April 25, 2025
Claude Joseph, leader of the political party Les Engagés pour le Développement (EDE), addressed the controversy surrounding a document submitted to CARICOM during an interview on Radio Magik 9 on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. He emphasized that the three proposed options for advancing Haiti’s political transition do not include any alignment with criminal groups, including the coalition known as “Viv Ansanm.” “We mentioned ‘Viv Ansanm’ without defining it because everyone knows what this coalition represents,” he stated, rejecting claims that the document legitimizes this organization.
The document, signed by three political entities—the December 21 Accord, EDE, and the January 30 Collective—outlines three scenarios for stabilizing Haiti’s political transition. Claude Joseph clarified that “Viv Ansanm” was neither described as a political organization nor as a civil society group but was referred to as a “force” in the current security context. He condemned detractors for exploiting the issue for political purposes, accusing them of attempting to discredit ongoing recovery efforts.
In a joint statement, the three signatory entities firmly denied any collaboration with “Viv Ansanm.” “Stop the manipulation! No sector has signed any joint document with ‘Viv Ansanm’,” they asserted. The document submitted to CARICOM, they explained, aims solely to propose solutions to Haiti’s political and security crises, with no alliances involving criminal groups.
Haiti’s security crisis, exacerbated by the rise of armed gangs like “Viv Ansanm,” has plunged the nation into unprecedented chaos. These groups control large parts of Port-au-Prince and instill terror among the population, causing mass displacement and a deepening humanitarian crisis. According to the United Nations, over 5,600 people were killed in 2024 due to gang violence, with more than a million displaced.
Claude Joseph and the signatories reiterated their commitment to Haiti’s recovery despite intimidation and manipulation. “Despite the attempts at intimidation, the fight continues! Recovery is inevitable!” they declared. This statement comes as the international community, particularly CARICOM, plays a critical role in efforts to stabilize Haiti.
The controversy surrounding the document submitted to CARICOM highlights the political and security tensions dividing Haiti. While some actors seek to discredit recovery initiatives, others, like Claude Joseph, call for national unity to confront the country’s challenges. Combating insecurity and corruption remains a top priority, but achieving lasting solutions will require transparent and inclusive collaboration.
