Haiti Roundup: Violence, gang clashes, food insecurity

Intense violence

Intense violence in Port-au-Prince has led to over 33,000 Haitians fleeing the city in the last two weeks. Gangs attacked police bases, causing over 2,500 deaths this year. The violence has also closed air and seaports, leading to food insecurity, reports Gzero media. However, a transitional council is making progress in setting up a new government, which could help address the crisis. The World Food Programme now says Haiti faces a record level of food insecurity.

Gang clashes

Haiti is on the brink of collapse as ongoing gang clashes and food shortages worsen. Charred bodies are piling up in the streets, indicating a shift in tensions between police and gangs. Laurent Uwumuremyi, head of aid group Mercy Corps’ Haiti claimed that the country is now run "90% by gangs" and that even in areas like Petion-Ville, a neighbourhood that is considered safe, the population has been barricaded indoors, reports news agency Daily Star. The country is also without a government after the former Prime Minister resigned, further complicating the situation

France evacuates nationals

France is organizing government-chartered flights from Haiti to help its nationals leave the country due to gang violence. About 1,500 French nationals are registered with the French embassy in Haiti. Evacuation flights are being organized with the defence ministry to enable the most vulnerable nationals to leave. Reuters reports that the flights are set to begin on March 31 and those wanting to leave should contact the embassy in Port-au-Prince. Street battles in the city prompted the resignation of the prime minister earlier this month.

Food insecurity

Gunfire erupted in Haiti's capital as residents awaited progress in forming a transitional government. Armed criminals attacked security forces, adding to the chaos and violence already plaguing the country. The establishment of a transitional government has been delayed, leading to a worsening humanitarian crisis, reports media agency Le Monde. The UN has reported that half of the population is facing acute food insecurity. The country has been rocked by gang violence and a state of emergency has been declared. Many foreigners, including Americans, have been evacuated as the situation continues to deteriorate.

Vigilantes fight gangs

Vigilantes in Haiti are fighting off gang attacks in the capital, Port-au-Prince. Bodies are a common sight in the city, and the situation is so dangerous that even the main road to the international airport is now seldom used. The city is split into barricaded neighbourhoods, with one community of 10,000 protected by armed vigilantes and off-duty police officers. Sky News reported that these vigilantes are determined to hold off the gangs and protect their neighbourhood, saying they are fighting tooth and nail day and night for the freedom of their community and their country.