Marie-Lucie Bonhomme Opont, a journalist, has a different perspective on Vitel'homme Innocent and his gang, Kraze Baryé. She was robbed and kidnapped by the gang, and her husband was also kidnapped and held for ransom. She questions Innocent's claim to be fighting for the people, asking why he would attack ordinary people if he is trying to stand up for them. She also points out that the gang has committed kidnappings, rapes, and other crimes, and that they are terrorizing the neighborhood.
Opont's experience highlights the complexity of the situation in Haiti, where gangs like Kraze Baryé have taken control of large swaths of the capital city, Port-au-Prince. While Innocent presents himself as a champion of the people, his actions and those of his gang tell a different story.
Innocent's leadership is also described as a "predator and protector" role, where he functions as a local authority while also extorting money from local businesses. This is a common dynamic in Haiti, where gangs have filled the power vacuum left by a weak state.
Rights experts warn against taking displays of community leadership at face value, as gang leaders like Innocent may use these displays to attract popular support while pursuing their own interests, which may include more power and a state that accommodates their criminal activities.
The article discusses the complex situation in Haiti, where gangs like Kraze Baryé, led by Vitel'homme Innocent, have taken control of large swaths of the capital city, Port-au-Prince. The US Embassy is located less than a mile from Kraze Baryé's territory, and the gang's dominance in the area has created an uneasy geography. The US has announced a $300 million contribution to a multinational security support mission to Haiti, but the mission is currently on hold due to concerns over Haiti's political instability.
Innocent, who is on the FBI's "Most Wanted" list, claims that he is fighting for the people and wants to collaborate with the US. He denies allegations of involvement in kidnappings and attacks on US citizens and says he is willing to face justice in court. However, he also warns that if the gangs are not given a seat at the negotiating table, they will exercise their say through other means, such as disrupting flights and investment in the country.
Experts believe that a small specialized fighting force could halt the crisis, but the gangs maintain that they deserve a seat at the negotiating table and are demanding amnesty and a plan for the future of their members. The situation is complex, and the transitional government in Haiti faces the tasks of appointing a new head of government and cabinet, coordinating the arrival of a multinational security force, and holding long-overdue elections.
Key points:
- Kraze Baryé gang controls large swaths of Port-au-Prince, including areas near the US Embassy
- Vitel'homme Innocent, leader of Kraze Baryé, is on the FBI's "Most Wanted" list
- Innocent claims to be fighting for the people and wants to collaborate with the US
- US has announced a $300 million contribution to a multinational security support mission to Haiti, but the mission is currently on hold
- Gangs are demanding a seat at the negotiating table and are willing to disrupt flights and investment in the country if their demands are not met
- Experts believe a small specialized fighting force could halt the crisis, but the situation is complex and the transitional government in Haiti faces many challenges.
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