Armed attackers have targeted two affluent communities in Haiti’s capital, resulting in the deaths of at least twelve individuals in the nearby areas. This incident indicates that the gang rebellion, which led to the resignation of the prime minister, is still ongoing.
Houses in Laboule and Thomassin were robbed by attackers early Monday morning, causing residents to flee and some to make urgent calls to radio stations for police assistance. Despite a recent increase in gang violence in Port-au-Prince since February 29th, these two neighborhoods had previously maintained a sense of calm.
Later, the corpses of a minimum of 12 males were scattered on the roads of the nearby town of Pétion-Ville.
A body was discovered on the street, with a disorganized pile of cards nearby. Another body was found in a truck commonly used as a taxi, known as a “tap-tap”. A woman at the scene collapsed upon hearing that her family member had been killed and had to be supported by others.
“The man standing nearby cried out, exclaiming “Abuse! This is abuse!” and shouted for the people of Haiti to wake up.”
The assaults sparked worries that the turmoil would persist even after Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s recent announcement of his resignation once a transitional presidential council was established, which was a demand from gangs.
The council has not been formed yet because various political groups are competing for control, and one group has completely rejected the proposal.
Gangs have frequently expressed opposition towards Henry, arguing that he was not chosen by the public and accusing him of exacerbating poverty. However, these armed factions have also faced allegations of attempting to gain control for their own interests or for unknown Haitian officials.
In recent days, the city center has experienced chaos due to new assaults, such as a blaze at the primary correctional facility that had previously been cleared of inmates, and the home of the head of the national police force.
On Monday, the power company of Haiti reported that four substations, located in both the capital and other areas, were “completely destroyed and rendered non-functional”. As a consequence, large parts of Port-au-Prince, including the Cité Soleil slum, the Croix-des-Bouquets community, and a hospital, were left without electricity.
The corporation stated that crucial records, wires, converters, batteries, and miscellaneous items were also taken by the criminals. However, the process of sending a United Nations-supported Kenyan police force to combat gangs in Haiti has been postponed, as the East African nation has agreed to wait until the transitional council is formed.
To combat ongoing acts of violence, the government of Haiti has declared an extended curfew to remain in effect until March 20th.
On Sunday, a plane organized by the government arrived in Miami with over 30 American citizens who were escaping the unrest. This was in response to the US embassy in Port-au-Prince advising US citizens to vacate the area promptly earlier this month.
Source: theguardian.com
