South Africa’s ruling African National Congress on Friday called on South Africans to support the people of Haiti in campaigning for the return of stability, the rule of law and democracy to the Caribbean state.
It has also called for the charging or release of a former Haitian prime minister from prison.
In an article in its weekly online journal, ANC Today, the ANC said: ”As the situation of Haiti’s poor worsens daily, South Africans are called upon to join others around the world in campaigning for a return to constitutionality, stability and political freedom in Haiti.”
It said Haiti has been in a state of crisis since an armed rebellion forced democratically elected president Jean-Bertrand Aristide out of office and into exile in February last year. He and his family are now guests of the South African government.
The ANC said the United Nations needs to lead an international effort, with the involvement of regional bodies such as the Caribbean Community, ”to ensure the interim government ends the political persecution of members and supporters of Aristide’s Lavalas party, releases all political prisoners, ends all illegal arrests and summary executions, and ensures the disarmament of all illegally armed groups and individuals”.
The ANC expressed ”grave concern” at the condition of former prime minister Yvon Neptune, who has been on a hunger strike in a Haitian prison since mid-April.
”Neptune has been in prison since June last year without having been brought to court — despite a constitutional requirement of a hearing within 48 hours of arrest.
”As an immediate step, the interim government must either formally charge or release Yvon Neptune and other political prisoners.”
The ANC said Haiti’s constitutional order ”must be restored, which should include the creation of conditions for the return of all exiles, including [former] president Aristide, and the organisation of free, peaceful and fair democratic elections”.
The party said: ”Despite the deployment of a UN ‘stabilisation mission’, there has been widespread violence and instability since the overthrow of Haiti’s constitutional government.
”Members of the Aristide government, MPs and members and supporters of Aristide’s Lavalas party have been arrested and are being held without formal changes being laid against them.
”It is estimated there are currently more than 1 000 political prisoners being held illegally in Haiti’s jails.
”Urgent steps need to be taken to end the brutalisation of Haiti’s population and open the way for a meaningful national dialogue towards the restoration of the country’s constitutional order.” — I-Net Bridge