A Canadian military plane delivered armored and tactical vehicles from Canada to Port-au-Prince on Saturday in support of Haitian police locked in a conflict with armed gangs.
Global Affairs Canada confirmed Saturday evening that, in a joint operation, the US and Canadian air forces helped deliver three mine-resistant and ambush-equipped vehicles (MRAPs) and three commercial armored vehicles. The vehicles were purchased by the Haitian government from a Canadian company.
“This team will help to [Haitian National Police] in their fight against criminal actors who fuel violence and disrupt the flow of needed humanitarian aid, hampering efforts to stop the spread of cholera,” according to a joint statement issued by senior foreign and defense officials on both sides of the border
The Prime Minister of Haiti, Ariel Henry, recently called for international support to help in the fight against armed criminal gangs. In recent weeks, the gangs have established blockades, causing a crisis in the supply of fuel.
“We would like to see our neighbors like the United States, like Canada, take the lead and move quickly,” said Bocchit Edmond, Haiti’s ambassador to the US, earlier this week.
Henry had called for a “specialized armed force” to help Haitian police counter the gangs that have been blocking the Varreux fuel terminal, located north of Port-au-Prince, since last month.
“Canada is closely monitoring the security situation and will continue to support Haitian-led efforts to end the crisis,” Global Affairs Canada said in a statement. “We will continue to help the citizens of Haiti. They have shown incredible strength and resilience in the midst of their country’s complex challenges.”
- LOOK | The growing humanitarian crisis in Haiti:
Haiti in humanitarian crisis as gangs blockade main fuel terminal
Daily life for many Haitians has been disrupted as gang violence and rising inflation make it difficult to access basic necessities such as water, food and fuel. Canada is one of the countries grappling with how to respond.
An alliance of armed groups known as the “G9 and the Family” recently made demands on Henry’s government, including an amnesty and cabinet seats. Gang violence in Haiti kills hundreds of civilians every month.
News that Canada would send vehicles was first reported in the Miami Herald and Haitian publications, including Le Nouvelliste, on Friday.
The Herald also reported that the US would support a call by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for the creation of a rapid reaction force to assist Haitian police.
Protesters in Haiti have also blocked access to the capital to demand Henry’s resignation amid violence, an outbreak of cholera and widespread hunger. In addition, fuel prices have risen since the government announced a cut in subsidies earlier this fall.