History As It Happens: "Living Hell in Haiti" – Episode Summary

Released on July 25, 2025 | Host: Martin DeCaro | Guest: Keith Mines

1. Introduction to Haiti's Current Crisis

In the episode titled "Living Hell in Haiti," host Martin DeCaro delves into the escalating turmoil gripping Haiti. Between October 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, the nation witnessed a staggering 4,864 killings. Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital, has fallen under the near-total control of criminal gangs, with estimates suggesting that 90% of the city is now governed by these factions. This overwhelming dominance by gangs has plunged Haiti into what many describe as a living hell, characterized by rampant violence, widespread fear, and a collapsing state infrastructure.

2. The Rise and Dominance of Gangs in Port-au-Prince

At the heart of Haiti's chaos is Jimmy Cherizier, infamously known as Barbecue, who leads one of the most powerful and ruthless gangs in Port-au-Prince. These gangs have not only seized control of major trade routes but have also established parallel governance structures, effectively sidelining the official government. Their operations extend beyond simple extortion and kidnapping; they exert control over essential services, leading to soaring prices for staples like cooking fuel and rice.

Keith Mines (Timestamp: [19:39]) elaborates on the nature of these gangs:

"They depend on territorial control to do what they want to do, which is basically extortion and kidnapping... they've carved up the capital into these little fiefdoms."

3. International and U.S. Response: An Insufficient Safety Net

Despite the dire situation, international assistance remains tepid. A United Nations-backed mission led by Kenyan police, initially envisioned with 2,500 personnel, remains severely understaffed—operational with only 40% of the intended force. The mission's limited capacity hampers its effectiveness in combating the well-armed gangs.

Martin DeCaro highlights the plight:

"The UN backed mission led by Kenyan police did arrive in Haiti last year to help quell gang violence. But the mission remains understaffed and underfunded."

Keith Mines (Timestamp: [14:07]) attributes this shortfall to broader global reductions in peacekeeping efforts:

"They had a very robust mission up until 2017... but the first Trump administration reduced peacekeeping operations globally... Haiti was more dependent on what the UN was providing."

4. Historical U.S. Interventions in Haiti

The U.S. has a long and contentious history of intervention in Haiti. From the early 20th century, when American Marines occupied Haiti (1915-1934) ostensibly to prevent anarchy, to the 1994 intervention under President Bill Clinton aimed at reinstating President Jean Bertrand Aristide, the U.S. has frequently intervened in Haitian affairs. These interventions have often been driven by a mix of humanitarian concerns and geopolitical interests, though their long-term effectiveness remains questionable.

Keith Mines reflects on past interventions:

"President Wilson said the invasion was an attempt to prevent anarchy. In reality, the Wilson administration was protecting U.S. assets in the area..."

5. Current U.S. Policies Under the Trump Administration

In the current political climate, the Trump administration exhibits a markedly different approach towards Haiti. There is a pronounced reluctance to re-engage militarily, coupled with aggressive immigration policies that threaten to deport hundreds of thousands of Haitian asylum seekers back to a nation in chaos.

Keith Mines (Timestamp: [11:34]) critiques the administration's stance:

"The administration inherited a program that the previous administration had been doing... they've now turned around and they've tried to start returning Haitian migrants back to their country."

This shift reflects a broader "America First" agenda, prioritizing domestic concerns over international humanitarian obligations.

6. The Shutdown of the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) and Its Implications

Earlier in the year, the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP), led by Elon Musk, was abruptly shut down. Founded in 1984 with the mission of conflict avoidance and post-conflict stabilization, USIP had been actively involved in Haiti through programs focused on national dialogue and governmental support. The closure of USIP has left a void in the strategic approach to fostering stability in Haiti.

Keith Mines (Timestamp: [08:09]) laments the loss:

"USIP was... trying to seek ways to avoid conflict... supporting the Haitian government to do it for them. But... they'll go in and just do things themselves rather than supporting the Haitian government."

7. The Role and Operations of Gangs in Haiti

The gangs operating in Haiti are not merely criminal enterprises; they have entrenched themselves as de facto authorities within their territories. Their reliance on extortion and kidnapping for revenue creation differentiates them from drug-driven gangs like those in Colombia. This model leads to comprehensive control over local economies and essential services, further destabilizing the nation.

Keith Mines (Timestamp: [19:39]) explains:

"The gangs are worse than in most countries because they depend on territorial control... they've carved up the capital into these little fiefdoms."

8. U.S. Reputation and Historical Resentment in Haiti

Haiti's historical grievances towards the United States, stemming from interventions and support for oppressive regimes like that of Duvalier, persistently color contemporary perceptions. These sentiments create a complex backdrop for any potential U.S. involvement, fostering skepticism and resentment among Haitians.

Keith Mines (Timestamp: [30:12]) observes:

"The United States wouldn't have anything to do with Haiti because we were afraid of what that said about our own slaves."

9. Potential Solutions: Military Intervention vs. Support for Haitian Institutions

The dialogue between DeCaro and Mines navigates the precarious balance between potential U.S. military intervention and bolstering Haitian governmental institutions. While some advocate for direct intervention to restore order, others emphasize the necessity of strengthening local governance and security forces to ensure sustainable stability.

Keith Mines (Timestamp: [22:05]) advocates for non-military support:

"We need to change the model and really reinforce the government... train and equip a new police force... support the Haitian government rather than always fund private entities."

Conversely, contemplating the severe disarray, the conversation acknowledges that without significant change, options remain limited and fraught with challenges.

10. The Future Outlook: Navigating a Path Forward

As Haiti teeters on the brink of becoming a failed state, the episode underscores the urgent need for a reevaluation of international strategies. The limitations of past interventions, combined with current geopolitical hesitations, present a complex puzzle in addressing the nation's multifaceted crises. The potential role of private security contractors, enhanced training for Haitian forces, and a renewed focus on supporting Haitian institutions emerge as critical considerations for future actions.

Keith Mines (Timestamp: [36:42]) emphasizes:

"We need to fund the government rather than always fund private entities... recreate this model where advisors rather than doers, funders of the government rather than always private entities."

Conclusion

"Living Hell in Haiti" offers a comprehensive exploration of the nation's current turmoil, rooted in historical grievances and exacerbated by ineffective international responses. Through the insights of former U.S. Army Special Forces and Foreign Service veteran Keith Mines, the episode highlights the complexities of intervention, the dire state of governmental institutions, and the relentless grip of criminal gangs. As Haiti faces an uncertain future, the dialogue calls for innovative and sustainable approaches to restore stability and empower its people.

Notable Quotes:

• Keith Mines ([02:16]):

  "There's one real key thing in the model that I think has just gone wrong... they're going in and just doing things themselves rather than supporting the Haitian government."

• Martin DeCaro ([16:58]):

  "There's no will anywhere to do something about this. Not that it's an easy thing to intervene in, but no."

• Keith Mines ([22:05]):

  "We're going to have to continue to support the Haitian government... the government's got to get this monopoly on the use of force."

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