The MINUSTAH JOTC reported on May 25th (this is the formal report stemming from the Flash Report we posted two days ago) that,
The overall security situation in Haiti has become volatile, with sporadic anti-government demonstrations by the political opposition. A recent rekindling of criminal violence has also provoked renewed concerns. On 24 May, five demonstrations were reported. In the first, in Gonaïves, a demonstration organized by teachers from ‘l’Association des Educateurs de Dessalines’ demanded the recognition of the education system in Marchand Dessalines locality by the Government. A second, in Pétion-Ville, brought together around 100 persons calling on government to create jobs. In Petit Goâve, the third action consisted of a street march by about 100 people demanding the departure of the president. The fourth, also in Petit Goâve in the downtown area, comprised approximately 300 IDPs protesting against alleged government inaction to address their problems related to living conditions, lack of food and sanitation. The fifth and most serious demonstration of the day occurred chiefly in front of the National Palace, drawing students from the Ethnology University and IDPs from the camp on the Champ de Mars. At 1615 hours students began protesting after an action by MINUSTAH and HNP/CIMO (Compagnie d’intervention pour le maintien de l'ordre) resulted in the arrest of a student inside the university. The students initially pelted the MINUSTAH and HNP/CIMO forces with stones. When the MINUSTAH troops were able to exit, the HNP and CIMO were surrounded by the students and the CIMO used tear gas to disperse them. Afterward the students marched toward the National Palace and began to complain about action by the MINUSTAH and HNP forces. About 2,500 IDPs from the nearby Champ de Mars joined the students, expanding the protest to decry their poor living conditions including the lack of food, water and sanitation. This demonstration ended at 2100hours. Today a few students burned tires in front of the university. After learning that the detained student had been released this demonstration broke up and the situation returned to calm. At 1130 hours however in downtown Port-au-Prince, an UNPOL car was pelted with stones. No injuries were reported but the vehicle sustained some damage. It was not possible to determine whether this incident was specifically related to the earlier confrontations. On 24 May in Gonaïves, a 62 year-old male was arrested for raping a pregnant 18-year-old woman. In the same city unknown individuals painted walls with anti-government slogans using faecal matter. Also yesterday two fatal gunshots fired from suspects riding motorcycles were reported. In the first, in Cité Soleil at 1300 hours, two armed assailants on a motorcycle fired gunshots at a man and a woman in a vehicle, mortally wounding the woman. Her male companion was identified as an alleged gang member. In the second slaying, in Croix des Bouquets at 1700 hours, two armed suspects on a motorcycle fired upon and killed an identified 30 year-old man. In both murders the perpetrators fled the scene, while respective police investigations continue. Today two kidnappings have been reported. On 21 May in Port-au-Prince, unknown abductors kidnapped a one-year-old girl from her parents’ house. Further details were unavailable. In the second abduction on 23 May in Port-de-Paix, a four-year-old boy was kidnapped by persons unknown. The victim is the son of the pastor of the ‘Paie mes Brebis' Church. Today at 1000 hours the pastor received a call demanding a ransom of US$20,000, as well as 150,000 Haitian gourds. In both kidnappings, investigations have been opened. Today three peaceful anti-government demonstrations were reported in the Fort National area, in Pétion-Ville and in Place Jérémie Cadet. Each demonstration involved between 50 and 100 people who voiced political opposition to government. It was confirmed that these demonstrations had been organized by the Fanmi Lavalas party of former President Aristide.
On May 27th, MINUSTAH JOTC reports that,
The overall security situation in Haiti has become volatile, but joint operations, deterrence and operational presence have so far proved successful. In addition, the security environment continues to be marked by a low, but constant, level of criminal activity.
The local population in the North Department attacked and looted a private truck loaded with sugar in the Carrefour Samari area. A Nepalese FPU patrol responded to the scene and used tear gas to disperse the crowd without further incident. In the same department, a group from the local population threw stones and bottles at an escorted WFP humanitarian aid convoy near the Bonet Dugal warehouse. No further incidents were reported. In Gonaïves an identified man fatally shot another 30-year-old man in the head. The suspect then fled the scene. The same day, also in Gonaïves, a joint HNP-UDMO (departmental public order unit) patrol stopped a black Cherokee vehicle driven by an HNP officer. One of the four passengers, a 40-year-old male, had his hands tied and his mouth covered. The driver explained that he had arrested the detainee but could not produce the arrest warrant. All four passengers were transported to the police station for further investigation. In Jacmel yesterday a traffic accident took place involving a WFP truck. The vehicle rolled back and slightly injured a 24-year-old pedestrian who was taken to hospital. An investigation was opened. According to the last UNPOL report on developments in IDP camps, three identified individuals have made death threats against IOM staff during the distribution of humanitarian aid cards in the Ressource-Carrefour Vert Camp in Léogâne. The suspects also threatened to set fire to the camp at night but fled the scene soon after. MINUSTAH Police and HNP officers responded to the scene and monitored the situation.
And this came in from one of the HEAS NGO partners:
Just got off the phone with the owner of an import business. One of his vehicles was also stoned yesterday as it passed through Champs Mars. His vehice was transporting 3 blan and was specifically targeted. Two cars in front with Haitians passed unharmed. Young men are using the tents for cover and launching projectiles before retreating into the camp. Appearances are that it is intended to send a message rather than something more nefarious. Also, people should avoid passing through Carrefour in loaded pickup trucks. Local residents have mastered the art of emptying them at the choke points often without the driver becoming aware before it is too late. These are portents of things to come if the situation remains unchecked. My teams have been working in the countryside and I am considering moving them out of Port for the duration. For now I am declaring Champs Mars to be a red zone for our program.
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