Haitian Police Clash with Peaceful Protesters

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Tensions escalated in Haiti's capital on Monday as police used tear gas against hundreds of peaceful protesters demanding action against rampant gang violence. Demonstrators, including 24-year-old phone repairman Marclin Jean-Pierre, expressed their frustration with the government’s inaction, stating, “We’re vulnerable to the bullets being fired day and night.” The protests were particularly focused in the Solino neighborhood, which has become a battleground for gangs seeking control over strategic routes, including access to the international airport. The violence in Port-au-Prince has surged since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, with gangs now controlling approximately 80% of the capital. Local media reported that the unrest in Solino is driven by a coalition of gangs led by notorious figures such as Kempes Sanon and Jimmy Cherizier, known as “Barbecue.” Residents have been left terrorized, with many feeling abandoned by law enforcement and the international community. Despite recent promises from Prime Minister Garry Conille to prioritize security and the deployment of around 400 Kenyan police officers as part of a UN-backed mission, many Haitians report no significant improvement in their safety. The situation has been exacerbated by violent prison breaks, further displacing families and increasing fear among the populace. As protesters burned tires and faced police barricades, Jean-Pierre lamented the lack of international pressure to address the escalating violence, stating, “The international community is not pushing hard enough to stop the violence.” The clash between residents seeking protection and the police they hoped would safeguard them underscores the dire situation in Haiti.