P-to-P, April 26, 2024 [AlterPresse] — The self-defense movements of communities, notably that of Canapé Vert (Port-au-Prince), constitute an alternative model to be consolidated, encourages university professor and specialist in international relations, Hancy Pierre, in a special interview granted to the AlterPresse/AlterRadio platform.
A new alternative city plan is taking shape within the metropolitan area of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
This new model began in Canapé Vert, Turgeau, Pacot (Port-au-Prince), part of Carrefour Feuilles (south-eastern suburbs of Port-au-Prince), with the evolution of self-defense movements that establish, more and more, in a certain discipline, notes Hancy Pierre.
Residents are becoming more vigilant, transforming cities into miniatures by installing barriers and even debris and litter, he continues.
There is now a model of resistance, similar to that after independence (in 1804), when Haiti was on alert, fearing an offensive return of French colonists and other foreign powers to the national territory. .
At this time, towns were transformed into garrisons and fortresses, recalls Professor Hancy Pierre.
“But, now we have a mental fortress, an awareness of the communities, which, nevertheless, erect physical barricades, establish detour points and signals to alert each other.”
During the first quarter of 2024 (January to March 2024), around 2,500 people have been killed or injured due to armed gang violencean increase of 53% compared to the quarter from October to December 2023, according to a report from the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (Binuh), published on Friday April 19, 2024.
Nearly 400 suspected gang members were lynched by the self-defense movement, called Bwa Kalebetween the end of April and the end of September 2023, had recorded the Binuh.
Since the start of the self-defense movement Bwa Kale In Canapé Vert, barricades and barriers are set up by local residents, almost everywhere in Port-au-Prince, to prevent possible attacks by armed gangs.
Arrested by police officers from the Canapé Vert police station, in Port-au-Prince, on board a bus coming from Pétionville, more than a dozen alleged gang members, in possession of firearms and ammunition, were killed, lynched and then burned by angry residents of the area on Monday April 24, 2023..
The day before April 24, 2023, nothing predicted that the population would resist the attacks of armed bandits, recalls Hancy Pierre.
“This unprecedented movement would quickly transform into a social movement, which today tries to be more consistent, more gelatinous, even if, sometimes, there have been some small flaws.”
University professor Hancy Pierre gradually notes a certain interface between residents, in the neighborhoods, within the self-defense movement, and the Haitian National Police (PNH).
“It’s a pretty normal relationship.”
“The national police officers, who grew up in the area (of Canapé Vert), would have a feeling of belonging. They would see how to better strengthen themselves, to guarantee security and self-defense.”
Many have learned from the shortcomings observed in the self-defense movement, initiated in the Carrefour Feuilles district, which was ultimately invaded by armed gangs, he considers.
Professor Hancy Pierre calls on the population, the press and moral groups to supervise self-defense groups, so that they do not transform into gangs, and prevent the country from sinking into a criminal economy, rent and prebends.
Many people fear that these self-defense groups will eventually turn into gangs. Because there has been the experience of other brigades, such as in Fontamara, Carrefour (south of Port-au-Prince), Croix-des-Bouquets in the northeast), he recognizes. [mff emb rc apr 26/04/2024 12:50]
