Port-au-Prince, Haiti: In a wave of violence, armed gangs attacked two affluent neighborhoods in Port-Au-Prince, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 individuals. The attacks led to looting in multiple communities, prompting residents to flee and call for authorities to intervene. Despite these outbreaks of violence, these neighborhoods had previously remained relatively peaceful amidst a surge in gang-related attacks that started on February 29.
Reports indicated that the armed gangs not only engaged in looting, but also stole electrical equipment such as cables, inverters, and batteries, disrupting power supply in the affected areas. Chaos and lawlessness extended to more prosperous neighborhoods as the gangs further consolidated their control over the city, heightening tensions with the government. Gunfire and looting were reported in Laboule and Thomassin on Monday morning.
The situation in Haiti has been escalating as armed gangs, seeking to challenge the government, took advantage of the absence of Prime Minister Ariel Henry earlier this month to carry out violent attacks on various infrastructure, including police stations and governmental offices. These gangs have accused Henry of contributing to the country’s deepening poverty and have expressed their opposition to his leadership. Henry announced his resignation while stranded in Puerto Rico, but disagreements among groups have delayed the formation of a transitional council.
The power dynamics in Haiti have become increasingly complex, with calls for a political transition to address the ongoing crisis. The lack of elected representatives since early 2023 has only exacerbated the instability, with the upcoming elections set to be the first since 2016. Regional leaders convened in Jamaica to discuss a pathway for change, with external pressures mounting for a swift resolution to prevent further violence and upheaval.
As the crisis deepens, large-scale evacuations have been underway, with the United Nations, along with US and Canadian embassies, withdrawing their staff from the country. The Dominican Republic facilitated the evacuation of its citizens, demonstrating the regional impact of Haiti’s turmoil. The delicate situation has prompted calls for international intervention and security reinforcement, to prevent a complete breakdown of order and restore stability to the country.