Albert Ramdin, the secretary general of the Organization of American States (OAS), has emphasized that Haiti requires significant international assistance to suppress gang activity and reclaim territory as it prepares for its first general elections in over a decade. Ramdin concluded a visit to the Caribbean nation on Wednesday, during which he held discussions with the prime minister and other key officials.
During his visit, Ramdin noted that the U.N.-backed gang suppression force currently requires additional funding, equipment, and personnel to be effective. He stated that the efforts of this force are vital to improving public safety and establishing the necessary conditions for a secure electoral process, adding that progress must be both visible and measurable as soon as possible.
The official outlined several security priorities, including securing the main routes to the primary international airport, maintaining access to both the airport and seaport, and restoring safe travel to the southern region of the country. Currently, gangs maintain control over the primary transport routes leading into and out of the capital city. In addition to security measures, Ramdin urged Haitian authorities to accelerate the registration and identification of voters ahead of the general elections scheduled for December 13.
Haiti has been without a president since the assassination of Jovenel Moïse at his private residence in July 2021. Since that time, gang violence has escalated significantly, leading to the displacement of a record 1.5 million people. Ramdin pledged to continue mobilizing technical, political, and financial support for the nation.
Collaborating with the Pan American Health Organization, the OAS intends to establish trauma centers to provide care for wounded Haitian police officers who are actively confronting gangs. These criminal groups are estimated to control 70% of Port-au-Prince, along with extensive areas outside the capital. Furthermore, Ramdin announced plans to assemble a delegation of business leaders to explore potential investment projects for Haiti, where unemployment, hunger, and poverty continue to worsen. He concluded that while the future of Haiti belongs to its people, the international community maintains a responsibility to assist at this decisive point.
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