Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry yesterday made a call for “calm and reconciliation” in his country, overwhelmed by a deep economic and social crisis that has led to violent daily clashes, whose background continues to be the struggle for political power in that country. country.
Meanwhile, in France, the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs expressed concern about the escalation of violence in that country and called for a “sincere” dialogue to “return to constitutional order.”
Also, in New York, the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, expressed his “deep concern” about the escalation of the crisis.
The Ariel Henry message took place yesterday, Monday, the 264th anniversary of the birth of Jean-Jacques Dessalines, the leader of the Haitian revolution who proclaimed the country’s independence on January 1, 1804 and became its first ruler.
Henry defined Dessalines as “an immortal hero who changed the course of the history of the black race.”
“I take advantage of this day to launch a solemn appeal for calm and reconciliation in our nation, today divided,” said Henry, asking to put aside “our differences so that together, hand in hand, we can change our destiny.”
Even though Dessalines was the father of the Haitian homeland, yesterday passed practically unnoticed. The protest efforts seem to have clouded the date, of which there was little reference.
This was so shocking that, after learning about the mention made by the president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, the Haiti 24 portal lamented writing that “if the Venezuelan authorities did not let the day pass in silence, the Haitian women took practically no initiative to commemorate this date.
Meanwhile, from France, the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs expressed concern about the escalation of violence in Haiti and called for a sincere dialogue to “return to constitutional order.”
“France is particularly concerned about the escalation of violence in Haiti and strongly condemns the attacks on people, the roadblocks and the looting committed in recent days in Port-au-Prince and throughout the country”, indicates the French Ministry. .
He urged all Haitian political actors to find, through sincere dialogue, an “agreement that allows consensus to be established on the organization of democratic elections for the return to constitutional order.”
“France wishes to reaffirm its solidarity with the Haitian people, victim of the alarming deterioration of the humanitarian, political and security context in the country,” it adds, indicating that it continues to work “to mobilize the international community to provide Haitians with all the necessary assistance. ”.
Guterres and the UN
Meanwhile, in New York, the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, expressed his “deep concern” about the current situation in Haiti, where civil unrest has paralyzed that country.
During an interview with Radio France Internationale and France 24, published by the Miami Herald newspaper, Guterres said he was concerned about the safety of all Haitians, including the most vulnerable, and called for “calm and maximum moderation” from all actors. .
He also urged all parties concerned to take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation, prevent violence, and allow the Haitian National Police to fulfill its mandate to protect the population.
Guterres believes that gang activity is not a political movement, although he acknowledges that it is infiltrated by political and economic actors.
by force of machetes
Haitians invaded an office of the NGO Acted, in Rochasse, carrying mattresses, refrigerators, televisions, and five motorcycles.
The premises of this and other foreign entities were also attacked and robbed. Hooded, machetes in hand, they wreaked havoc in Leogane city and set fire to the premises of the Unibank bank branch, taking furniture, batteries, computers, televisions and firearms.
Details
Stops and blockages.
Yesterday there was a stoppage of activities in the Haitian capital. Many streets remained blocked and public and private institutions limited their operations.
A week after the start of the protests against the Government’s measure to raise the price of fuel, there are no signs that Haiti can have a respite, due to the turmoil.
In Delmas, public and many private institutions closed their doors. Road sections were blocked. The road to Nazón is in the same situation, with a total blockade to the circulation of vehicles.