Fighting against insecurity starts with declaring gangs as terrorists and persona non-grata and criminalizing communication and dissemination of their messages
The violence of gangs, plaguing our society, far surpasses mere banditry; it is an organized and systematic attack on the peace, stability, and very future of our nation. Faced with this alarming situation, the government must urgently adopt a decree declaring gangs as domestic terrorists and persona non grata while criminalizing any form of communication, support, or dissemination of their messages.
The gangs in Haiti operate with the brutality and strategy of terrorist organizations. They spread fear, paralyze the economy, and usurp the authority of the State. Their activities, including kidnappings, massacres, and extortion, are not mere crimes—they are acts of terror aimed at destabilizing the nation.
By designating them as terrorists, the government would:
- Reinforce the severity of their acts by recognizing their threat to national security.
- Gain increased international support, with resources to effectively combat these groups.
- Deter the population from offering them any form of legitimacy or collaboration.
The designation of persona non grata holds profound symbolic and legal weight in our history. By placing them outside the bounds of legal protection, this decree would:
- Strip them of all legitimacy, whether social or legal.
- Enable security forces to act swiftly and decisively to neutralize their activities.
- Send an unequivocal message that the State will tolerate no compromise.
Gangs draw their strength from their weapons and ability to communicate and instill fear. They exploit social media, local radio stations, and other platforms to recruit, intimidate, and consolidate their power. To cut off this source of influence, the decree would:
- Ban any media platform from broadcasting their messages or giving them a platform.
- Severely penalize individuals or institutions that share, reproduce, or amplify their content.
- Establish a digital surveillance system to identify and remove gang-related content.
Criminalizing Any Form of Contact with Gangs
The decree would also make any direct or indirect contact with these groups a criminal offense, including:
- Informal negotiations or transactions with their members.
- Any form of financial or logistical support.
- Voluntary or involuntary collaboration facilitating their operations.
Legal and Social Implications
Such a decree must be carefully drafted to prevent abuses and misunderstandings. It is crucial to:
- Protect freedom of expression, ensuring journalists and citizens can report crimes without fear of reprisal.
- Guarantee respect for due process, establishing clear protocols for investigating and prosecuting violations.
- Educate the population on the importance of this measure to restore peace and order.
Appeal to the International Community
This initiative will require the support of our international partners through:
- Technical assistance to monitor and control gang activities on digital platforms.
- Financial aid to strengthen institutions weakened by violence.
- Diplomatic pressure to encourage the global recognition of Haitian gangs as terrorist entities.
Haiti will not rebuild unless it boldly and relentlessly confronts the gang menace. Adopting a decree declaring these groups as terrorists and persona non grata while criminalizing any form of contact or communication with them would demonstrate the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens and restoring national sovereignty.
The government must act now to empower Haiti to reclaim the peace, security, and dignity it desperately deserves.
With respect and hope,
A concerned citizen
Bobb Rousseau
Business Coach
Policy Consultant
https://blinq.me/15rOYFmOpeKl