Haiti’s Recent Upheavals: A Few Key Causes

The recent upheavals in Haiti stem from a combination of political instability, economic crisis, and gang violence that has plagued the country. Here are some of the key factors:

1.      Political vacuum: Haiti has been without an elected president since Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in July 2021. This political vacuum has exacerbated governance and security challenges.

2.      Gang violence: Powerful criminal gangs have taken control of large parts of the capital Port-au-Prince and other areas, terrorizing civilians, blockading fuel supplies, and challenging the authority of the interim government.

3.      Economic crisis: Haiti's economy has been crippled by gang blockades that have prevented the distribution of fuel and basic goods. This has led to shortages, sky-high prices, and hardship for most Haitians.

4.      Protests and unrest: The dire conditions have sparked widespread protests demanding the resignation of the interim prime minister and a resolution to the gang crisis. Clashes between protesters and police have turned violent at times.

5.      Cholera outbreak: The chaos has created conditions for a new cholera outbreak to take hold, placing additional strain on Haiti's fragile healthcare system.

6.      Constitutional crisis: Parliament's term expired in early 2020, leaving the country with a democratic vacuum and unable to schedule overdue elections.

The crisis has led to tens of thousands fleeing Haiti, seeking refuge in neighboring countries and the United States. International efforts to broker a political solution and restore order have had limited success. The book Out of Quisqueya from Trials in Haiti to Triumphs in America delves deeply and historically into some seemingly perennial issues affecting Haiti that refuse to go away.

Contact the author for any information or request at drsyverain@outlook.com

Milliardaire Syverain, M.D