Former President Donald Trump's decisions to stop certain aid programs, send back migrants and limit the reception of refugees greatly worries Leslie Voltaire, head of the provisional government in Haiti. According to him, these measures risk making the situation in Haiti even more difficult.
During a meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican, Voltaire asked for help from the international community to support Haiti. “The pope loves Haiti and wants to help us,” he said, stressing that his country is going through an extremely complicated period.
Haiti in great difficulty
Voltaire explained that armed gang violence, hunger and forced displacement affect millions of Haitians. Today, almost half of the population, or 5.7 million people, do not have enough to eat. If the United States cuts aid and expels Haitians, the humanitarian crisis could quickly worsen.
Mass expulsions are worrying
In the United States, approximately 150,000 Haitians benefit from a special program called “Temporary Protected Status” (TPS). This program allows them to stay and work legally in the country. However, Trump plans to end this status. “Haiti will not be able to accommodate as many expelled people,” Voltaire warned, specifying that 200,000 Haitians have already been returned from the Dominican Republic last year.
Unprecedented violence
A report by the International Organization for Migration (OIM) reveals that more than a million people in Haiti had to leave their house because of gangs and insecurity. The gangs now control 85 % of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and the situation is getting worse day by day.
Hope for elections
Despite everything, Voltaire remains optimistic. He hopes to organize general elections next November. According to him, with the help of a multinational force, security could be restored in certain regions of the country. Currently, police and soldiers from Kenya, Guatemala and other countries have been sent to help Haiti.
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“We must also organize a referendum for a new constitution before the elections. We can get there in 80 % of the country, ”said Voltaire.
A still fragile peace
Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, gangs have become even more powerful. Some even want to participate in politics, but Voltaire is clear: “Gangs cannot be involved in the political process. »
Faced with all these challenges, Voltaire calls on the international community to act to prevent the situation from getting even worse. Haiti needs support to move towards peace and offer a better future to its people.