In view of the ongoing gang violence in the Caribbean nation Haiti, India has taken steps to extend a helping hand to its people in that country.
Responding to Financial Express Online, the official spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said “A 24-hour helpline has been set up at the Headquarters in New Delhi, as well as the Indian mission in Dominican Republic.”
The 24-hour helpline set up in the Indian Embassy located at Santo Domingo, capital city of Dominican Republic, is in touch with the Indians in that country. According to Jaiswal there are around 75-80 Indians and 60 have got themselves registered with the Indian embassy. Those who want to come back, plans are in place to evacuate them.
What is happening in Haiti?
According to reports, several armed groups have attacked prisons and other institutions in the country’s capital Port-au-Prince, leaving several dead and many more injured. The Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry has announced his decision to resign from the post. However, this has not done much to ease the tensions with more than 100 gangs in that country, which are controlling most parts of the country’s capital. These gangs have, according to reports, threatened to oppose any international intervention, including from the United Nations. The global body had announced recently that a multinational armed force led by Kenya will be sent in to help the local police to deal with the growing unrest and violence.
A plan to establish a temporary presidential council in Haiti is progressing with the submission of names by a majority of Haitian parties and coalitions, according to Caribbean officials. These names were provided to CARICOM, a regional trade bloc facilitating the transition.
“There is currently a presidential council being built with the support of the CARICOM. It is composed of seven members: former Central Bank governor Fritz Jean, former Senator Edgar Leblanc Fils, Laurent St Cyr, architect Leslie Voltaire, former congressman Vikerson Garnier, former Women Minister Marie Ghislaine Monpremier, and another to be chosen. But there are disagreements regarding this council, which might be the beginning of a new crisis,” Joseph Harold Pierre, Economist and Political Scientist and Director of the Center for Strategic Development (CSTRAD) told Financial Express Online.
According to information in the public domain, Surinamese Foreign Minister Albert Ramdin emphasized Haitian ownership of the process, stating, “It is for them to pick up the ball and run with it, being responsible for their own destiny.” This comes after public disagreements among Haitian politicians regarding the plan and nominee selection, initially jeopardizing the council’s formation.
Following discussions in Jamaica, Caribbean leaders, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, announced plans for the council. Prime Minister Ariel Henry committed to resign upon its establishment. The council’s mandate includes appointing an interim prime minister and ministers and organizing long-overdue general elections.
Caricom officials met recently for updates on the situation, although the nominated individuals haven’t been disclosed publicly. Notably, the Dec. 21 Agreement group, supporting the current prime minister, and Jean-Charles Moïse’s party declined participation. Nevertheless, several parties, civil society groups, and the private sector are represented on the council.
Despite recent violence, including a fire at the National Penitentiary, efforts to restore normalcy continue. The UN is establishing an air bridge between Haiti and the Dominican Republic for supplies and staff. Prime Minister Henry’s return is delayed as he remains in Puerto Rico, while schools, gas stations, and airports in Haiti remain closed.
Amidst challenges, there’s a glimmer of hope for Haiti’s future with the advancement of the transitional council, signaling potential progress towards stability and democratic governance.
The contact details of the Control Room are as under:
1800118797 (Toll free); +91-11-23012113; +91-11-23014104; +91-11-23017905; +91-9968291988 (Whatsapp); situationroom@mea.gov.in
In addition, Embassy of India in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, which is concurrently accredited to the Republic of Haiti, has set up a 24-hours emergency helpline, which can be accessed as per the following contact details:
+1 (849) 398-9889; +1 (809) 870-3923; +1 (849) 507-7612; Landline: +1 8298934233, Extn: 203; Landline: +1 8298934233, Extn: 213; amb.sdomingo@mea.gov.in; hoc.sdomingo@mea.gov.in; com.sdomingo@mea.gov.in; cons.sdomingo@mea.gov.in