Violence in Cite Soleil as 40 reported dead during last 8 months

Many gangs in Haiti are usually based in slums like Cite Soleil where there are little opportunities for the residents and specially the young. They use their power and influence to recruit young people in the neighborhood and arm them with heavy weapons. The gang members are often involved in kidnappings, harassment and terror carried to the population to finance their operation.

Here is the key factor for the ongoing gang problem in Haiti:

The Relationship between election and gang activities. It has been reported that many political players solicit the help of gang members to terrorize opponent or help them win elections. It has been stated that to win election in Haiti, all you need is to own a local radio station and have the support of a powerful gang.

Problem usually occurs once the politician is elected. Unlike a business owner who supports a politician and wants some tax or legislative advantages once you are elected; the gang who help you to get in power does not want any of that. Instead, all they ask for is the liberty to continue with their criminal activities because they are more lucrative. They often demand that their criminal activities be conducted under your protection or in some cases with your complicity.

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Read more: violence, gang, security, crime, insecurity, Murder, kidnapping, Cite Soleil, Slum, Newsletter Articles, Security Crime Law and Order

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