The Recipe for Resistance: Unity, Trust, and Action
Many Haitians believe that the growing insecurity in Haiti is orchestrated by the international community—particularly the governments of the United States, France, and Canada. While it is true that most weapons used by gangs in Haiti originate from U.S. manufacturers, this issue reflects a broader problem: America’s powerful private gun industry and its lenient gun laws. I have argued for a more nuanced understanding of gun trafficking in Haiti as these policies also fuel mass shootings and gun violence within the United States itself, where no community—whether rural, urban, Black, or white—remains untouched. A recent tragic example is the case of a 15-year-old girl who opened fire at a private Christian school, killing two people and wounding six others.
As I wrote following the Pont-Sondé massacre, last October "If we accept that a conspiracy exists, then the question becomes: what should we, as Haitians, do about it?" While many strongly believe the idea that the U.S. is behind most if not all our problems, we often prefer to avoid this question altogether, retreating into our righteous indignation.
To me, the answer lies in embracing three values that are fundamental to building a resistance mindset and movement:
First, as I have consistently argued that Haiti is indivisible. We must reject the dangerous and divisive notion that “Port-au-Prince is not Haiti.” Every Haitian life—whether in Pétion-Ville, Pont-Sondé, or Wharf Jérémie—has equal value. We have to believe and declare that “Where one part of Haiti suffers, all of Haiti suffers.”
Second, if we are truly indivisible, then if an armed group—whether foreign or domestic—seize control of our communities, it is a direct assault on Haiti’s sovereignty and therefore an act of war. We must respond accordingly. In “A Five-Point Inclusive Plan for Sustainable Security and Stability in Haiti,” I outlined strategies for how we can effectively address this challenge.
Third, if we are an indivisible country at war, we must take full responsibility for our own defense. It is the height of hypocrisy and a glaring paradox to claim that the international community is working to destroy Haiti, yet still expect those same external actors to protect us. This reliance undermines the very sovereignty we claim to defend. True sovereignty demands self-reliance, not dependence on those we accuse of being our adversaries.
The values—unity, sovereignty, and self-reliance—require courage, discipline, and a shared vision for Haiti’s renewal.
Lessons from Global Resistance Movements
History provides us with models of organized resistance that emphasize territorial unity, internal capacity, and strategic resource mobilization—three approaches Haiti must urgently adopt.
The Front de Libération Nationale (FLN) during Algeria’s independence struggle (1954–1962) divided the country into autonomous regions, each responsible for local resistance while coordinating with a central command. This decentralized approach allowed the movement to withstand leadership attacks and maintain its resilience. Haiti’s ten departments allows for such a model. As I argued in “Haiti’s Call to Konbit”, solidarity is critical. Citizens of Cap-Haïtien, Jacmel, Les Cayes, and other regions must reject divisive rhetoric like “Port-au-Prince is not Haiti.” Instead, they can declare: “We are Port-au-Prince”—united in defending Haiti’s territorial integrity and sovereignty as one nation.
The Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) offers another powerful example. Operating from neighboring countries, ZANU strengthened local resistance through training, supply networks, and communication systems. This strategy built internal capacity without fostering dependency. With a diaspora nearing two million, Haitians can take a similar path to build a distributed leadership to oversee the war efforts.
The African National Congress (ANC), under Oliver Tambo’s leadership, demonstrated the power of diaspora mobilization during South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle. Rather than relying on superpower support, the ANC built a global network for community-based fundraising. Through initiatives like the International Defence and Aid Fund, they raised essential resources while maintaining transparency and independence.
The ANC’s success reminds us that self-reliance is non-negotiable. The idea that we can “play revolutionaries” while depending on the same powers we call our enemies is not only ironic—it is deeply unserious. If we are committed to resistance, we must fund it ourselves.
Lessons from History: Unity, Trust and Actions
While I agree with those who trace Haiti’s struggles back to historical injustices—such as the forced reparations to France, the U.S.’s interventions, and the 29-year occupation—one place where we part ways is in my absolute belief that, regardless of the past, the future is our responsibility.
The challenge before us is immense. Our growing trust deficit, fueled by ineffective leadership, threatens to undermine even the most promising strategies. Yet, the historical examples of Algeria, Zimbabwe, and South Africa show us that organized, resilient resistance can succeed when built on three fundamental pillars: unity, sovereignty, and self-reliance. These movements succeeded not just through courage and discipline, but through a shared vision of renewal.
As I wrote in "Three Fire Stones (Twa wòch dife)", "Breaking free from this cycle of despair requires a profound self-reckoning. We must acknowledge our role in shaping this reality and commit to a transformative vision—one built on inclusivity and justice."
Today's movements like Bwa Kale and KPK demonstrate that Haitians still possess the capacity for powerful collective action. However, transforming this potential into lasting change requires us to overcome our divisions, rebuild trust, and cultivate leadership that unites rather than divides.
The blueprint for change exists in both our history and contemporary movements from the African continent. The only remaining question is whether we possess the will and unity to act upon it.