The Biden administration often emphasizes the importance of democracy, but when faced with the crisis unfolding not far from Miami, democracy appears to be too risky a venture.
In the early hours of February 7, 1986, a group of international journalists gathered at François Duvalier International Airport in Port-au-Prince.
They witnessed the departure of Jean-Claude Duvalier, son of the former dictator, who fled Haiti aboard a US Air Force jet accompanied by his family and laden with purported treasures and funds. Duvalier’s exit, facilitated by the United States, followed years of popular protests against his regime.
The Biden Administration’s Haiti Dilemma: Democracy Promotion vs. Crisis Management (Credits: The Nation)
The departure of Duvalier marked a hopeful moment for democracy in Haiti. However, his exit ushered in a period of military rule, with elections promised and a new constitution drafted to uphold democratic principles. Despite this optimism, few could have predicted the dire state of Haiti today, with rampant gang violence and a seemingly indifferent leader, supported by the United States, turning a blind eye.
Fast forward 38 years, and Haiti finds itself in a state of turmoil worse than during the Duvalier era. The country is besieged by ruthless gangs, displacing hundreds of thousands and claiming thousands of lives annually.
Despite the urgent need for intervention, the Biden administration’s response has been to deploy a contingent of around 1,000 Kenyan police officers, sanctioned by the US, Canada, and the UN Security Council. However, this force is dwarfed by the sheer number and firepower of the Haitian gangs.
The Biden administration has pledged $200 million towards this effort, despite legal challenges in Kenya regarding the deployment of national police abroad. The situation in Haiti has deteriorated significantly since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021, with widespread violence disrupting daily life and basic services.
The absence of a functioning government exacerbates the crisis, leaving Haitians vulnerable to the whims of criminal gangs. The international community’s interventions, spanning decades and amounting to millions in aid, have failed to address underlying issues of governance and security.
Furthermore, the United States’ involvement in arming Haitian gangs underscores its complicated relationship with the country. Despite calls for democratic elections, the US appears hesitant to support meaningful change, fearing a repeat of past instances where popular leaders were ousted.
As tensions escalate in Haiti, various factions vie for power, including former police chief Guy Philippe, who seeks to challenge the incumbent leadership. However, the path to stability remains uncertain, with the US seemingly reluctant to support alternatives to the current regime.
In the midst of this turmoil, Haiti’s future hangs in the balance. While the Kenyan intervention offers some hope, it is clear that a lasting solution requires a concerted effort to address the root causes of instability.
The United States, as a key player in Haitian affairs, must reassess its approach and prioritize the interests of the Haitian people over geopolitical considerations. Only then can Haiti begin to rebuild and chart a path toward genuine democracy and prosperity.
