Within the framework of its mandate of security and logistical support for elections, the UN Mission for Stabilization in Haiti (MINUSTAH) launched this Saturday, November 13 the "Operation Bonjour". Throughout the day, from 4:30am to 11:00pm, across the country, military forces and police of MINUSTAH will be visible in the streets, leading pedestrian and motorized patrols.

The objective of this exercise is "to inquire about possible difficulties" which need to be resolved in advance and invite the population to contribute to peaceful elections this November 28. MINUSTAH intends to reassure the Haitian people's of its ability and willingness to deploy its forces across the country and at any time, to deter, discourage and prevent illegal conduct that would threaten the elections.

A demonstration of force that might well have the opposite effect on a population already worried enough. As for the gangsters and other criminals, it is not very probable that this parade impresses them. Flights, aggressions, kidnapping, holdup. assassinations will continue to terrorize the population for which, nothing changes.

It is regrettable, that beyond the remarks which want to be reassuring, MINUSTAH, during this election campaign, is absent, to every incident of violence and armed. The role of military and police components of MINUSTAH during the next election is to assist the government and people of Haiti to create a safe environment... MINUSTAH has a long way to go before his words become reality.

See also:

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-1653-haiti-elections-a-commando-of-inite-sows-terror-in-jacmel.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-1520-haiti-policy-men-of-inite-shoot-a-candidate-from-ucadde.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-1514-haiti-insecurity-a-mini-bus-of-journalists-attacked-1-killed-1-injured.html

BF/ HaitiLibre