Gangs in Haiti have laid siege to several neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince, burning homes and exchanging gunfire with police for hours in one of the biggest attacks since Haiti’s new prime minister was announced. The violence began late Wednesday in neighborhoods including Solino and Delmas 18, 20, and 24, located southwest of the main international airport. The attacks left many residents fleeing, with one man named Néne recalling hiding in a corner all night, only able to save a suitcase filled with his children’s clothes. The neighborhoods were described as ghost towns after sunrise, with a heavy silence hanging in the air.
As violent clashes continued in the streets, residents who had lost their homes were seen fleeing with whatever possessions they could carry, such as fans, stoves, mattresses, and clothes. The atmosphere was one of chaos and fear as gunshots rang out and families were separated in the confusion of the attacks. Some recounted the horror of the night, with one woman stating that the gunfire never stopped and everyone was running for safety. The attack was orchestrated in an area controlled by Jimmy Chérizier, a powerful gang leader known as Barbecue, who has been implicated in previous coordinated attacks across the capital.
The ongoing gang violence in Haiti has led to an increase in casualties, with more than 2,500 people killed or injured from January to March of this year, a significant rise compared to the same period last year. Additionally, over 90,000 individuals have fled Port-au-Prince in just one month as gangs have expanded their control over the city, targeting even previously peaceful neighborhoods. The situation has become untenable for many residents, pushing them to leave their homes for the first time in years, as the gangs continue to take control of the streets and terrorize the population.
The chaotic security situation in the country has led to the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry and the formation of a transitional presidential council that recently announced a new prime minister, Fritz Bélizaire. However, this move has sparked tensions within the council, threatening to further destabilize the country’s leadership. With squabbling among the new leaders, Haitians are demanding that the government prioritize their safety and address the rampant gang violence that has left the population feeling vulnerable and scared.
Amid the turmoil and uncertainty, some individuals like Vanessa Vieux have chosen to stay in their homes, showing faith in the police and their ability to protect the community. However, for many others like Ernest Aubrey, the threat of gang violence has become too overwhelming, forcing them to leave behind their homes and possessions. The gangs, which are more heavily armed and organized than the National Police, continue to instill fear and chaos across the capital, leaving residents feeling desperate for a solution to bring an end to the violence and restore safety to their communities.
