United Nations Radio

Despite important gains over the past months, the security situation in Haiti remains fragile, the head of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Caribbean nation told the Security Council today.

Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Haiti, Hédi Annabi, said there has been a resurgence in kidnappings since December, with an average of 30 incidents each month. There are also indications that gangs may be trying to reorganize themselves.

Mr. Annabi observed that while these threats "appear essentially criminal in nature," they may be manipulated for political purposes.

"At the same time, we have seen a rise in anti-government demonstrations, with a particular focus on the recent dramatic increase in the cost of living. The potential security implications of such unrest were made clear last week when such demonstrations required the evacuation of our offices in Les Cayes, in the south of the country. Similar demonstrations, albeit less violent, also took place last week in Gonaives and Port-au-Prince and a few other locations."

Mr. Annabi said the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti, known by the French acronym MINUSTAH, has reinforced its collaboration with the local authorities through enhanced sharing of information and increased presence at checkpoints in the capital, Port-au-Prince.

MINUSTAH is also supporting government efforts to deter drugs and arms smuggling by reinforcing its presence along Haiti's land and maritime borders, he further stated.

For United Nations Radio, I'm Dianne Penn.

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