Haitian Police Clash with Gang Coalition Seeking Control of Port-au-Prince

Photo : AFP

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Police in Haiti engaged in fierce clashes on Monday with armed gunmen attempting to seize control of Solino, one of the last neighborhoods in the capital, Port-au-Prince, that remains free from gang domination. This violent takeover began on Thursday, prompting residents to call local radio stations in desperation, pleading for assistance as they fled their homes amid the chaos.

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The National Police of Haiti reported late Sunday that officers had regained control of several areas within Solino, actively pursuing gang members to restore order. However, the situation remains dire as gang members, part of a coalition known as “Viv Ansanm” or “Living Together,” openly brandished automatic weapons and celebrated their takeover in social media videos. They issued a chilling warning, declaring that anyone not affiliated with their coalition would be “burned to ashes.”

This coalition, formed in September 2023, has been aggressive in its campaign, launching assaults not only on Solino but also on neighboring areas like Tabarre 27, resulting in the displacement of hundreds of residents. The coalition’s formation unified two previously rival gang federations, allowing them to coordinate attacks on government infrastructure. Their actions have led to significant unrest, including the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

As gangs control approximately 80% of Port-au-Prince, they have increasingly targeted journalists, issuing threats and naming individuals they intend to harm. This alarming trend underscores the dangerous climate faced by those reporting on the escalating violence.

The Viv Ansanm coalition has also positioned itself against a United Nations-backed mission, led by Kenyan police, aimed at curbing gang violence in Haiti, which has seen increased activity since the beginning of the year. Reports indicate that following the formation of this coalition, armed clashes among gangs decreased by 78% from March to August compared to the previous six months.

According to a report from ACLED, a U.S.-based nonprofit that tracks violent conflicts, the consolidation of the Viv Ansanm alliance has allowed gangs to concentrate their resources on criminal endeavors and confrontations with law enforcement, rather than engaging in internal disputes. However, the report also cautioned that while the gang coalition might seem stable, its survival will largely depend on the continued presence of an international security force perceived as a threat.

The situation in Haiti continues to evolve as law enforcement struggles to maintain control in the face of increasingly organized and violent gang activities.

Oct. 21, 2024 6:54 p.m. 484

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