Canadian mission: skeptical Haitians in Montreal
Canada's Ambassador to the UN with Ariel Henry, Haiti's Prime Minister.
The Haitian community in Montreal is perplexed by the current Canadian mission in their country of origin.
Canada is trying to stem the political and security crisis in Haiti. The current Ambassador of Canada to the United Nations, Bob Rae, ends this Friday meetings with the political class and the Haitian civil society with a view to “fostering greater unity between the main stakeholders in favor of 'a political path and process for democratic elections' according to a statement from World Affairs.
There is a Canadian obsession with elections, but when it happens it means that the winner is already known in the pharmacies.
Frédéric Boisrond, sociologist of Haitian origin
“We are d agreement on the principle that we must organize elections, but the current conditions do not allow them”, remarks the former professor of sociology at the University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM), Jean Claude Icart.
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The two sociologists advocate a period of “serious transition” and say they want the problem of insecurity to be resolved as quickly as possible. “I hope it will give something to this mission, says Mr. Icart, that people who are on mission will eventually understand. »
Jean Ernest Pierre who directs the Haitian radio station in Montreal, CPAM, is also of the same opinion. In the current conditions of the country, it is premature to speak of elections. “One has the impression that in the West, elections are an end in themselves. Ultimately, we will need elections, but the country is not ready for that,” he said.
Mr. Pierre, who is in favor of military intervention in his country of origin to dismantle armed gangs, also believes that we must start there: security before electoral competitions.
Recall that Canada is still hesitating to take the lead of a military mission in Haiti, arguing that a political agreement is needed at first sight between the Haitians.
In the meantime, since November, Ottawa, within the framework of UN Resolution 2653, has adopted sanctions against politicians, gang leaders and oligarchs who finance or support criminal activities.
In total, 11 people, including former President Michel Martelly are currently under this sanction regime. A Haitian senator, Rony Célestin, who owns a $4.25 million waterfront villa in Laval is among those affected by the crackdown.
I don't think that because we sanctioned 11 oligarchs and politicians that tomorrow morning the country will become a safe country, let's be serious.
Frédéric Boisrond, sociologist of Haitian origin
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