MMAS vs. Bwakale : Les Stratégies Dissuasives Peuvent-elles Maîtriser le Mouvement de Vigilance en Haïti ?

MMAS vs. Bwakale: Can Deterrent Strategies Tame Haiti's Vigilante Movement?

By Patrick Prézeau Stephenson (Le Français suit)

The imminent deployment of the Multinational Security Support (MMAS) mission in Haiti is sparking intense debates, particularly regarding the coordination between Kenyan forces and the Haitian National Police (PNH). Leslie Voltaire, a member of the Presidential Transition Council (CPT), recently stated in an interview with Wendell Theodore that there are no contradictions between his statements on France24 and those of Kenyan President William Ruto about the role of Kenyan soldiers who will accompany the PNH "side by side." [1,2,3]. However, one of the major challenges remains the language barrier and understanding the Haitian psyche, especially in relation to the Bwakale phenomenon.

Context and Origins of the Bwakale Movement

The Bwakale movement emerges as a popular response to the Haitian state’s inability to protect its citizens. This phenomenon of vigilante justice is rooted in accumulated frustration, distrust of state institutions, and despair over the omnipresent gang violence.

1. Origins of the Movement:

· Bwakale took root in the neighborhoods most affected by violence. Citizens, fed up with the authorities' inefficacy and criminals' impunity, took up arms to defend and protect their communities.

· This response is grounded in a tradition of resistance and communal solidarity, where residents organize collectively to face adversity.

2. Psychological and Social Impact:

· Resorting to vigilante justice reinforces a sense of control and autonomy among citizens but can also legitimize violence and perpetuate cycles of retaliation.

· The Haitian psyche, marked by a history of colonization, dictatorship, and natural disasters, yearns for true security and justice. The Bwakale movement is both an expression of this aspiration and a symptom of institutional failures.

Operational Capabilities and Strategies for the MMAS

Security expert Emmanuel Paul emphasizes that the success of the MMAS depends on a combination of sophisticated equipment and advanced military skills [4]. However, to fully understand the dynamics at play, it is crucial to integrate the psychological and cultural perspective of Haitians into strategic planning.

1. Preparation and Skills:

· MMAS troops must be not only well-equipped but also trained to understand and interact with the local population. An empathetic and respectful approach can help gain the trust of citizens, which is essential for intelligence gathering and cooperation.

2. Deterrent Strategies:

· A visible and determined military presence is necessary to deter gangs, but it must be accompanied by communication strategies that demonstrate a long-term commitment to the security and well-being of Haitians.

· Integrating community leaders and respected figures into operations can enhance the legitimacy of the MMAS and facilitate closer collaboration with the population.

3. Flexibility and Adaptation:

· Haitian gangs are known for their adaptability and resilience. The MMAS must remain flexible and capable of modifying its tactics based on developments on the ground. Understanding the motivations and internal dynamics of gangs can help anticipate and counter their moves.

Linguistic and Cultural Challenges

One of the primary challenges for Kenyan forces will be the language barrier and understanding the cultural and psychological nuances of the Haitian population.

1. Language Barrier:

· The majority of Haitians speak Haitian Creole, and effective communication between Kenyan troops and the local population will require translators and basic linguistic training for soldiers.

· Clear communication is essential not only for military operations but also for establishing trust with local communities.

2. Cultural Understanding:

· Kenyan forces will also need to familiarize themselves with Haitian culture and psyche, including phenomena like Bwakale, to avoid misunderstandings and cultural tensions.

· Training on local customs, social practices, and power dynamics can help prevent cultural conflicts and promote harmonious cooperation.

Normative Framework and Legal Considerations

The situation in Haiti, classified as internal violence by the International Red Cross, imposes restrictions on the use of force by MMAS troops, operating under international human rights law rather than international humanitarian law.

1. Legal Restrictions:

· Troops must navigate between the need to ensure security and the constraints imposed by the legal framework. This requires rigorous training in human rights and de-escalation techniques.

2. Normative Adaptations:

· The Presidential Transition Council (CPT) could request normative adjustments to allow for a more effective response. However, these modifications would require thorough discussions and international consensus.

Challenges and Potential Consequences

Securing strategic infrastructure in gang-controlled areas presents a major challenge. The gradual deployment of MMAS troops could give gangs the time needed to adapt their strategies, reducing the element of surprise.

1. Public Opinion Battle:

· The MMAS must not only succeed militarily but also win the battle of public opinion. Local and international perceptions of the mission are crucial for its long-term success.

2. Impact of Success or Failure:

· A rapid success could create a positive domino effect, but a failure, particularly in the case of police blunders or defeat by gangs, could reinforce mistrust in international interventions and worsen the situation.

Conclusion

The Bwakale movement and the security situation in Haiti represent complex challenges for the MMAS. For the mission to be effective, it must combine rigorous military preparation with a deep understanding of the Haitian psyche. Deterrent strategies must integrate elements of communication, cooperation, and respect for human rights to restore stability and bring hope back to the Haitian population. The language barrier and cultural differences are additional but surmountable challenges with adequate preparation. The international community, in collaboration with Haitian authorities, must commit to addressing the root causes of violence while ensuring an immediate and effective response to security threats.