By Daniel Zephyr, Gazette Haiti, Jan. 13, 2025
PHTK President Liné Balthazar, a member of the Collectif 30 Janvier, made controversial remarks on Radio Magik 9 on Friday, January 10, 2024. He raised the possibility of the criminal group “Viv Ansanm” being part of the solution for a reconfiguration of the Transitional Presidential Council (TPC). In the document, “Viv ansanm” is clearly mentioned as one of the members of the proposal.
This is a position that is causing a great scandal in Haiti. During this interview, Balthazar confirmed that "Viv Ansanm" was a part of the proposal advocating a reconfiguration of the TPC. Some wonder how a criminal group can find itself at the center of the debates in such a context.
"Let's not lie to ourselves. All the international organizations involved in humanitarian aid in Haiti, when they want to go to Cité Soleil or Croix-des-Bouquets, ask them who they are talking to? We must stop this hypocrisy. The embassies interact with armed groups," Balthazar said to the host, who was visibly shocked.
"There is a phenomenon of illegal armed groups in the country, we must resolve this problem in an adult and pragmatic way. No one is going to do it for us," continued Mr. Balthazar. Also, according to the political leader, there is already "a de facto cohabitation between the TPC which rules in Pétion-Ville and the upper part of Delmas and the gangs which control the territory."
Anticipated the reaction his remarks could cause, Balthazar explained that he is not in any way in contact with armed gangs but he believes that their presence must be considered. "We are obliged to integrate this reality into our thinking. In discussions, foreigners always ask us what we are going to do with the gangs. They do not ask us to kill them...", Balthazar said.
Unlike Liné Balthazar, André Michel is categorical on the issue of Viv Ansanm: "Our position has always been clear: no dialogue with the GANGS! No negotiation with the GANGS! Gangs must be crushed! We must stop the lies! We would never have agreed to sign a document with criminals, even at the risk of our lives!" wrote André Michel on X (formerly Twitter).
"The December 21 Accord fully endorses the three scenarios contained in the document sent to CARICOM for the recovery of the TPC, delegitimized and discredited by the BNC scandal. We await discussions with the Haitian stakeholders," he continued.
In the document submitted to the editorial staff, the name of Viv Ansanm is clearly listed. In the document, it is formally specified that "Viv ansanm" supports the proposal. Viv Asanm is alongside other political structures such as ASE, Réveil and its allies, Collectif 4 décembre, Force Louverturienne.
Leslie Voltaire strongly condemned the document sent to CARICOM. On X (formerly Twitter), he described this initiative as an "unacceptable alliance", considering that the association of certain sectors with "Viv Ansanm" constitutes a threat to the Republic.
According to Leslie Voltaire, this act marks a flagrant departure from "republican principles", "betrays the memory of the victims, and undermines our sovereignty". Mr. Voltaire even called for the perpetrators of this initiative to be brought to justice.
This debate does not please Pierre Espérance, director of the RNDDH, either. Interviewed by the Miami Herald, he said "in no case will gangs ever help resolve the security crisis". According to him, involving gang leaders in a political agreement "is to reinforce impunity and legitimize them."
During an interview this Monday on the airwaves of Radio Ginen, Claude Joseph confirmed that the document was signed by him for EDE, Agronomist Jean André Victor for the Collectif 30 Janvier, and the former senator Sorel Jacinthe for the December 21 Accord.
According to Claude Joseph, the document took stock of the situation in the country and a round-up and explanations on the three options supported in society. He mentions that Viv Ansanm supports the proposal of the Court of Cassation as well as other political actors.
"The document says who are the people who advocate the option of the Court of Cassation. There are political parties, sectors of civil society and a gang group called Viv ansanm," Joseph explained. He also explained that EDE is not for the option of the Court of Cassation, considering this option discredited because Viv Ansanm supports it.
Meanwhile, Viv Ansanm continues to terrorize the population. At least 5,601 people were killed in Haiti last year due to gang violence, an increase of more than 1,000 people over the total number killed in 2023, according to figures verified by the United Nations Human Rights Office.
Recently, gang leader Jimmy Cherizier alias Barbecue, spokesperson for "Viv Ansanm", announced the change of status of the criminal organization into a "political party."
Posted Feb. 1, 2025