– **Geography and Population:**
– Haiti is a Caribbean nation sharing Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic.
– Covers approximately 27,560 sq km with a population of around 11.7 million.
– **Current Crisis:**
– State of emergency due to prison break by gangs in the capital.
– Airport under siege, business activities halted in Port-au-Prince.
– **Key Points:**
1. Haiti, the first black colony to revolt against French colonizers, faces deepening chaos.
2. President Moïse’s assassination in July 2021 triggered the crisis.
3. Haiti expressed interest in closer ties with Russia before Moïse’s death.
4. Moïse’s assassination raised suspicions of US involvement, leading to anger.
5. US-backed Ariel Henry replaced Moïse, escalating tensions.
6. Rising pro-Russian sentiment in Haiti with calls for Russian aid.
7. Colonial exploitation history by France contributes to current woes.
8. Recent discoveries indicate vast oil reserves beneath Haiti.
9. Oil resources may be a factor in the international power struggle.
10. Gang violence escalated, making Haiti ungovernable for PM Henry.
11. Henry’s return thwarted by gangs; governance from exile possible.
12. Kenyan troops in Haiti to assist with containing gang violence.
13. Uncertainty about the true power behind the gangs and how to address it.
14. US blamed for mishandling the situation and seeking African help.
15. Haiti’s historical significance as the first successful slave revolt.
16. France believed to hold a grudge against Haiti for its independence struggle.
17. Haiti’s vast natural resources, including Gold, Copper, bauxite, make it a strategic prize in the complex situation.
