What is happening in Haiti’s Port-au-Prince today as gang violence surges for a fourth day?

PORT-AU-PRINCE — The capital of Haiti woke up Thursday, Nov. 14 for the fourth day under the widespread violence of gangs. Since November 11, residents have been facing criminal attacks, deserted streets, and houses burned in some neighborhoods. Among the victims were urologist Dr. Deborah Pierre and Jeff Petit-Dieu, a Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) police officer.

Petit-Dieu, a member of the 31st police promotion, was killed Wednesday, Nov. 13 in clashes with “Viv Ansanm” gang members in Solino. He was transported to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries at the entrance. 

Pierre, one of the only Haitian urologists in the country, lost her life while attempting to evacuate her father from a neighborhood plagued by violence, according to a statement from the emergency staff at Canapé-Vert Hospital, where the staff paid tribute to her commitment to medicine and to Haiti.

“We demand immediate and concrete measures to protect healthcare professionals and citizens of this country who, like Deborah, work for a better future,” the statement said. 

“Her death represents a serious blow not only to her family and our team, but also to all healthcare professionals who put their lives at risk to carry out their mission.”

Petit-Dieu and Pierre are victims whose cases was reported but many others have also fallen victim to gang violence between Nov. 11 and 14, coinciding with the arrival of a new Prime Minister at the head of the transitional government. At the Médecins Sans Frontières hospital, gunshot victims from the Solino neighborhood were reported by The Haitian Times correspondents on Nov. 12.

Port-au-Prince wakes up to a fourth day of widespread violence

Between Nov. 11 and 14, all schools in downtown Port-au-Prince were closed. Several large and medium-sized businesses, particularly along Delmas Road, stopped operating during the week. Commercial banks also kept their doors closed to avoid being robbed. 

Armed groups have taken to the streets, with at least 20 reported armed confrontations and several roadblocks erected, limiting movement across the city, said Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN general secretary António Guterres.

The days of panic have instilled fear among residents of the capital and are affecting humanitarian operations across the country, including the continued inaccessibility of the road to the maritime port.

The United Nations announced on Tuesday the suspension of its humanitarian flights to Haiti, delaying the transport of 20 trucks of food and essential medical supplies to the south of the country, following the closure of Toussaint Louverture International Airport by Haitian authorities due to recent acts of violence in the capital. 

“All UN flights have been suspended, obviously limiting the flow of humanitarian aid and humanitarian personnel into the country,” said Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, during a press briefing on November 12. 

“We are doing all we can to ensure the continuation of operations amidst this challenging environment.”

In areas such as Carrefour de l’Aéroport, Trois Mains, Delmas Highway, and Nazon, public transport vehicles were scarce. In the streets, there was no large crowd of people as usual before this week of violence. 

Residents of neighborhoods that have not yet been attacked by gangs, or those living in neighborhoods controlled by gangs, are living in fear and despair on Thursday, Nov. 14, marking Four days of violence in the capital.

“I have no morale,” a resident told The Haitian Times. The resident who wished to stay anonymous due to fears of retribution, lives in Butte Boyer, a neighborhood controlled by the Chen Mechan gang. “I’m really not okay for this new day. Since this morning, I’ve been crying and I’m scared.”

In Butte Boyer, the sound of automatic gunfire is constant. Gunshots have been heard throughout the week. People are staying at home, added the resident.

“I’m here quietly, but the residents don’t go out,” said another resident living in Jérusalem 8, a neighborhood controlled by the Taliban gang of Canaan.

“There are no gunshots, but they don’t want people to go out,” added the resident, referring to the gang members who control her area.

In response to this week’s events, the National Union of Haitian Police (SYNAPOHA) has issued a call for the provision of supplies and equipment for Haitian police officers, particularly those from the Mobile Intervention Brigade (CBIM), who are facing gang attacks in the commune of Tabarre.

“Synapoha is asking the Police Directorate and the DCPA to provide the CBIM with the necessary equipment so that they can effectively counter the armed gang attacks in Tabarre and allow the population to move freely,” the union stated in a message posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday.

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What is happening in Haiti’s Port-au-Prince today as gang violence surges for a fourth day? was first posted on November 14, 2024 at 1:29 pm.