Haitian gangs unleash violence leaving thousands dead and displaced

In recent weeks, Haiti has faced an alarming escalation of gang violence, particularly affecting the city of Mirebalais and surrounding regions. On March 21, gangs launched coordinated attacks, prompting residents to flee their homes amidst the turmoil. Reports indicate that dozens of individuals attempted to escape the violence by swimming across the longest river in the country. Some managed to secure boat rides, yet many were left stranded. In the midst of significant casualties, including an 11-year-old child, the situation highlights the severe insecurity dominating much of Haiti, with the National Police struggling to manage the chaos amidst public anguish and pleas for assistance. The Gran Grif gang, led by Prophane Victor, emerged as a prominent force threatening local communities, recruiting young men for armed conflict. This gang, along with others like the Viv Ansanm coalition, has intensified its grip on the city since the beginning of March, leading to at least 70 fatalities during a massacre in the nearby town of Pont-Sondé. In late March, gang control extended over Mirebalais, marked by a violent raid on a local prison where over 500 inmates were freed. Witness accounts describe the relentless invasion of neighborhoods, causing panic and widespread displacement among inhabitants. Toward the end of March, the escalating violence was met by the delayed intervention of the police, with specialized units only deployed ten days after calls for assistance were made via social media platforms. The United Nations reported that most killings and injuries were centered in the capital, Port-au-Prince, where approximately 85% of the area is under gang control. In a climate of fear, residents are caught between armed conflicts and vigilante responses. Significantly, the death toll reported from January to March stands at over 1,600, including a staggering number of children. The rampant violence not only destabilizes public safety but instills fear among communities, with many resorting to seeking refuge across rivers in perilous attempts to escape. The ongoing plight underscores the urgent need for effective interventions and international support to address the dire humanitarian ramifications of this escalating crisis in Haiti.