No doubt you have heard about the recent kidnapping of 17 Christian missionaries in Haiti, all of whom as of this writing are still being held in captivity for ransom by 400 Mawozo, one of Haiti’s largest gangs. Sixteen Americans, including children, and one Canadian were taken in Croix-des-Bouquet on their way from the orphanage they were visiting to the airport. Many of the missionaries were from Ohio, and Healing Art Missions’ Dumay clinic is just five miles from Croix-des-Bouquet. This recent act of violence hits close to home for us in the U.S. and Haiti. But if we take a step back and look at this horrific incident within the larger sociopolitical environment in Haiti, it can help provide some much-needed context.
According to the Center for Analysis and Research in Human Rights in Port-au-Prince, there were at least 395 kidnappings in the first six months of 2021, up from 88 during the first six months of 2020. Following the assassination of Haiti’s president, Jovenel Moïse in July, kidnappings jumped to 73 in August and 117 in September. These numbers are likely well undercounted as many gangs are simply paid off and their crime not reported. But almost all the victims have been Haitian citizens, and a few Haitian-Americans, until the 17 missionaries were abducted on October 16th. Furthermore, Haitians being kidnapped are not just the wealthy or from the professional class, but include Haitians barely surviving these turbulent times. Haiti is now the kidnapping capitol of the world.
The fact is, daily life in Haiti includes the fear of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Gangs rule much of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and have been expanding their control to surrounding areas and other large cities. On top of the Gang threats, the Haitian population must contend with the daily anxiety of Covid, with < 1% who have received at least one shot, fallout from the recent earthquake, increasing food insecurity, and gas shortages. Businesses and hospitals are closing, leading to layoffs and lack of healthcare, because of the lack of fuel for the generators needed since the national electric grid rarely functions. Fortunately for the community of Dumay, Dr Jacques was able to obtain COVID vaccines for the entire staff in August, and the clinic runs off of solar power, not a generator.
It is important to note that under presidents Obama, Trump and now Biden, the U.S. State Department firmly supported the election and governance of both Haitian carnival singer Michel Martelly and his political protegee Jovenel Moïse over the past decade. Both were elected with less than 20% of the electorate voting in heavily contested elections, and there has since been definitive proof of extreme corruption during their administrations while ever increasing lawlessness and gang violence dominated the streets. Yet the U.S. Government chose to fully support these leaders, that is until Moïse was assassinated.
And we shouldn’t forget that over the past few months, the U.S. Government has sent thousands of Haitian migrants trying to escape the poverty and violence of their own country, back to Port-au-Prince and potentially into the hands of the gangs.
In contrast to long failed US policies toward Haiti, is the grass roots Commission for a Haitian Solution to the Crisis. It was formed before the assassination of President Moise, to move Haiti toward Democratic elections and an honest government. The solution for Haiti’s problems can and should come from Haiti people, with all of our support.