Kenya’s government said it had signed an agreement with Haiti to deploy a multinational force to aid the Caribbean nation’s police force face rampant gang violence. Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry traveled to Kenya this week to finalize plans, despite a Kenyan court order delaying deployment, reports the New York Times.
The court ruling partially hinged on the lack of reciprocal agreements between the two countries, it is unclear whether today’s deal will circumvent the judicial decision, reports the Guardian.
Heavy gunfire paralyzed Port-au-Prince yesterday. Gang attacks near Haiti’s international and domestic airports in the capital left a police officer wounded and jetliners shot up on the tarmac, reports the Miami Herald.
Powerful gang leader Jimmy Chérizier threatened to try to capture the country’s police chief and government ministers in an effort to prevent Henry from returning to Haiti, reports the Associated Press.
Ecuador tops InSight Crime's 2023 homicide round-up
InSight Crime published it’s annual homicide round-up: “At least 117,492 people were murdered in Latin America and the Caribbean during 2023, putting the median homicide rate around 20 per 100,000 people. But homicide data in many countries is missing or unreliable, so the actual number is likely higher.”
Some highlights:
“Criminal disputes over trafficking routes were the primary driver of violence in South America this year. Ecuador, in particular, had its most violent year on record, while trafficking groups continue to fight in Colombia.”
Ecuador had the highest homicide rate of any country in Central or South America in 2023: from 25.5 in 2022 to 44.5 — a 74.5% increase over the previous year.
“Paraguay, and Peru saw significant improvements in homicide rates despite their continuing roles as drug transit and production centers.”
Costa Rica
Homicides have skyrocketed in Costa Rica, which suddenly seems to resemble its Central American neighbors more than before. The sensation of collapse extends beyond public security to education, health, and politics, Costa Rican historian Víctor Hugo Acuña told El Faro English. “The bubble of wellbeing burst some time ago,” he laments.
Regional Relations
Brazilian finance minister Fernando Haddad told his G20 counterparts that countries should implement a global tax on the super-rich in an effort to tackle rampant tax evasion, reports the Associated Press.
Mexico
Claudia “Sheinbaum’s exceptionally disciplined campaign has cemented her front-runner status, the candidate who could be Mexico’s first female president remains something of an enigma to many Mexicans,” reports the New York Times.
Migration
Colombia’s Bogotá airport “has become a hub for migrants heading to the U.S. in greater numbers. Some have been stranded for weeks, or forcibly turned back,” reports the New York Times.
Culture Corner
Mexican architect Fernanda Canales is bringing a sense of community, beauty and safety to underserved towns, reports the New York Times.