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May 2, 2024
Dear Daniel,
It's Not Getting Any Easier
The criminal gang activity continues to paralyze Haiti, with an estimated 80% of Port-au-Prince under the control of gangs. The airport and seaport in Port-au-Prince remain closed, affecting the whole country. There are constant clashes between gangs and the National Police, with the gangs often getting the upper hand. Commerce and life in general has ground to a halt.
People Run for Their Lives
All of this fighting has caused many people to run for their lives, seeking safety. Even though Port-au-Prince is in the south, and Cap-Haitien where we work is in the north, it affects everyone. A pastor friend recently told us "there are a lot of displaced people from Port-au-Prince in Cap-Haitien because of gang violence in the capital city. We have some new members in the church that came from Port-au-Prince. Some came with nothing. They just leave to save their lives."
The photo shows a view of Cap-Haitien. It is already under stress from over crowding and limited infrastructure. You can imagine how a stream of new people coming empty-handed causes more stress. Even the clinic is seeing fewer patients lately due to the misery. In many cases people aren't even seeking their own welfare when they are sick.
Praying for Change
We ask you to keep praying for divine intervention. There is a Presidential Transition Council that appointed an interim Prime Minister with an eye to elections and inauguration of an elected President in February 2026. Even within this council there is dissent over the appointment of the interim Prime Minister.
It is possible that the so-called Multinational Security Support Mission led by Kenya and under guidance of the UN will begin deployment at the end of May. The objective is to bolster the National Police to gain control over the gangs and restore order. This mission has been much delayed for various reasons, but perhaps they will be able to bring relief to the people soon.
The Haitian people are very resilient and are no strangers to profound misery. Please continue to remember them as you pray. They need a chance to catch their breath.
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