The metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince was paralyzed this Monday due to new threats from the leader of the gang coalition "Vivre Ensemble" (Living Together), Jimmy Chérizier 'Barbecue', regarding possible attacks on several neighborhoods of the Haitian capital. Today, all schools closed their doors, several public and private institutions did not open, public transport did not operate at full capacity, and retail trade was slow.
In the streets, fear and anxiety were evident on the faces of passersby on a day when intense gunfire was heard in various parts of the capital, including the center, which has been controlled by gangs for almost a year, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes and seek refuge in camps and provincial towns.
In light of this situation, the Haitian National Police (PNH) has been on high alert since yesterday afternoon, after the Ministry of Justice issued a note alerting about "armed gang threats." The Police Chief, Rameau Normil, has ordered his forces to remain vigilant and take measures to counter possible attacks.
The Police have strengthened security measures on major roads to protect citizens, and in recent days, specialized units have operated in various areas of downtown Port-au-Prince, clearing road access to facilitate interventions. During these operations, exchanges of gunfire with gang members occurred.
Last Friday, the Prime Minister of Haiti, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, chaired a Cabinet meeting to evaluate the progress of major national projects, focusing on insecurity in the country. To combat the violence, acquisitions of materials to reinforce security forces, increased training, and strategic coordination have been promised.
Verified data from the United Nations Office for Human Rights indicates that at least 5,601 people died in Haiti in 2024 due to actions by criminal gangs, a significant increase compared to the previous year. Additionally, 2,212 people were injured and 1,494 were kidnapped. The International Organization for Migration reported that the number of displaced persons in Haiti has tripled in just one year, exceeding one million.
Amid these challenges, Haitian authorities continue to work to address the growing wave of insecurity affecting the country, seeking effective strategies to protect the population and restore stability in the region.
