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Even as the gangs extend their control under the passivity of this government, let us continue to erect a wall of solidarity, love and resources around our brothers and sisters in Matisan, Bele, lower Delma and Lasalin.
Since early June, there has been increased clashes between gangs throughout Port -au-Prince, more specifically Martissant-Fontamara, au Bel Air, au bas de Delmas (2,4, 6) et à La Saline. The Gran Ravin gang moved on Matisan to gain territory, killing, pillaging and burning houses, sending thousands from their homes. This violence left many to sleep in the street in the middle of the rainy season in early June, for those who do not have friends and family to receive them.
The Haitian government who had previously announced that gangs had agreed to stop kidnappings for two months, was silent for four whole days. Eventually, they only produced a pathetic press conference by the Prime Minister and Police Chief where they claimed to have held three meetings in 72 hours and taken a stroll through Matisan to demonstrate that things were under control. During this press conference, no summary of the loss of life and the people hurt was given, nor an estimate of the folks displaced, or what the government aimed to do to help them.
We always hope that the government will step up and at least attempt to meet its end of the social contract in moments like these. But in the meantime, even as we ask the government to act, as always, Haitians have been taking care of each other. There is no need to explain to Haitians the merits of mutual aid. We have been surviving on mutual aid since before there was a term for it. In the place of a dysfunctional social protection apparatus that serves few and is further crippled by state capture, Haitians have erected a set of social protection practices anchored in institutions like the lakou and our values of konbit. Friends and family have been taking in their loved ones from Matisan. Early on, someone opened up a space near the beach to offer temporary shelter and another provided buses to transport people there. On June 6th, Radio Lumiere, the most popular evangelical radio station, held a show mobilizing the churches in Kafou and prominent private sector actors called on their peers to give.
Admittedly, because of its proximity to Matisan, Kafou has been receiving the bulk of those displaced and the local authorities did not have the luxury of not responding. The Mayor of Kafou in coordination with Pwoteksyon Sivil Kafou and a number of churches in an interview on Majik 9 explained that they are taking care of over 500 people in the Sant Espotif nan Kafou on June 7th. They are also helping people who want to go home throughout the country to do so. As of 10 June, the Sant Kafou was housing over 1000 people.
The gang crisis in Haiti is one that is complex, exacerbated by foreign interference, irresponsible NGOs and reinforced by a legal bandit PHTK form of governance. Only structural change brought by a new political class will address the root causes. There is constant debate over whether regular citizens should demand the government take action or whether we should share our own resources in such moments of humanitarian crisis. Scholars analyze this tension by breaking down the various roles the civil society often plays: supplementing, complementing or pushing the state. Times like these remind us that we must do all.
The situation is dire, and while the government refuses to act we have a duty to help our neighbours. Even as the gangs extend their control under the passivity of this government, let us continue to erect a wall of solidarity, love and resources around our brothers and sisters in Matisan, Bele, lower Delma and Lasalin.
Here are a few ways you can help those displaced by the gang violence in Haiti. We will add to this list as more efforts come to our attention.
Kay trans, a home for LGBT youth has seen an increase in applications to their shelter. With your help, they can begin to take in and support even more displaced LGBT youth in Haiti. – https://gofund.me/b1a9c5bc
Nou Pap Dòmi, an activist group in Haiti, is raising funds to provide support and essentials to families displaced because of violence in Martissant. You can support by donating here: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/quixote-center-inc/emergency-support-for-martissant-haiti
