Condemnation of recent gang violence in Haiti and call for international support

Haiti is currently facing a devastating wave of gang violence, highlighted by the recent
massacre perpetrated by the Gran Grif gang, which resulted in the deaths of at least 70
innocent civilians, including women and children, in the town of Pont Sonde. This brutal
act is not merely an attack on individual lives but a grave assault on the dignity and
humanity of the Haitian nation as a whole.
As the Chief Executive Officer of the Africa4Haiti Initiative, I express my deepest
condolences to the families affected by this heinous violence. It is imperative that the
international community recognizes the urgent need for support to restore security and
stability in Haiti. The ongoing conflict has claimed over 3,500 lives since January alone,
underscoring the necessity for coordinated action against gang violence.
The Africa4Haiti Initiative is an international peace movement dedicated to fostering
dialogue, peace, and rehabilitation for the youth in Haiti, who are often caught in the
crossfire of gang-related violence. We have been actively undertaking activities in Kenya
aimed at raising awareness about the ongoing crisis in Haiti and garnering support for
the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. Through community engagement,
educational initiatives, and advocacy efforts, we aim to mobilize resources and
attention to the dire situation in Haiti.
We give thanks to the support we have received in kind from the Government of Kenya
through the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs. We take cognisance to the
International and Diplomatic Community in Kenya for the morale and continued
constructive engagements. Africa4Haiti Initiative is proudly glad to be working closely
in partnership with the State Department for Foreign Affairs under the leadership of Dr.
A. Korir Sing’Oei.
We call upon governments, international organizations, and civil society to unite in
support of Haiti. This support can take various forms, including humanitarian aid,
security assistance, and advocacy for the Haitian people’s right to live free from fear and
violence. Specifically, we urge the international community to:

1. Increase Financial Commitments: Respond to the appeals for increased
   financial support to the UN Trust Fund for the MSS mission to ensure its long
   term sustainability.
2. Support for Humanitarian Initiatives: Prioritize funding for humanitarian efforts
   that address immediate needs, such as food security, healthcare, and
   education.
3. Promote International Cooperation: Create a coordinated response plan that
   aligns security missions with humanitarian and development goals.
4. Transformation to a Peacekeeping Mission: Consider transitioning the current
   security mission into a more sustainable UN peacekeeping operation to enable
   stable funding mechanisms and expand capabilities.
5. Regular Updates and Accountability: Mandate regular progress reports from
   mission leadership to ensure transparency and accountability.
6. Engagement with Local Communities: Engage with local communities to better
   understand their needs and tailor interventions accordingly.
   By implementing these recommendations, the international community can help
   stabilize Haiti and pave the way for sustainable development and recovery.
   We urge all stakeholders to act decisively and with compassion, ensuring that the
   voices of the Haitian people are heard and prioritized in discussions surrounding peace
   and security in the region.
   For media inquiries, please contact: 0705 227 255