The streets of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, are gripped by a sense of post-apocalyptic stillness as criminal groups launch coordinated attacks on the last remnants of the Haitian state. The Toussaint Louverture International Airport, a vital lifeline for the city, has been forced to close due to gang sieges, leaving residents stranded and isolated.
Gangs, covering 80% of the city according to UN estimates, have instilled fear and chaos, choking off essential supplies like food, fuel, and water. In response, communities have formed vigilante groups known as bwa kale, organizing neighborhood defense committees to push back against gang incursions.
While these vigilante efforts have seen some success in reclaiming territory from gangs, there is a fine line between self-defense and mob justice. Reports of extrajudicial executions and lynching of suspected criminals highlight the breakdown of law and order in the city.
Displacement camps have emerged across Port-au-Prince, housing tens of thousands of residents forced from their homes by violence and arson. These camps, already strained for resources, face deteriorating conditions with little aid reaching them due to roadblocks and security concerns.
The International Organization for Migration warns of a growing climate of mistrust in Haiti, as social cohesion erodes amidst escalating insecurity. With over 360,000 displaced Haitians across the country, the strain on resources and social fabric continues to worsen.
As the city grapples with escalating violence and a fractured landscape of police, gang, and civilian checkpoints, the prospect of a political solution remains distant. The international community's reluctance to intervene further compounds the crisis, leaving residents like Marie-Suze Saint Charles, recovering from a gunshot wound, feeling abandoned and fearful.
Port-au-Prince stands at a crossroads, with its residents caught in a cycle of violence and uncertainty. The once vibrant city now echoes with gunshots and the specter of gang control, underscoring the urgent need for stability and support to prevent further descent into chaos.
