ハイチの首都ポルトープランス。実質的にギャングが支配

2024.7.12

ハイチは、現在、政治的混乱、経済的困難、治安の悪化という三重の危機だという。2010年の大地震後、経済活動が停滞し、COVID-19パンデミックも影響して状況がさらに悪化。貧困率は約60%、インフレ率も20%、生活必需品の価格が上昇。失業率は高く、多くの若者が職に就けず、ギャングに加わることを余儀なくされてしまっているという。

2021年のジョヴネル・モイーズ大統領の暗殺後は、政治的空白が生まれ、ギャングがそれを利用して勢力を拡大。現在のハイチにはいくつかの強力なギャング派閥が存在。元警察官のジミー・シェリジエ（別名: バーベキュー）によって率いられるG9 Family and Allies（G9アンドファミリー）を筆頭に、400 Mawozo、Ti Lapliなどのギャングが台頭。特に首都ポルトープランスでは、ギャングが地域を実質的に支配し、多くの住民が暴力や恐怖にさらされているという。

先日、日本では都知事選があり、史上最大の盛り上がりを見せたけれど、一方、同じ時代に、状況がまったく違うハイチの現実も存在するわけだ。このような社会では何が正解なのだろう？コミュニティ単位からの小さな改善や政治的安定、経済発展？ハイチ国内での改革と強力なリーダーシップ？　このような非常に困難な舵取りをできる方はいるのだろうか？

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Haiti is currently experiencing a triple crisis of political turmoil, economic difficulties and insecurity:
economic activity has stagnated since the 2010 earthquake, and the COVID-19 pandemic has also had an impact, exacerbating the situation. The poverty rate is around 60%, inflation is 20% and the prices of basic goods have risen. Unemployment is high and many young people are unable to find work and are forced to join gangs.

Following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021, a political vacuum was created and gangs took advantage of this to increase their power. There are several powerful gang factions in Haiti today. The G9 Family and Allies (G9 and Family), led by ex-police officer Jimmy Cheridier (alias Barbecue), is at the forefront, along with gangs such as 400 Mawozo and Ti Lapli. In the capital, Port-au-Prince, in particular, the gangs have effectively taken control of the area and many residents are reported to be living in fear and violence.

Japan recently held its largest-ever gubernatorial election, but then there is the reality of Haiti, where the situation is very different at the same time. What is the right thing to do in such a society? Small improvements, political stability and economic development from the community level? Reforms and strong leadership from within Haiti?　Who is capable of steering such a very difficult course?