The situation in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, continues to deteriorate as heavily armed gangs launched a new attack in the city, seizing control of yet another police station. The raid in the coastal community of Gressier left many injured, cars burned, and homes and infrastructure attacked. Videos on social media showed residents fleeing with their belongings as armed men celebrated with gunfire. This incident comes after a previous gang attack that forced over 3,700 people to flee their homes.
The SPNH-17 police union has called for the dismissal and arrest of Haiti’s police chief, Frantz Elbé, accusing him of being incapable and incompetent. The union spokesperson stated that at least 30 police stations have been attacked and burned in recent months, with officers losing their premises, equipment, and even their lives. They also accused high-ranking officials of being complicit with gangs. The officer stationed in Gressier reportedly resisted the attack for a while but was outnumbered and understaffed.
The attack in Gressier was planned by gunmen from neighboring communities controlled by prominent gang leaders like Renel Destina, known as “Ti Lapli,” and his ally Izo. The Grand Ravine gang, led by Destina, has been involved in various crimes including killings, kidnappings, and rapes. The violence caused by gangs in Haiti has forced over 360,000 people to flee their homes, seeking refuge in makeshift shelters due to the ongoing territorial disputes. The surge in violence began with coordinated attacks by gangs on February 29, leading to widespread chaos and destruction.
Amidst growing calls for international intervention to tackle the gang violence in Haiti, veteran politician André Michel stated that the country will not be able to handle the situation without external support. The U.N.-backed deployment of Kenyan police officers to Haiti has been delayed, with some speculating that they may arrive in late May. Meanwhile, U.S. military planes have been landing in Port-au-Prince, bringing supplies and equipment ahead of a multinational mission to address the crisis. The need for a coordinated international response to the escalating violence in Haiti is becoming more urgent.
The ongoing gang attacks in Haiti have raised concerns about the ability of the country’s security forces to combat the criminal groups effectively. The police union has demanded the resignation of the police chief and an investigation into the crisis to hold accountable those who may be complicit with the gangs. With the situation being described as critical and catastrophic, the plight of civilians caught in the crossfire continues to worsen. The international community’s support and intervention may be crucial in restoring stability and security in Haiti.
