Par Patrick Prézeau Stephenson (English Follows)
Introduction
The Presidential Transitional Council (PTC) was installed in Haiti amid a deep and prolonged crisis that has seen gangs take control of large areas of the capital. The expectations of Haitian citizens are immense: they demand security, food, jobs, and they want them immediately. This essay examines strategies by which the CPT could achieve rapid results and build trust in such a volatile environment.
Security Emergency
With more than 2,500 people killed or injured and more than 90,000 people having fled Port-au-Prince since the start of the year, security is undeniably the top priority. The gangs, better armed and equipped than the national police, pose a colossal challenge. The CPT’s response must be multifaceted:
1. Immediate strengthening of deterrence capabilities
Purchase/donations of Equipment: Influence international partners within the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) for the immediate supply of armored vehicles, combat helicopters, drones and high caliber weapons, as well as night vision equipment for joint operations with local police and armed forces. · Formation et Assistance : Implementation of an accelerated training program with the help of international partners to improve urban combat tactics and crisis management.
· Rapidly strengthen the capacities of the Haitian armed forces it is essential to mobilize youth and the diaspora. Young people can bring innovation and technological skills, while the diaspora offers a wealth of international experiences and resources. By integrating these groups through targeted programs and incentives, the operational capabilities of the armed forces would be improved, thereby strengthening deterrence against threats and consolidating national unity around the defense of the country.
2. Integrated Security Strategy
National Security Council: Effective creation of a council dedicated to coordinating national security efforts, including representatives from the police, military, and civilian agencies. Joint Intelligence Operations Center (JINC) Establish a Joint Intelligence Operations Center (JIOC) combining military intelligence, Kenyan and Haitian police forces, and other international partners. Economic and Social Stabilization
Alongside security efforts, the CPT must address the root causes of instability:
1. Poverty Reduction Initiatives
Employment Programs: Rapidly launching public works projects to provide immediate employment, thereby improving critical infrastructure while reducing unemployment. Support for Local Businesses: Establishment of grants and low-interest loans to support small and medium-sized businesses affected by the crisis. 2. Improved Access to Basic Services
Food and Water Distribution: Establishing partnerships with NGOs and international agencies to ensure efficient and equitable distribution of essential resources. Health and Education: Strengthening health and education services to meet immediate needs while investing in the future of Haitian youth. Dialogue and Community Participation
The long-term success of the CPT will depend on its ability to engage and include Haitian citizens in the transition process:
1. Dialogue Forums
Community Meetings: Regular organization of forums where citizens can express their concerns and propose solutions, thus reinforcing the feeling of inclusion and control over their future. 2. Transparency and Accountability
Open Communication: Established a transparent communications strategy to regularly inform the public of progress, challenges and changes in council policy. Conclusion
The Transitional Presidential Council has a monumental task before it. To succeed, it must act quickly to stabilize the security situation, while launching economic and social initiatives to address the roots of the despair that fuels gang violence. Faced with the monumental challenges plaguing Haiti, including gang domination of much of the capital, the Presidential Transitional Council (PTC) has the immediate responsibility to restore security while establishing the foundations for lasting stability. To achieve this effectively, the CPT must consider strengthening the capacities of the Haitian army by actively integrating the diaspora, women, and young people into its ranks and its strategies. At the same time, it must open channels of dialogue with the population to build a basis of trust and lasting cooperation. Only a coordinated and inclusive effort will transform the challenges
