Gangs of Port-au-Prince
Haiti Working Group Public Event
Date and Time
Wedensday, November 28, 2007
9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Location
U.S. Institute of Peace
2nd Floor Conference Room
1200 17th St, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Directions
In November 2006, armed gangs operating from strongholds in the slums of the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince terrorized the city and threatened the stability of Haiti's democratically elected government. On December 22, the Haitian National Police, UN Police and the UN military launched a coordinated assault against the compound of the gang leader Belonye in the Bois Neuf sector of Cite Soleil. After hours of heavy fighting, resistance was overcome; Belonye and his gang were arrested. Subsequent operations resulted in the arrest of all the major gang leaders and the restoration of security in Haiti's capital.
The conduct of this highly successful UN operation and its complex aftermath is the topic of a new study by USIP and the focus of programs undertaken by the Department of State. It will be the topic of this public forum hosted by the USIP's Haiti Working Group.
Speakers
- Velia M. De Pirro
Director of the Office of Caribbean Affairs, Department of State
- Michael Dziedic
Senior Program Officer, U.S. Institute of Peace
- Robert Perito, Moderator
Director, USIP Haiti Working Group
Media Inquiries
Please contact Ian Larsen (+1.202.429.3870) or Lauren Sucher (+1.202.429.3822) in the Office of Public Affairs and Communications.