OAS: Country needs help ahead of elections

PORT-AU-PRINCE (AP):

Albert Ramdin, secretary-general of the Organization of American States (OAS), has said Haiti needs help combating gangs and reclaiming territory as it prepares to hold general elections for the first time in more than a decade.

Ramdin made the remarks as he concluded a visit to the troubled Caribbean nation, where he met with the prime minister and other officials.

He said the new UN-backed gang suppression force needs more personnel, equipment and funding.

“The efforts of the (force) are essential to improving security and public safety, and to creating the conditions for a safe electoral process,” he said. “Progress must be visible and measurable as soon as possible.”

Ramdin said the priorities are securing the main route to the country's international airport, ensuring continued access to the airport and seaport, and restoring safe passage to Haiti's southern region. Gangs currently control the main routes leading into and out of the capital.

He also called on Haiti to accelerate voter registration and identification efforts ahead of the December 13 general election. Haiti has not had a president since Jovenel Moïse was killed at his private residence in July 2021. Since then, gang violence has surged, displacing a record 1.5 million people.

On Tuesday, the OAS and Japan signed an agreement providing Haiti with a US$3-million grant to support voter registration efforts.

The funding will help Haiti's government update voter lists and procure 350,000 blank identification cards, the OAS said in a statement.

The OAS said the grant would also help reduce the backlog of Haitians awaiting identification, expand services in rural communities, and improve electricity and Internet connectivity at decentralised offices.

Meanwhile, Ramdin pledged to continue “mobilising political, technical and financial support” for the Caribbean country.

He said the OAS would work with the Pan American Health Organization to establish trauma centres to treat injured Haitian police officers as they continue efforts to push back against gangs that control an estimated 70 per cent of Port-au-Prince and large areas beyond the capital.

Ramdin also said he plans to convene a delegation of business leaders to discuss potential investment projects in Haiti, where poverty, hunger and unemployment are worsening.

“Haiti is at a decisive point,” he said. “The future of Haiti belongs first and foremost to the Haitian people. But the international community also has responsibilities.”