Gunfire Erupts During Haitian Prime Minister's Hospital Visit

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille faced a security scare on Monday as gunfire erupted outside a hospital in Port-au-Prince during his visit. Accompanied by the head of the national police, Normil Rameu, and several journalists, Conille had just completed an interview when shots were heard. Security personnel responded by firing shots to ensure a safe exit for the prime minister and his team, who were escorted back to his office without any reported injuries or fatalities. This incident follows a recent visit by Conille and Rameu to the same hospital, which had recently been reclaimed from armed gangs. During that earlier visit, Conille described the hospital's condition as resembling a "war zone." The prime minister's office confirmed that the facility is currently under the protection of the Haitian National Police and a U.N.-backed multinational security mission led by Kenyan police, aimed at combating the rampant gang violence plaguing the nation. Haiti has been grappling with escalating violence, with gangs reportedly controlling up to 80% of the capital. These criminal groups have been involved in looting, arson, and the destruction of medical facilities and pharmacies. The situation has deteriorated to the point where gunmen have seized police stations and attacked the main international airport, which has been closed for nearly three months, further complicating the security landscape in the country.