Tensions Escalate in Haiti: Five BSAP Agents Killed in Confrontation with Police
Amidst escalating unrest, Haiti's BSAP, once an environmental agency now evolved into a paramilitary force, faced a deadly clash with national police in Port-au-Prince. The police trade union confirmed the deaths of at least five BSAP agents, while details on police casualties remain unclear.
The confrontation follows a series of nationwide protests leading up to February 7, the promised resignation date of unelected Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Former coup leader Guy Philippe, recently returned from U.S. incarceration, rallied supporters for a "revolution" against Henry's government, sparking tensions.
Many BSAP members, reportedly former soldiers allied with Philippe during the 2004 ouster of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, found themselves at odds with Henry's administration. Henry's call for BSAP members to register with the environmental ministry hinted at a crackdown on the agency's authority.
In response to mounting pressure, Henry is set to address the nation, reiterating his stance on the need for restored security before elections. However, the situation remains precarious as gangs, armed and in control of much of the capital, continue to exacerbate Haiti's humanitarian crisis, displacing thousands.
As Haiti grapples with internal strife and external pressures, the fate of its leadership and the path to stability hang in the balance.
