THE CARIBBEAN

NO END TO GANG WARFARE AS HAITI’S FUEL TERMINAL REOPENS

NO END TO GANG WARFARE AS HAITI’S FUEL TERMINAL REOPENS
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Avellon Williams 

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI- The main fuel terminal in Haiti resumed operations after it closed last week due to gang violence.

The Varreux terminal is situated in the rundown Cité Soleil neighborhood, which has seen battles between two rival gangs. Its closure had led to petrol shortages in the area.

Fuel distribution in Haiti /Image, THT/

In a tweet late on Thursday, the terminal operator announced that a tanker with 45,000 barrels of imported fuel had arrived.

It has been reported that 89 persons have been killed since last week in Cité Soleil, a neighborhood on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince.

There have been protests over the past few days in which hundreds of tyres have been burned and roads have been blocked in order to demand an urgent intervention to restore petrol supplies.

The prevalence of gang violence has increased since mercenaries assassinated President Jovenel Moise a year ago.

Former President Jovenel Moise /Image, WION/

Joel Janéus, the mayor of Cité Soleil, has informed the media that two criminal alliances, G9 and G-Pèp, are at odds for control of the neighbourhood.

Gabrielle Paul, a local human rights activist, said that Cité Soleil was experiencing “very difficult” conditions since trucks delivering food and drinking water had been completely cut off by the violence.

“People are being killed and injured and the injured can’t get proper care,” she added.

As the United Nations Security Council prepares to vote on extending its political mission in Haiti, hours before its mandate is set to expire, steps are being taken to ease fuel shortages.

/Image, YT/

During the UN Security Council meeting, China called for an end to arms sales to Haiti and the establishment of a regional police force. In addition, it wants sanctions imposed on gang leaders.

Despite this, a draft resolution put forward by the US and Mexico stops short of an arms embargo, which other member nations believe to be unenforceable.

In the proposed text, the UN urges all countries to prevent the transfer of small arms, light weapons, and ammunition to gang members and criminals supporting gang violence in Haiti.

Clashes between gangs in Haiti /Image, TS/

Moreover, it would declare itself prepared to impose sanctions such as travel bans and asset freezes on individuals if necessary.

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Avellon Williams

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