By Juhakenson Blaise
From – https://haitiantimes.com/
Reprinted – by Texas Metro News
PORT-AU-PRINCE — The situation in Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, remained tense Wednesday as residents cautiously resume activities amid escalating gang violence. While some traffics have resumed on select routes, caution is advised as the threat of gang attacks continues to loom over the capital despite an atmosphere of apparent calm.
Speaking to The Haitian Times, a Haitian photojournalist depicted the unsettling quiet that descends upon the city as the day progresses. “As morning ebbs, the streets bustle with the day’s activities, but by midday, a noticeable shift occurs. Businesses begin to shutter their doors, and the thrum of activity dwindles.”
“By 3 p.m., the once bustling streets of Delmas are shrouded in an uneasy calm, with three-quarters of its usual populace missing,” he added. Securing transportation to or from certain areas has become an arduous task, as the city retreats into an unaccustomed silence.
Caught between the threats of gang violence and the struggle for daily survival, the residents of Port-au-Prince are persistently reclaiming the streets. Despite the prevailing security concerns, vendors have resumed their positions on the sidewalks, showcasing their wares. Mobile phone sellers are actively providing their services across various areas. Furthermore, vendors of cold drinks have been spotted back in operation on the streets.
The situation in Haiti has been exacerbated by the presence of an estimated 300 gangs operating across the country, with approximately 95 in the capital, Port-au-Prince. This has led to a major insecurity crisis, characterized by large-scale attacks on public and private facilities, high levels of violence against the population, mass kidnappings, and forced displacements. The escalating violence has also led to the closure of schools, major commercial activities and healthcare facilities, impeding access to basic services.
The United Nations has called for the deployment of an international specialized support force to help restore order in Haiti, emphasizing the urgent need to address the escalating violence and insecurity. As the situation remains fluid and unpredictable, residents and visitors are advised to exercise caution and stay informed about the evolving security conditions.
Commercial banks in provincial cities have opened to facilitate banking transactions for their clients. However, the situation is notably different in Port-au-Prince. Some money transfer services have sporadically opened their doors, yet major banks such as the National Credit Bank, Unibank, Capital Bank, Sogebank, and Sogebel are currently inaccessible to customers. This inaccessibility is due to reported incidents of looting and vandalism at several branches.
The presence of armored tanks at the entrances of the National Palace, police patrols, and checkpoints in various areas reflects the heightened security measures in response to the ongoing security challenges. The situation has led to significant disruptions in daily activities, with residents facing difficulties in accessing essential services and conducting routine transactions.
The current security situation in Haiti has prompted advisories from foreign nations, such as the U.S. Embassy and Canada, urging their citizens to depart Haiti as soon as possible due to security risks and infrastructure challenges.
Pétion-Ville is still in turmoil where a gang and a police officer killed
In the commune of Pétion-Ville, the situation turned highly volatile on March 21 as members of the PNH continued fighting with armed individuals and residents faced security challenges. Vitelhomme Innocent, the leader of the criminal gang Kraze Baryè (Breaking Barriers), has once again initiated attacks, resulting in a night of terror on March 19-20 for residents in areas such as Metivier, Diègue, Peguy-ville, Bobin, and Bristou.
The presence of armed gangs has resulted in distressing incidents, with residents making desperate calls for law enforcement assistance amid the sound of gunfire. Tragically, the escalating violence has led to casualties, including the reported killing of a police officer, Anel Noel, and the gang leader of Bristou, newly installed in the area.
“As morning ebbs, the streets bustle with the day’s activities, but by midday, a noticeable shift occurs. Businesses begin to shutter their doors, and the thrum of activity dwindles.”A HAITIAN PHOTOJOURNALIST
The National Police Union of Haiti, on its account X—formerly Twitter, confirmed the loss of Officer Noel from the 17th police promotion, who was assigned to the Special Unit of the Prime Minister’s Office (USPM). The union also reported the deployment of armored tanks, police patrols, and checkpoints in various locations, reflecting the heightened security measures in response to the ongoing security challenges.
In response to the escalating situation, the Haitian government, led by Minister of Economy Michel Patrick Boisvert in the absence of resigning Prime Minister Ariel Henry, has extended the nightitme curfew across the Ouest department to until March 23, from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. The government emphasized that this extension, imposed for the second time since declared a State of Emergency on March 3, aims to “restore order and implement appropriate measures to regain control of the situation.”
The ongoing violence and insecurity in Port-au-Prince and its surrounding areas, including Pétion-Ville and other communities, underscore the urgent need for comprehensive efforts to address the multifaceted challenges facing the country. The situation remains fluid and unpredictable, and residents are advised to exercise caution and stay informed about the evolving security conditions.
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