The USA warns about corruption in Haiti during the crisis

• The USA has identified attempts to undermine the stabilization of Haiti.
• The political situation remains unstable due to banditry.
• The UN reports thousands of victims of violence in Haiti.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — US representatives announced on Friday that they are aware of "reported attempts to undermine" stabilization efforts in Haiti, which has led to a worsening of the ongoing crisis in the country.

This information was published on the social media X post by the USA in Haiti and the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs.

Officials did not provide detailed information, but noted that they support members of the transitional presidential council of Haiti in their efforts to combat corruption and cooperate with the previous prime minister for stabilizing the situation in the country.

"We are committed to accountability for anyone attempting to undermine this cooperation," it stated in the posted message.

This statement was made against the backdrop of internal conflicts in the council, which threaten its stability, as well as the control of gangs that occupy up to 90% of the territory of the capital Port-au-Prince and central areas of Haiti.

Council members did not respond to requests for comment. The US State Department and the office of the prime minister of Haiti also did not react.

Social media users criticized this statement, accusing some council members of corruption.

In July of last year, the anti-corruption unit of Haiti accused three council members of corruption and ties with the National Credit Bank. None of them were charged, and council members remained in their positions.

The political stability of Haiti has remained fragile since the attack on powerful bandit federation "Viv Ansanm," which began an assault on the critical infrastructure of the country, including police departments and the international airport, which closed for almost three months.

These attacks have forced former prime minister Ariel Henry to return to Haiti. He recently submitted a resignation request, not having been able to return after an official visit to Kenya for discussions on the mission of the UN, in which police from this region of East Africa will participate in the fight against banditry.

The council is under pressure to hold general elections in February 2026, although previous elections have been delayed for almost a decade. The election date has not yet been specified.

The council was created in April 2024 under the conditions of international support for restoring the government of Haiti after the resignation of Henry. Political stability remains elusive, especially since last year three prime ministers were appointed.

At that time, violence from gangs continues to escalate after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021.

In the report, published on Friday, it was noted that from April to the end of June, approximately 1,520 people were killed, and more than 600 received injuries. More than 80% of these incidents occurred in Port-au-Prince, and about 20% — in the central region of Haiti.

More than 60% of murders and injuries occurred during operations of security forces against gangs, while 12% were associated with self-defense groups.

According to the report's data, Johnson Andre, known as "Izo" and considered the most influential gang leader in Haiti, received injuries as a result of drone strikes, as did gang leader Renel Destin, known as "Ti Lapli" and leading the Grand Ravine gang.

From April to June, more than 400 buildings and other properties, including schools and medical facilities, "were damaged, burned, or destroyed by gangs," the report noted.

Violence from gangs has also led to the displacement of more than 1.3 million people in recent years.

Tags: USA/Politics/Crime