Armed men kidnap respected security expert in gang-wracked Haiti
Summary
James Boyard, a top security expert and government official in Haiti, was kidnapped by armed men in a usually safe part of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Haiti faces serious problems with violent gangs, and kidnappings have become more common, even in areas once seen as secure.Key Facts
- James Boyard is the cabinet director of Haiti’s Defense Ministry and inspector general of the police.
- He was kidnapped on Thursday in Bourdon, a relatively safe area of Port-au-Prince.
- About 70% of Port-au-Prince is controlled by gangs, including a group called Viv Ansanm designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S.
- Boyard’s role includes helping rebuild Haiti’s armed forces and police reforms.
- Experts believe the kidnapping was planned carefully, possibly with inside help.
- Gangs sometimes wear fake police uniforms to trick people and carry out kidnappings.
- Kidnappings target officials and people with dual nationalities, possibly to get higher ransoms or protect gang territories.
- In recent years, hundreds of kidnappings have been reported annually in Haiti, with some high-profile victims like journalists and missionaries.
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