Gangs seize UNICEF Aid in Haiti, Port-au-Prince on brink of collapse

UNICEF reported the robbery of one of their aid containers carrying supplies including survival essentials for newborn babies and maternal care, by armed gangs at Haiti’s main port in the capital Port-au-Prince on Saturday.

One of the seventeen containers was looted early morning on Saturday at the main port, the container is said to have carried equipment like resuscitators and essential supplies for neonatal infant and maternal care as well aids for child development, few water equipment and educational supplies. Last week armed groups broke into the city and began ransacking locations holding essential supplies, placing the city in an even more hostile situation. UNICEF has stated that parts of capital, Port-Au-Prince are facing extreme hunger and cases of malnutrition in women and children have become a major concern, so much so that 1 out of 4 women and children are facing a lack of healthcare and nutrition.

As per UNICEF only two of the surgical facilities are operational in the state, causing havoc in the healthcare sector. Human rights groups have shed light on widespread killings and sexual violence. Haiti has been in a constant state of humanitarian crisis since 7th of March as law enforcement failed to cull gang violence.

The armed groups have demanded PM Ariel Henry’s resignation, owing to the fact that he is an unelected leader who came to power after the assassination of his predecessor. PM Henry has assured the nation that he will step down once the transitional government gets in power.

In such circumstances the aid from UNICEF would have been a big relief to the people trapped in the unstable and harsh capital city. Robbery in such hostile conditions can prove to be a discouraging stimuli for the city as well as the United Nations.

Bruno Maes, the UNICEF representative in Haiti, expressed his regret regarding the theft, which took place when the city was in dire needs of aid and appealed that any such looting should be immediately stopped and humanitarian access must be protected and preserved.

According to the police, they have seized firearms and cleared roadblocks in the capital which has been attacked by the notorious gang leader, Jimmy ‘Barbecue’ Cherizier. The operations have left several criminals dead or wounded.

Amidst the turmoil, the American military has increased security at the American Embassy and has announced that it will provide few charter planes for the American citizens from Cap-Haitien, only under the circumstances that the citizens have safe access to Cap-Haitien.

The main airports of Haiti are still non-functional due to the gang violence. The shutdown of the major institutions like travel and healthcare facilities has bought the state to the brink of collapse.

Ushering in a transitional government seems to be the only ray of hope for Haitians and its establishment is supported by CARICOM, UN and the United States.