Haiti Gang Leader Killed As Transition Council Nears Completion

 In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• Escalating violence in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, amid political transitions: Gang leader killed in shootout, complicating efforts to establish a transitional council.

• United Nations expresses optimism over progress in forming the council, but ongoing conflict underscores the urgent need for international intervention to stabilize the situation and protect civilians.

Police Moving Through the City of Port-au-Prince

Violence erupted in Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital, on Thursday amidst ongoing political maneuvers towards establishing a transition council to govern in lieu of an absent administration. The escalation included a fatal shootout, claiming the life of another gang leader.

Ernst Julme, alias Ti Greg, head of the Delmas 95 gang, met his demise in a police operation, following the recent demise of another gang leader, signaling a resurgence in vigilante justice movements. 

Julme's affiliation with Jimmy "Barbeque" Cherizier's "Viv Ansanm" alliance signifies a setback for gang efforts to extend their influence in the city, particularly given Julme's recent escape from Haiti's largest prison during a mass jailbreak.

Read Also:

Health CS Susan Nakhumicha Makes U-Turn on Posting of Intern Doctors

Man Who Kidnapped, Raped And Murdered Ex-Girlfriend Put To Death

Another Arrest Warrant Issued Against Ex-Nairobi PC Davis Chelogoi In Ksh.1.3B Land Case

In a parallel development, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed contentment over reports indicating progress in the formation of a transitional council tasked with assuming presidential responsibilities until forthcoming elections. 

This council, intended to bridge Haiti's political divides, will be responsible for appointing a successor to de facto Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who resigned amidst escalating gang violence hindering his return to the country.

The transitional plan, facilitated in Jamaica by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) alongside representatives from Haiti's government and opposition, encountered hurdles as certain political factions struggled to nominate unified representatives. 

While initial opposition and criticisms surfaced, efforts to finalize the nine-member council persisted.

Meanwhile, violence continued to plague the suburbs of Port-au-Prince, with reports of gunfire near the National Palace and fresh shootings in Petion-Ville. 

Instances of suspected gang members being killed and targeted by vigilante groups underscored the absence of effective state intervention amidst escalating conflict.

Plans for an international security mission, requested by Henry in 2022, remain in limbo, leaving the Haitian population vulnerable to the expanding influence of heavily armed criminal groups. 

The U.N. reiterated the necessity for swift international intervention to stabilize the political and security landscape, emphasizing the imperative to protect civilians and restore democratic institutions.

Read Also:

Woman Dies In An Accident Along The Kericho-Nakuru Highway

Bongo Comedian Mzee Mjegeje, Famous for the 'Kata Simu, Tupo Site' Line, Dies in Hospital

Amidst growing insecurity, international entities and embassies have initiated evacuation efforts, airlifting staff and foreigners via helicopter due to security concerns at Haiti's main airport. 

The U.S. government, in particular, facilitated the departure of its citizens from Haiti to Miami and the Dominican Republic in response to escalating tensions and violence.