Global News Podcast – Special Edition: "Why There's Hope for Haiti"
BBC World Service
Date: November 30, 2025
Host: Nick Miles
Guests: Nawal Al Magafi (BBC Investigations Correspondent), Monique Klezka (Haitian Democracy Activist), Pascal Solaj (Women’s Rights Organizer), Diana Manilla Arroyo (Médecins Sans Frontières, Port-au-Prince)
Episode Overview
This special edition of the Global News Podcast delves into Haiti—a nation often labeled as a "hopeless case" due to relentless poverty, political instability, and spiraling gang violence. Host Nick Miles and his guests challenge that narrative by shining a light not only on the acute crises but also on the seeds of resilience, hope, and Haitian-led solutions that could pave the way for a brighter future. Through firsthand testimony and on-the-ground accounts, the episode explores current challenges and amplifies voices working tirelessly for change.
Key Themes & Discussion Points
1. The Current Crisis in Haiti
Escalating Violence and Sexual Assault
[03:52] Diana Manilla Arroyo recounts harrowing changes in sexual violence:
- The number of aggressors per victim is increasing (sometimes up to 20).
- Gangs break into homes, attacking women of all ages: “Survivors talk about the number of aggressors increasing... The dynamics of the aggressions has changed.” (Diana, 04:17)
- Use of weapons to intimidate and incapacitate victims.
Children at Risk and Societal Breakdown
[05:16] Nawal Al Magafi emphasizes:
- Schools are closed across gang-controlled areas.
- Many state schools are now IDP camps; only a few private schools still function.
Widespread Trauma and Stigma
[07:09] Diana Manilla Arroyo on trauma, especially among youths:
- “About 20% of our patients [for sexual violence] are under the age of 18, but that is only those who reach us.” (Diana, 07:12)
- Stigma and family rejection compound psychological issues, with over 68% citing stigma as a major challenge.
Economic Hardship & Daily Life
- Interviews with local Haitians highlight acute poverty and hopelessness:
- "Life is not good to me at all. My mom had 13 kids. All of them died. I'm the only one left..." (08:38)
- “I have nothing. Sometimes I feel like killing myself. But no, that would be cowardly. Life is such an important gift.” (09:01)
Ordinary People Amid Danger
[10:45] Nawal Al Magafi describes the perilous conditions:
- Journalists travel in armored vehicles and with heavy security.
- “We saw it with our very own eyes... people heading to work hiding behind cover as shots were fired.” (Nawal, 11:18)
2. Limits of International Intervention
UN-Backed Force’s Challenges
- 1,000 international police/military are present, but gangs remain emboldened:
- "They're terrified of stepping out of these vehicles." (Nawal, 12:22)
Gangs' Freedom and Mindset
[13:07] Gang Leader (Vaj) (translated by Nawal Al Magafi)
“When we're fighting, we are possessed... As a gang leader, it's my duty to fight. I will never give up. Until the state sits down with us, the dialogue will be good for us, but until then, we'll fight.” (Gang Leader Vaj, 13:07–13:30)
Haitian Skepticism
[13:47] Monique Klezka:
- “We do not... believe that it's a question of faith in the Kenyan force. I think it is a question of faith in the Haitians’ capacity to resist and to mobilize.” (Monique, 13:47)
- Grassroots neighborhood groups organize to repel gangs; many want to join police or army but are limited by lack of resources.
3. Grassroots Solutions and Local Resilience
Advocacy for Women’s Rights
[15:49] Pascal Solaj describes empowerment work:
- “Women need to be part of the fate of this country... we educate women to help them understand that being [Haitian], being woman, it's being citizen... It’s the right to be part of all the process.” (Pascal, 15:49)
Youth Engagement & Civic Training
[16:54] Monique Klezka:
- Projects like Folkula incubator teaching leadership and citizenship to high school students.
- “64% of the Haitian population is under 24... it is important to get them involved as citizens.” (Monique, 17:11)
Community Vigilance & Everyday Bravery
[18:33] Nawal Al Magafi:
- Vigilantes in neighborhoods (e.g., Paco, Kemskoff) organize in shifts, defending against gangs so daily life—like market commerce—can continue.
- “Behind these men, there was a market... trying to keep their neighborhoods safe and to keep the gangs away.” (Nawal, 19:03)
- Haitian NGOs run safe houses, education, and vocational programs for women amid danger.
Motivation to Persevere
[21:00] Pascal Solaj:
- “What they have, it's Haiti, it's their country. And it's our right to fight for this country and to fight for the country.” (Pascal, 21:10)
4. The Unique Potential for Unity in Haiti
Absence of Ethnic or Religious Division
[21:51] Nick Miles and Monique Klezka
- Unlike other conflict zones, Haiti’s conflicts are not rooted in ethnic or religious divides.
- Monique: "We do not have the divisive issues of religion or ethnicity... one cannot expect for the country to be doing well when only a few hold the majority of the riches." (Monique, 22:25)
- Focus needed on equitable development, education, and building a middle class.
Election Challenges and International Community’s Role
- Calls for "hasty" elections from abroad are unhelpful without trust in political leadership.
- Support should focus on grassroots organizations to rebuild social trust and participatory democracy.
- “We want elections like other countries have elections. We want democracy with the big deal, not with a small d.” (Monique, 23:49)
Haitian Culture and Global Achievements
- Haiti’s vibrant cultural scene counters the narrative of misery:
- "We have people on the international scene, cultural scene, that are showing the rich culture of Haiti." (Monique, 24:33)
Memorable Quotes & Key Moments
- Diana Manilla Arroyo: “It's not only the number of cases that is extremely concerning, but it's also the dynamics of these aggressions that has significantly changed.” [03:55]
- Nawal Al Magafi: “What really struck me about Haiti is the people's resilience.” [18:33]
- Gang Leader Vaj: “When we're fighting, we are possessed. We are no longer human. We become the devil...” [13:07]
- Monique Klezka: “We do not believe it’s a question of faith in the Kenyan force… it's a question of faith in Haitians' capacity to resist and to mobilize.” [13:47]
- Pascal Solaj: “Women need to be part of the fate of this country…” [15:49]
- Monique Klezka: “I believe Haiti should pay for its own elections so that the international community does not meddle.” [26:58]
Closing Thoughts – What Haiti Needs
[25:24] Pascal Solaj:
- Visionary leadership: “We need men and women... who can really do what they have to do for peace and prosperity.”
[26:17] Nawal Al Magafi:
- Continued international support for grassroots organizations.
[26:58] Monique Klezka:
- Honest, visionary Haitians in positions of power; domestically driven, legitimate solutions; Haiti should “pay for its own elections.”
Suggested Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:54 — Introduction & context
- 03:52 — MSF on sexual violence and shifting gang tactics
- 05:16 — Impact on children and schools
- 08:38 — Personal testimonies of economic hardship
- 12:06 — UN-backed security force limitations
- 13:07 — Gang leader's perspective
- 13:47 — Haitian resistance and local self-organization
- 15:49 — Women's participation in civic life
- 18:33 — Community resilience and grassroots action
- 21:51 — Haiti’s unity and social potential
- 24:59 — Cultural pride, optimism for Haiti’s return
Summary
This episode powerfully confronts the grim realities facing Haiti—rampant gang violence, sexual abuse, government collapse—while centering the unyielding local efforts pressing for change. The country’s greatest assets, as highlighted by the guests, are its cohesive identity, cultural pride, dynamic youth, and the relentless commitment of ordinary Haitians, especially women and community activists. The message: while international support matters, Haiti’s future cannot be imposed from outside; hope ultimately resides in the hands and hearts of Haitians themselves.