Haiti’s Descent into Crisis: A Forgotten Tragedy in the Americas
The recent kidnapping and subsequent release of U.S. nurse Alix Dorsainvil and her young daughter in Haiti has briefly shone a light on the crime problem in the impoverished Caribbean nation. However, such kidnappings are all too common for Haitians, often going unnoticed by the international community. As Haiti continues to slide into chaos, there is a growing concern that the lack of action by countries in the Americas could lead to the country becoming a failed state.
Haiti has been in a state of turmoil for the past two years, starting with the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021. The situation worsened with a devastating earthquake that struck the southern part of the country. Today, Haiti is not only the poorest nation in the Americas but also one of the most destitute in the world. The majority of the population lives in poverty, with a significant portion in extreme poverty. Crime is rampant, making it dangerous to travel between cities due to the control of criminal gangs.
Despite pleas from Haiti and the United Nations, the international community has largely turned a blind eye to the crisis. The slow response from regional bodies such as the Organization of American States, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, and the Caribbean Community has been strongly criticized. The United States, having recently withdrawn from Afghanistan, is reluctant to send troops anywhere and prefers other nations to take the lead in peacekeeping efforts.
There is a perception that past interventions in Haiti have been unsuccessful and even counterproductive, leading to the idea that Haiti has become an aid state dependent on foreign intervention. While it is true that previous interventions have had their shortcomings, it is wishful thinking to believe that Haiti, in its current state, can lift itself up without international support. The country is in the grip of criminal gangs, and the Haitian state itself lacks the capacity to address the crisis.
The international community does bear some responsibility for the plight of Haiti. Historical actions, such as France exacting reparations from Haiti for its independence and the United States occupying the country, have contributed to its current state. The destruction of Haiti’s rice production due to pressure from the United States in the 1990s is another example. Today, Haiti relies on rice imports, but there is not enough to feed the population.
There is an argument to be made that the international community has a duty to intervene and help fix Haiti. However, any new intervention must be conducted in close cooperation with Haitian civil society to avoid past pitfalls. While some may argue against intervention based on past failures, the consequences of inaction are dire. Allowing a country in the Americas to become a failed state controlled by criminal gangs poses a significant humanitarian and regional security risk.
In conclusion, Haiti’s descent into crisis continues to be overlooked by the international community. The failure of countries in the Americas to take action could have severe consequences, pushing Haiti further towards becoming a failed state. While past interventions have had their challenges, it is crucial to find a way to support Haiti and prevent further suffering. The current crisis demands a coordinated and compassionate response from the international community.
