UNITED NATIONS – United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres on Friday said he is “deeply concerned” at the current situation in Haiti where civil unrest has brought the country to a standstill.
Insecurity has been increasing in Port-au-Prince since the assassination of the Haitian president. (JOA/Yes Communication Design via the United Nations)“The Secretary-General is particularly preoccupied with the safety of all Haitians including the most vulnerable and calls for calm and maximum restraint. He urges all relevant stakeholders to take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation, avoid violence, and allow the Haitian National Police to fulfil its role to protect the population,” said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for the Secretary-General.
“The Secretary-General reiterates his strong call for all stakeholders to rise above their differences and to engage, without further delay, in a peaceful and inclusive dialogue on a constructive way forward.
“He warns that if the current circumstances continue, the already dire humanitarian situation faced by Haiti’s most vulnerable people will deteriorate even further,” Dujarric added.
The National Police of Haiti (PNH) has suspended “until further notice” all firearms licenses as the country continues to deal with social unrest and calls for the removal of the government of Prime Minister Dr. Ariel Henry.
Acting PNH Director General, Frantz Elbé, in a statement said that it had “noted that a climate of tension exists in the metropolitan area and its surroundings, and in some provincial towns for several days.
“As part of its mission to protect the lives and property of citizens, the PNH informs everyone that, as part of the management of this climate of unrest, all firearms licenses are suspended until further notice.”
Opposition groups as well as civil society organizations have been organizing protests demanding the removal of Henry, who came to power in July last year following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise at his private residence overlooking the capital, Port au prince.
Several people, including former Colombia army officers have been held in connection with the killing but no one has appeared in a court in Port au Prince.
Haiti is also facing problems from rival gangs that have been waging turf wars throughout the island.
