On June 16, 1993, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution imposing an embargo on oil and arms destined for Haiti. This measure followed a period of serious political unrest and instability in the country, marked by the overthrow of the democratically elected president, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, in 1991. The military coup that followed plunged Haiti into a deep crisis, characterized by flagrant violations of human rights and brutal repression.
The embargo aimed to exert international pressure on the military regime to restore democratic order and Aristide to regain the presidency. The Security Council hoped that this economic and military sanction would weaken the power of the putschists and facilitate a peaceful transition to a legitimate government.
However, the effects of the embargo have been mixed. While it reinforced the international isolation of the de facto regime and disrupted some of its activities, the embargo also had negative consequences for the Haitian population. The already weakened economy suffered further, exacerbating the poverty and suffering of ordinary citizens.
This dark phase of Haitian history clearly demonstrated the issues associated with the use of international sanctions as a tool of coercive diplomacy. While the 1993 embargo ultimately contributed to the restoration of Aristide’s power in 1994, it also left lasting marks in the social and economic fabric of Haiti.
After the embargo of June 16, 1993, how is it that Haiti has so many weapons of war in circulation today? Despite the embargo imposed in 1993, Haiti has found different ways to obtain large caliber weapons over the years. International restrictions have not been enough to stem the flow of weapons, often obtained through sophisticated smuggling networks and illicit channels. The increase in violence attributed to heavily armed gangs has reignited the debate on the origin of these arsenals.
Uncertainties persist regarding the involvement of former political figures, notably Laurent Lamothe, former Prime Minister under the administration of Michel Martelly (Tèt Kale 1). Weapons stockpiles ordered during his tenure are believed to have contributed to the current arming of criminal terrorist factions.
Read also : (Video) – The 200 Galil assault rifles illegally ordered by Laurent Lamothe in 2013 transited through Canada, details Arnel Bélizaire with documents in hand – Rezo Nòdwès (rezonodwes.com)
However, this hypothesis has yet to be verified through an in-depth investigation, necessary to clarify responsibilities and understand the evolution of the proliferation of weapons in Haiti, with so much territory lost.
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