Haiti’s Capital Descends into Crisis: 150 Dead as Gang Violence Overwhelms Law Enforcement

People in black holding white roses in a line.

Haiti’s capital city, Port-au-Prince, descends into chaos as gang violence claims 150 lives in just one week, leaving law enforcement overwhelmed and citizens in peril.

At a Glance

  • 150 people killed in Port-au-Prince in the past week, with 4,544 deaths in 2024 so far
  • Gangs control 80% of the capital, forcing 700,000 residents to flee their homes
  • US Embassy suspends non-essential operations due to escalating violence
  • International security efforts, including a proposed UN peacekeeping mission, struggle to maintain order

Unprecedented Violence Grips Haiti’s Capital

Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital city, is facing an unprecedented surge in gang violence that has resulted in 150 deaths in just one week. The escalating crisis has brought the city to its knees, with gangs now controlling an estimated 80% of the urban area. This alarming situation has forced approximately 700,000 residents, half of whom are children, to flee their homes in search of safety.

The United Nations reports that the death toll from gang violence in Haiti has reached a staggering 4,544 in 2024 alone, with 2,060 injuries recorded. However, experts believe the actual figures may be even higher. The violence has paralyzed essential services and exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis, affecting access to food, water, and healthcare.

International Response and Security Challenges

The international community’s efforts to address the crisis have been met with significant challenges. A proposed international police force, intended to comprise 2,500 officers, has struggled to make an impact due to funding and logistical issues. Currently, only about 400 officers have arrived in Haiti, leaving the security mission severely understaffed and under-resourced.

“The urgency for a surge in the MSS personnel deployment is evident” – Monica Juma

The United States is pushing to transform the current mission into a UN peacekeeping force, a proposal that has faced opposition from China and Russia. Meanwhile, many Haitians remain wary of UN interventions due to past negative experiences, including a cholera outbreak and accusations of abuse during previous missions.

Impacts on Daily Life and International Operations

The violence has severely disrupted daily life and international operations in Port-au-Prince. The US Embassy has suspended all non-essential appointments due to the ongoing unrest, with nearby houses reportedly set on fire. International airlines have also halted flights to the capital after aircraft sustained gunfire damage, further isolating the city.

“Port-au-Prince’s estimated four million people are practically being held hostage as gangs now control all the main roads in and out of the capital” – Volker Turk

Residents report gruesome scenes, including corpses being mutilated and burned in the streets. The violence has also led to a rise in mob lynchings, with 55% of recent deaths attributed to gang-police exchanges. In a recent operation, police and civilian groups reportedly killed 28 gang members, highlighting the intensity of the conflict.

Political Instability and Future Prospects

The current crisis is deeply rooted in the political instability that followed the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise in July 2021. The power vacuum left by his death has been exploited by gangs, leading to the current state of lawlessness. Recently, the transitional presidential council dismissed interim prime minister Gary Conille and appointed Alix Didier Fils-Aime, further complicating the political landscape.

“The gang violence must be promptly halted. Haiti must not be allowed to descend further into chaos.” – UN rights chief Volker Turk

As the situation continues to deteriorate, the international community faces mounting pressure to take decisive action. The UN rights chief, Volker Turk, has emphasized the need for concrete measures to protect the population and restore the rule of law. However, with gang leaders like Jimmy Chérizier, known as “Barbecue,” threatening further violence against political institutions, the path to stability remains fraught with challenges.

Sources:

  1. At least 150 people killed over past week in Haiti’s Port-au-Prince: UN
  2. Gang violence leaves at least 150 dead in Haiti’s capital this week, UN says
  3. 150 dead as violence grips Haitian capital Port-au-Prince
  4. At least 150 people killed over past week in Haiti’s Port-au-Prince: UN

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