Francois Pierre-Louis, professor of political science at Queens College, City University of New York: “Just before President Moïse was assassinated last July, gang activity was already increasing in Port-au-Prince neighborhoods, but it intensified a few months after because gang leaders took advantage of the power vacuum following his assassination. It should be noted that the gangs are paramilitary forces that former Presidents Michel Martelly and Jovenel Moïse supported to terrorize the population and to force it to accept their undemocratic rule. The gangs have political motivations, and they are primarily affiliated with the PHTK party which is controlled by Martelly, his allies and the private sector. They armed the gangs, gave them access to government resources and have maintained good relations with their leaders to assure that they will deliver elections to their party. There is strong disagreement whether the best way to address the gang issue is…”