Another foreign intervention will not solve the crisis in Haiti
Al JazeeraApr 26
Haiti Gang Reportedly Kills 184 People Over Witchcraft Accusation
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Above: A boy sits on a wooden cart at the wharf of Cite Soleil in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on July 30, 2019. Image copyright: CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Image
The Facts
At least 184 people, including 127 elderly residents, were killed between Dec. 6-8 in the Wharf Jérémie neighborhood of Cité Soleil, Port-au-Prince, following accusations of witchcraft leading to the death of a gang leader's son.
The deaths were allegedly orchestrated by gang leader Jean Monel Felix, known as "King Micanor," who was reportedly advised by a voodoo priest that the elderly were causing his child's illness, according to the National Human Rights Defense Network (RNDDH).
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
The global community continues to do little to resolve Haiti's ongoing crisis. Humanitarian workers are doing their best amid attempts by a Kenyan-led security mission to secure peace and stop the gangs, but their operations are underfunded and understaffed with little sign of urgency from external observers to find a solution. The world must step up in its response if the global community is to see an end to this tragedy.
Pro-establishment narrative
History has repeatedly shown that foreign intervention is not a credible long-term solution to Haiti's troubles. Although the situation is dire, the Haitian people must be the ones to find a solution. The international community should continue to offer vital humanitarian assistance and support local communities while acknowledging that outside political interference will not solve internal division.
