Gang Disturbances in Haiti are Increasingly Rampant, Canada Even Sends CP-140 Aurora Reinforcements

Photo by Heather Sugitt on Unsplash

JAKARTA - The security situation in Haiti, after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021, is still far from conducive. Even the situation is said to be dire.

To help Haiti support efforts to tackle gang activity there, Canada deployed military aircraft over Haiti.

Canada said in a statement that it was supporting the Haitian National Police and deploying the Royal Canadian Air Force's (RCAF) CP-140 Aurora long-range patrol aircraft in response to Haiti's request for support as violence continues to escalate in the country.

Haitian gangs have expanded their territory since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021. The resulting violence has led most to bar their citizens from coming due to regular gunfights with police.

Canadian patrol aircraft will provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to support peace-building and maintenance efforts and will remain in the area "for a number of days", the Canadian government said.

In October, the United Nations suggested a "rapid action force" be sent to Haiti to fight increasing violence from armed gangs whose territory fighting has left hundreds dead and thousands displaced.

Most countries are wary of sending troops, although nearby Jamaica has said it would be willing to participate and El Salvador has offered "technical assistance".

About seven in 10 people in Haiti are again proposing to form an international force to assist the national police against violence from armed gangs, according to a survey conducted in January.