jailbreak leads to death of inmates

A jailbreak in northern Haiti led to four inmates dead and two at large. Gang violence in the country has led to over 4,600 inmates escaping from prisons. The escapees were considered dangerous and the city was put on lockdown to recapture them. The escape was reportedly due to negligence, and an investigation is underway. According to First Post, the country has been politically unstable for decades, with recent gang attacks leading to widespread chaos.

Increased security efforts for Haiti

Preparations are underway for a multinational security force to stabilize Haiti, where gangs have caused a humanitarian crisis. U.S. military planes and civilian contractors have begun arriving in Haiti, with Kenya leading the seven-nation security mission. The New York Times reports that deployment, estimated to cost $600 million, is urgent due to the worsening security situation and hunger crisis in Haiti. The exact deployment date has not been announced, but efforts are being made to advance the goal of providing greater security for the Haitian people.

Suriname pledges support for Haiti

Suriname is sending troops to aid Haiti, citing an urgent need for assistance in the country. President Santokhi emphasized the need for a multi-tiered approach to support, including international, regional, and bilateral cooperation. According to the Caribbean National Weekly, Suriname is actively preparing personnel for deployment and emphasizing training and readiness for the mission. Haiti struggles with political instability, gang violence, and social unrest, but aims to establish a transitional council to facilitate democratic elections by 2025 for stability and a prosperous future.

Heavy rains cause floods

Heavy rains in Haiti have killed at least 17 people and flooded thousands of homes, particularly in the northern region. The country is already facing economic and security challenges, making the situation more difficult for residents, Democracy Now reports.