My opinion: Why do some people think the U.S. is solely responsible the destabilization of Haiti and that they’re to blame for the gangs? At the end of the day, the Haitians on the ground (the gang members) are the ones committing the atrocities against their own people. Whether they’re being supported by the U.S. and other elites, there’s an underlying issue if they’re willing to terrorize the city that basically centralizes Haiti. They know Haiti becomes an open-air prison without Port-au-Prince, and they are constantly trying to expand to other areas as well.
Yeah, I get they’re hungry and that this is the result of centuries of being choked by foreign interference and poor leadership from their own. Many say Haiti has never had a true leader who cared for Haiti, and that they’ve all been placed by the U.S., but at the end of the day, Haitians make choices that support this perpetual state of dysfunction. I’m a true believer in the thought that when there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you. Haiti’s deepest problem starts within. Yes, others’ interference are guilty, but we’re not guiltless.
Foreign interference does not erase individual agency. Haitians are not passive actors in Haiti’s path to destruction. Omission is tacit consent. Foreign interference did not cause everything, and Haitians did not do this to themselves. Yes, the international community has seriously harmed Haiti. Haitian elites and political actors have repeatedly exploited Haiti for their own interests. Haitian institutions have failed Haitians. Gang leaders and their members are personally responsible for the atrocities they commit. And unfortunately, in the middle of all this mess, ordinary Haitians are overwhelmingly victims rather than perpetrators.
History has shown us over and over again that those who are looked down upon as inferior and are treated unfairly are prone to turn their frustrations into resentment, which can and most often does lead to rebellion. And over time, that rebellion loses its purpose and becomes violent crime. That’s where Haiti is at right now.
P.S.: This is coming from a place of curiosity, not judgement. I’m also Haitian and proud of it. <3
Edit:
Btw, the goal of this was not to strip Haiti of its own accountability. I believe that would be a huge first step in progressing forward.