Haiti’s Capital Faces Escalating Gang Violence: Police and Residents Clash in Petionville

Haiti’s Capital Faces Escalating Gang Violence: Police and Residents Clash in Petionville

November 20, 2024 Catherine Williams - Chief Editor World

Haiti Gang Violence Escalates in Port-au-Prince

Gangs intensified attacks in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, targeting the upscale neighborhood of Petionville. The Viv Ansanm gang, led by former police officer Jimmy Chérizier, organized the assault. Residents fought back alongside police, resulting in a clash.

At least 28 gang members died, and police seized numerous weapons, according to Lionel Lazarre, a spokesperson for Haiti’s National Police. There were questions about police preparedness since Chérizier had warned of the attack in advance.

Doctors Without Borders suspended critical care in Port-au-Prince, citing violence against its staff, which included threats and attacks. This decision affects essential medical services in a country with limited healthcare.

Residents expressed anger about the gang violence. Some gunmen were brutally killed during the clashes, and bodies were burned. The attack began with two trucks carrying gang members blocking major roads into the community.

Chérizier also threatened reprisals against local hotels housing politicians. He called for the resignation of Haiti’s transitional presidential council, warning that the coalition would use force against it.

Violence extended to nearby areas, with reports of gunfire and armed gang members. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as residents barricaded themselves against the attackers.

This attack coincided with a previous incident where gunmen shot at a Spirit Airlines plane, injuring a flight attendant and prompting airport closures. The violence has forced over 20,000 people to flee Port-au-Prince recently.

Gangs now control about 85% of the capital, increasing their attacks in previously safe neighborhoods. The situation worsened with the arrival of Kenyan police leading a U.N.-backed mission to restore order.

The U.N. Secretary-General expressed alarm over the rising violence, urging support for the mission. The U.S. government advocates for a more comprehensive peacekeeping effort.