Haiti continues to grapple with an alarming surge in violence as a new report from the National Human Rights Defense Network (RNDDH) reveals the deaths of at least 108 suspected gang members over a three-day period. The findings, as cited by the Miami Herald, highlight the escalating toll of ongoing clashes between gangs, police, and increasingly mobilized civilian groups.
Violent Clashes in Pétion-Ville
One of the most notable confrontations occurred on Tuesday when armed gang members attempted to invade Pétion-Ville, an affluent neighborhood in Port-au-Prince. In a remarkable display of resistance, machete-wielding residents joined forces with the police to drive the attackers back. Pierre Espérance, executive director of the RNDDH, confirmed that many of the deaths occurred during police-led operations, with residents stepping in afterward to take direct action against suspected gang affiliates.
Death Toll Breakdown
According to the report, violence claimed the lives of 12 individuals in the Poste-Marchand neighborhood between November 17 and 18. On Tuesday, an additional 90 gang-related deaths were reported, followed by six more on Thursday.
UN Evacuates Staff Amid Increasing Danger
Amid the intensifying unrest, the United Nations has begun evacuating its personnel from Port-au-Prince. Helicopters have been used to transport staff to the relative safety of Cap-Haitien. This decision follows the closure of the capital’s international airport earlier this month due to armed gunfire targeting commercial flights during takeoff and landing.
Multinational Security Support Mission Under Scrutiny
Haiti’s worsening security crisis has placed the UN-backed Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) under the spotlight. The 430-strong force, led by Kenyan police, recently announced “major operations” targeting gang strongholds in the Delmas area, which is controlled by the notorious gang leader Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier. However, Cherizier later claimed on social media to have repelled the operation, asserting his continued control over the area.
Silence from Haiti’s Police
Haiti’s National Police have not yet commented on the ongoing clashes, leaving residents and international observers in the dark regarding official efforts to combat gang violence.
A Nation at a Crossroads
The rising violence has left Haiti teetering on the brink of further destabilization. Armed gangs have tightened their grip on the capital, contributing to an already dire humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, the resilience of Pétion-Ville residents in pushing back against gangs underscores the growing desperation and determination of civilians to reclaim their neighborhoods.
As the situation evolves, Haiti faces mounting pressure from both domestic and international stakeholders to implement effective solutions to its escalating security and political crises. However, with limited resources, strained law enforcement, and growing distrust in external interventions, the path forward remains uncertain.
This developing story highlights the urgent need for coordinated efforts to restore peace and stability in Haiti while addressing the root causes of its long-standing challenges.
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