Open Letter to Prime Minister Conille: A Call for Decisive Action and National Mobilization

Dear Prime Minister Conille,

We cannot afford for you and your government to fail. Time is running out, and the challenges facing our nation grow more urgent by the day. Haitians inside and outside the country count on your leadership, but we also recognize that the obstacles before you are immense. In his landmark inaugural address in 1961, President John F. Kennedy inspired the nation to engage in civic action and public service. Your Kennedy moment has arrived. Now is the time for your version to say to fellow Haitians: "Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country." We stand ready to help, but we need your administration to provide clear direction and decisive action. The stakes are too high for inaction or delay, and it is past time to call on all of Haiti's children to help their motherland.

The Transitional Presidential Council and your administration, not being elected, must work diligently to gain legitimacy and the population's trust. The situation you inherited is dire: two of Haiti's most critical departments, the West and Artibonite, have been under siege for over two years. The West Department, home to an estimated three million residents, houses the country's largest and primary port of entry, as well as the biggest market for agricultural goods produced across the other nine departments. Artibonite, with two million residents, is our largest department by area and the heart of our rice production, accounting for more than 50% of the country's total cultivation area.

The burden of saving Haiti ultimately falls on our shoulders

In a recent BBC interview, you expressed frustration over the delayed arrival of promised international aid. While this is undoubtedly a major challenge, Haiti's destiny cannot solely depend on foreign assistance. The time has come for you to tell us the political and economic hurdles you are facing. We should know the resources your administration has mobilized and allocated to equip and compensate our security forces—but also what is still needed. More importantly, it is time to involve and mobilize us, the Haitian people, to address this existential crisis. As President Kennedy once said, "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country." Now, more than ever, this call to action must resonate with every Haitian. History has shown that foreign powers alone cannot solve a nation's problems; otherwise, Iraq and Afghanistan would have been the safest places on the planet. While the international community can offer support, the burden of saving Haiti ultimately falls on our shoulders. At this juncture, transparency, decisive action from your administration, and the engagement of civil society are three crucial pillars for rebuilding public trust and salvaging our nation's future.

Your team may be counseling you to wait until the security forces are fully trained, equipped, and sufficiently staffed. While this strategy might seem wise, time is not on our side. The recent 400 Mawozo gang incursions in the border region with the Dominican Republic were ways to test the capacity and resolve of your security forces. Unfortunately, the police, even with the support of the Kenyan force, failed to strike a decisive blow to the gang.

As time passes, the population loses hope and trust

The longer you wait, the more entrenched the gangs become, growing both physically and psychologically stronger. As time passes, the population will lose hope and trust, potentially resigning themselves to the situation or, worse, aligning with the gangs. The longer you delay decisive action, the more force will be required to reclaim control—and the reality is that Haiti does not have the manpower to pacify all areas under gang control without the active support of its citizens.

To illustrate the scale of the challenge: in 2007, it took 700 UN forces with tanks equipped with M50 machine guns to take down the gang in the Boston region of Cité Soleil. The battle lasted for hours, with the UN laying siege to the area. Today's situation is exponentially worse. While I would not presume to advise on police strategy, I do know that your administration must demonstrate its strength soon. There is nothing worse than for the government to make a declaration without backing it up with action.

Dan pouri gen fòs sou bannann mi"—rotten teeth have strength over ripe bananas

Your options may be limited, but as the Haitian proverb says, "Dan pouri gen fòs sou bannann mi"—rotten teeth have strength over ripe bananas. This may offer an alternative approach. Prime Minister, your administration must identify and exploit the "rotten teeth" among the gangs—their weaknesses—and take advantage of them. Whether this means targeting Jimmy Chérizier, aka Barbecue, Johnson André, aka Izo, or Joseph Wilson, aka Lanmò Sanjou, the government must act decisively against one of these "leaders" and do so soon. But this action cannot be taken by the government alone; it requires the support and involvement of all Haitians.

I believe the strategy you have offered so far strikes the right balance, as it highlights the necessity of applying the rule of law within a human rights framework. You have noted that over 50% of gang members are children. Your strategy offers gang members three choices: the cemetery for those who choose to fight against law enforcement, prison for those who are willing to stand down and face justice, and reintegration for the vulnerable ones, particularly children. This approach, while undoubtedly challenging, offers a balanced response to a complex problem. It combines the necessary firmness against hardened criminals with opportunities for redemption and social reintegration. However, for this strategy to succeed, it needs the active participation of communities across Haiti.

Prime Minister Conille, the time for decisive action is now. The longer the government delays, the higher the cost will be in terms of lives lost and trust eroded. Every day of inaction strengthens the gangs' hold on our critical regions and weakens the government's credibility. The population is watching, and their patience is wearing thin. They need to see tangible results, not just promises. More importantly, they need to be called upon to contribute to the solution.

You must also ask us to participate in the war effort

Haiti cannot afford for your government to fail. The time has come for you to have straight talks with the Haitian people and to mobilize us in this fight. I urge you to take immediate, visible steps to address this crisis. This begins with your government mobilizing all the resources at your disposal. You must also ask us to participate in the war effort, and only after that should Haiti be seeking international support. We need you to break from past approaches and become a model for how a Haitian leader can use transparency to build trust with the people.

Prime Minister, the legitimacy of your administration hangs in the balance. The actions you take in the coming weeks and months will determine not only the fate of your government but the future of Haiti itself. The cost of hesitation is too high. Act decisively, act strategically, and act now. But most importantly, act in partnership with all Haitians, inside and outside of the country. We are ready to be called upon, to make sacrifices, and to contribute to the rebuilding of our nation. It is time to unite all Haitians in this crucial fight for our country's future.

Patriotically yours,

Johnny Celestin