Wyclef Jean Calls For Haiti PM To Step Down Amidst Canabal Gang Seige

Wyclef tweeted a call for Prime Minister Heny to step down saying: “I urged Haiti’s de facto PM @DrArielHenry 2 resign 2 prevent bloodshed. Today Haiti is in the midst of chaos & an armed revolution, with innocent casualties. Time 4 the intl community & CARICOM 2 act & remove him. When will Enough be enough!?!”

Wyclef Jean, the renowned musician and Haitian native, has long been a vocal advocate for his homeland. His connection to Haiti runs deep, having been born there before immigrating to the United States. Jean rose to fame as a member of the Fugees and later as a solo artist. His commitment to Haiti has been evident through his humanitarian efforts, particularly following the devastating 2010 earthquake. He even made a bid for the Haitian presidency in 2010, although he was ruled ineligible due to residency requirements.

Jean’s tweet reflects his continued engagement with Haitian politics and his concern for the country’s welfare amidst the current crisis. His call for international and Caribbean Community intervention underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for a peaceful resolution.

Unfortunately, Haiti is once again at the crossroads of a significant crisis. The recent turmoil, often labeled as a “revolution,” is a manifestation of deep-seated issues that have plagued the country for decades.

The assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021 left a power vacuum that has yet to be filled, exacerbating the already volatile political landscape. Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who stepped in as the interim leader, has faced widespread criticism for his perceived absence and alleged corruption during critical times which many believe has contributed to the escalation of the crisis.

The economic challenges in Haiti, compounded by natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, have pushed the population to the brink. The rise of powerful gangs, particularly the G9 Family and Allies, has intensified the lawlessness and violence. This coalition of gangs, led by the notorious Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier, controls significant portions of Port-au-Prince and has been involved in acts of terror, including a mass jailbreak.

“Unfortunately, Barbecue is now the most powerful man in Haiti,” said Judes Jonathas, an independent consultant based in Port-au-Prince.

Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier and his gang is accused of being a cannibals with a now deleted video showing their alleged taste for human flesh. The nickname “Barbecue” is said to have come from his mother’s occupation of selling fried chicken, although some suggest it’s due to a more sinister reason related to his alleged violent actions.

From the The US Department Of State:

Secretary Antony J. Blinken will travel to Kingston, Jamaica today (March 11, 2024) to attend the High-Level Meeting on Haiti convened by the Conference of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The Secretary will discuss the proposal developed in partnership with CARICOM and Haitian stakeholders to expedite a political transition in Haiti through the creation of a broad-based, independent presidential college as well as the deployment of a Multinational Security Support Mission to address the ongoing security crisis.

The Secretary will also meet with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness to discuss bilateral and regional issues and reaffirm our strong and enduring ties with Jamaica.

The United States, historically involved in Haiti’s affairs, has continued to provide humanitarian aid, support for security, and long-term development assistance. However, the effectiveness of this involvement is a subject of debate, with critics arguing that it has at times undermined Haiti’s sovereignty.

To be clear, Wyclef has not shown support for the G9 Family takeover but is calling for a peaceful transference of power from a currupt interim PM to a democratically elected leader.

The “revolution” in Haiti is not sparked by a single event but is the result of a complex interplay of political instability, economic hardship, gang violence, government inaction, and human rights violations. The international community’s response, including a UN-authorized security mission, aims to restore security and democratic governance. Yet, the future of Haiti remains uncertain as it navigates through these tumultuous times.