Gangs Rampage Through Upscale Neighborhoods in Haiti, Leaving Dozens Dead

Haiti's Capital Gripped by Rampant Gang Violence

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, March 9, 2023 (AP) — In the early hours of Monday morning, two upscale neighborhoods in Haiti's capital were infiltrated by gangs in a devastating spree that resulted in the deaths of at least a dozen people in surrounding areas.

Violent Attacks in Peaceful Communities

Gunmen ransacked homes in the Laboule and Thomassin communities before dawn, prompting residents to flee for their lives while making desperate pleas for police assistance on radio stations. Despite a surge in violent gang attacks across Port-au-Prince since Feb. 29, these neighborhoods had largely maintained their peaceful existence.

Chaos and Tragedy Unfolds

An Associated Press photographer witnessed the bodies of at least 12 men scattered on the streets of Pétionville, located below the mountainous Laboule and Thomassin communities. Distraught crowds gathered around the victims, with one man lying amidst a scattered deck of cards and another discovered inside a "tap-tap" pick-up truck, widely used as a taxi. A woman collapsed at the scene upon learning about the death of her relative, requiring assistance from others to remain upright. An ambulance swiftly arrived and began the somber task of collecting the victims.

Outcry and Desperation

One Haitian man, who chose to remain anonymous, raised his arms near one of the victims and cried out, "Abuse! This is abuse! People of Haiti, wake up!" Douce Titi, an employee at the mayor's office, expressed shock at the morning's grim discovery, stating, "We woke up this morning to find bodies in the street in our community of Pétionville. Ours is not that kind of community. We will start working to remove those bodies before the children start walking by to go to school and the vendors start to arrive."

Government's Ineffectiveness

The recent surge in attacks has raised doubts about the effectiveness of Prime Minister Ariel Henry's announcement of resignation once a transitional presidential council is established, a demand long made by the gangs. The gangs have accused Henry of exacerbating poverty, citing his unelected status, while critics believe the gangs are vying for power or acting on behalf of unknown Haitian politicians.

Infrastructure Destruction

On the same day, Haiti's power company revealed that four substations in the capital and other areas "were destroyed and rendered completely dysfunctional." Consequently, large parts of Port-au-Prince, including the Cite Soleil slum, the Croix-des-Bouquets community and a hospital, were plunged into darkness. The company also reported the theft of crucial documents, cables, inverters, batteries, and other essential items by the criminals.

International Response and Internal Discord

As the relentless gang violence persists, Caribbean leaders have been involved in establishing a transitional council. Originally intended to consist of seven voting members, the council encountered rejection from a Haitian political party offered a seat, while another party is embroiled in disputes over the nomination process. Additionally, the deployment of a U.N.-backed Kenyan police force to combat the gangs in Haiti has been postponed until the transitional council is formed.

Imposition of Curfew

In an attempt to alleviate the unrelenting violence, the Haitian government announced on Sunday the extension of a nighttime curfew until March 20.