THE latest push for military intervention in Haiti was today labelled a “clear sign of Western insanity.”

A United Nations human rights expert made the case on Wednesday for a military force to be sent to over to help fight the gangs that have taken control of large parts of the Caribbean nation.

William O’Neill, who was appointed an expert on human rights in Haiti in April by the UN, spoke at the end of a 10-day trip during which he met with civil society leaders, government officials and victims of gang violence.

He said: “I found a country bruised by violence, misery, fear and suffering,” with all types of human rights being violated. 

“It is urgent to take action. The survival of an entire nation is at stake.”

He said that “entire neighbourhoods are left to their fate, without access to any public services.”

Mr O’Neill’s visit comes as warring gangs have grown more powerful since the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise, with gangs now estimated to control up to 80 per cent of the capital. 

Mr O’Neill said that deploying a specialised international force “is essential to restore the freedom of movement.”

Several UN officials have called for such a deployment, a request first made by Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry in October last year, but the security council has not taken action, opting instead to impose sanctions.

Vijay Prashad, the executive director of Tricontinental, the social research body, pointed out that Haiti “has been suffocated by Western policy, stolen from and denigrated.”

Mr Prashad said: “The West collaborated with the terrible dictatorship of the Duvaliers, and then twice couped a democratically elected leader, preventing Haitians from raising their minimum wage, invading the country through the UN and deepening the havoc.” 

He said: “More of the same? That’s a clear sign of Western insanity. What Haiti needs is its sovereignty.”