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When the Earth Shakes, So Does the Narrative

Natural disasters have an extraordinary way of exposing far more than collapsed buildings and fractured roads. They expose governments. An earthquake is an unforgiving auditor. It tests the strength of infrastructure, the preparedness of emergency services and the resilience of communities. Just as importantly, it tests the character of those in power. The recent twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela have once again demonstrated a truth that extends well beyond South America. When catastrophe strikes, governments face two battles. The first is against the disaster itself. The second is against the story that emerges from it. Too often, the latter begins to eclipse the former. The Battle for Information In the immediate aftermath of the earthquakes, reports suggested that rescue efforts struggled to match the scale and urgency of the devastation. Journalists arriving in some of the hardest-hit areas encountered not only scenes of destruction, but increasing restrictions on access. As c...

US Now Calls for Haiti's Prime Minister to Resign As Deployment of Kenya Police Delays


Amidst escalating chaos in Haiti, the United States has intensified its efforts to quell the unrest by pushing for the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. The delayed deployment of police officers from Kenya has prompted US officials to explore alternative measures to stabilise the situation.

The Biden administration, in collaboration with Caribbean officials, is actively engaging in discussions with Haitian stakeholders to facilitate a smooth transition of power and establish new governing structures.

The US has proposed that Prime Minister Henry step down as interim leader to pave the way for the appointment of a new prime minister or await the deployment of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) force.


Concerns over Henry's leadership have been raised within the US government, with officials expressing a lack of confidence in his ability to lead effectively amidst the ongoing turmoil. There is a growing consensus that Henry's reluctance to relinquish power is hindering the democratic transition process.

Linda Thomas Greenfield, the US ambassador to the UN, emphasised the urgency of establishing a presidential transitional council to oversee the transition and pave the way for democratic elections. The US is urging Henry to cooperate in forming this transitional council, which would require his resignation.

Meanwhile, State Department spokesperson Mattew Miller underscored the importance of inclusive governance and expedited transition efforts. US officials are actively engaging with Henry and other stakeholders to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

The US has also expressed concern over the potential collapse of the Haiti National Police (HNP) if urgent measures are not taken. The stability of the government hangs in the balance, with officials warning of dire consequences if the HNP fails to function effectively as a counterforce against escalating violence.

Despite rejecting plans to deploy their own police officers, the Biden administration is working to expedite the deployment of Kenyan police officers and personnel from other countries. Prime Minister Henry's recent visit to Kenya to finalise the agreement for the deployment of 1,000 police officers underscores the international community's commitment to addressing Haiti's security challenges.

However, Henry's absence during a critical period allowed gangs to seize control of the country, leading to widespread chaos and disruption. The situation highlights the urgent need for decisive action and international cooperation to restore stability and security in Haiti.


The United States is actively engaged in efforts to address Haiti's political crisis and restore stability amidst escalating chaos. The push for Prime Minister Henry's resignation reflects a commitment to facilitating a peaceful transition of power and establishing new governing structures. International cooperation and decisive action are essential to addressing Haiti's security challenges and restoring stability in the region.

By addressing the root causes of the crisis and promoting inclusive governance, the international community can support Haiti's path towards peace and prosperity.

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