Haiti: Cite Soleil under constant attack

Issue 

At least six people were wounded on January 24, following an operation by the UN peacekeeping force (MINUSTAH). One victim, attended to immediately by Doctors Without Borders, says she was hit by stray bullets, according to the daily newspaper Le Nouvelliste.

It was 2pm, hours after the assault, when I arrived on the scene. MINUSTAH soldiers, primarily Brazilians, occupied an old school at the entry to the Boston district — their principal target that morning. People were visibly afraid.

When asked to explain their fear, they answered: "We are afraid, because we do not know when the soldiers of the occupying force will fire and in which direction." A resident of New Wood Road by the name of Frantz E., a member of the Committee of Notables for the Development of Cite Soleil (CONODES), told journalists: "The soldiers want to kill us. We do not have anything against them. We only want that they leave the country. [In] Boston we already counted more than five wounded this morning." He believed there had also been deaths, as the soldiers were firing their weapons "at the population of Boston". Frantz E. called for the return of former president Jean-Bertrand Aristide, who was ousted in a violent coup in 2004, because "he alone knows our pain and he can help us to leave this mud pit".

A public building in Cite Soleil is a large base for MINUSTAH soldiers, mainly Brazilians. Only pedestrians, MINUSTAH's armoured vehicles, and the jeeps of the NGOs are allowed near the base. Other vehicles are prohibited. I showed a MINUSTAH soldier my press badge but, with a gesture that involved pointing his weapon at me, I was refused permission to photograph armoured vehicles.

"Rout Nef" is the principal road that leads in and out of the New Bois district. It is used exclusively by MINUSTAH (and MINUSTAH-authorised NGOs) for access to the northern districts of Cite Soleil. The people are clearly tired of running for their lives every time MINUSTAH vehicles approach. One often hears people remark, "When will our misery end?"

[Abridged from <http://haitianalysis.com>.]

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.