The upsurge in kidnappings in recent months in Haiti is part of a political “resistance” to reforms, President Jovenel Moïse said on Monday.
He spoke as the activities of the capital Port-au-Prince were paralyzed by a strike in the transport sector, particularly targeted by kidnappings.
“Those who use kidnappings for political purposes, for purposes of destabilization, we will arrive on you”, threatened Mr. Moïse during this speech broadcast live on social networks.
“Faced with reforms, there is always great resistance from those for whom the status quo is favorable”, estimated the Head of State.
“Resistance comes in the form of peyi lok [épisodes de contestations violentes contre le pouvoir en 2018 et 2019, NDLR], destruction, fires, intimidation, verbal violence and it also comes in the form of kidnappings ”, enumerated the Haitian president.
The political opposition and several civil society organizations consider that Jovenel Moïse’s mandate comes to an end on February 7.
According to its interpretation of the Constitution, the presidential camp is counting on a departure from power on February 7, 2022.
While the Haitian president spoke for more than an hour on road and electrical infrastructure projects, the usually congested streets of the capital remained deserted on Monday.
Particularly targeted by kidnappings, public transport and motorcycle taxi drivers have announced a two-day strike in reaction to this insecurity.
The upsurge in kidnappings for ransom observed since the fall affects both the richest inhabitants and those living below the poverty line.
Following the call to strike, many schools had announced in advance that they would not welcome students at the start of the week.
For fear of violence, the population most of the time prefers to stay at home on such occasions. Many commercial establishments in Port-au-Prince also kept closed doors on Monday.
The growing control, in recent years, of armed gangs on the territory has fueled the anger of Haitians against the authorities, accused of inaction if not even of complicity with criminals.
As of this date, no gang members have yet been brought to justice.