The Haitian police chief, Frantz Elbé, has been dismissed following widespread criticism. The country has been severely affected by gang violence, and during the period Elbé led the authority, it is estimated that 120 police officers were killed by gang members.
The capital, Port-au-Prince, is controlled by criminal gangs to 80 per cent, and more than 2,500 people were killed in the country in just the first three months of the year. The gangs are generally considered to be better equipped – and to have more powerful weapons – than the police.
Normil Rameau, who previously held a senior role within the police, will take over Elbé's position. In total, it is estimated that more than 320 police officers have been killed over a ten-year period.
