Haitian Prime Minister Joseph Jouthe was shocked on Monday by the sudden rise in kidnappings in the country, while calling the abduction of 12 people over the weekend a “catastrophe” the magnitude of an “earthquake”.
During a press conference, the leader said that “yesterday was a dark day for the entire Haitian population. Twelve people were abducted.”
“We have realized that all segments of the population are victims,” he said, expressing his sympathy for the Catholic Church, Protestants and all religious victims of the crime, while denouncing the lack of respect it has produced in recent years. or to the religious.
Police have been instructed to identify where the kidnappers are hiding their victims in order to release them unconditionally and without delay, the official said, adding that authorities should bring down the criminals.
A call to combat insecurity
“Hence the need for me to launch a vibrant appeal to all segments of the population, to the entire Haitian civil society, to organized groups, to those who practice religion, to those who do politics … power as in opposition, I extend my hand to them to come and reflect together to find out what we will do with the country that reaches this level, “Jouthe said.
The Haitian prime minister has called for a common front between all sectors of national life to fight growing insecurity in the country, marked in particular by the proliferation of kidnappings, massacres and armed gang attacks.
“This appeal that I make to all sectors of national life is not a political appeal … I am addressing you, the political parties, the chambers of commerce, the cults (Catholics, Protestants …) I ask for your help and support. I don’t know anyone who is not a victim of insecurity in Haiti, “he said.
With this call, the second president of the Caribbean nation says he wants to talk to these sectors: “We need to sit down and discuss security. Stress is enough to kill the entire population,” he said.
In addition, he acknowledged that the Haitian government has some areas that are neglected in the face of criminal activity and, although the Ministry of Justice is working to increase the number of troops, they are 15,000, when it should be 25,000.
This means that “the police are not present in every corner of the Republic.” “We are not satisfied with our performance in government and at the police level. The government is aware of the situation.”
The abduction is targeted
The available information “makes us believe that the abduction is targeted,” said the prime minister, who assured that the authorities are still looking for more information to determine who the real culprits are.
“Yesterday a great catastrophe took place. It was like an earthquake that took place at Galette Chambon in Ganthier. (…) It is the foundations of the country, the foundations of Haitian society, that are collapsing,” Jouthe complained.
At least 10 people, including seven Catholic nuns, were abducted on Sunday morning in Galette Chambon by an armed group known as the “400 Mawozo” base, which terrorizes the area, about 20 kilometers from Port-au-Prince, some with years ago.
Among the victims were two French citizens traveling with the rest of the group in a convoy that was to install a new priest when they were ambushed by kidnappers, demanding a million dollars in exchange for their release.
Violence, kidnappings and attacks by armed gangs have increased dramatically in the country recently, while authorities have focused on holding a referendum to amend the constitution, scheduled for June, as well as the presidential and legislative elections scheduled for September.