Tragedy struck on Tuesday as a gang attack on the reopening of Port-au-Prince's biggest public hospital resulted in the deaths of two reporters and injuries to several others. Street gangs have seized control of approximately 85% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, leading to the closure of the General Hospital earlier this year. Despite promises to reopen the facility, the event turned into a horrific scene as suspected gang members opened fire during the Christmas Eve attack.
A spokesperson for the Collective identified the casualties, including journalists and police officers, who fell victim to the violence. The attack was attributed to the Viv Ansanm coalition of gangs, with Haiti's interim president expressing condolences and vowing that the perpetrators would face justice.
Reports indicated that seven journalists and two police officers were wounded in the attack, with a video showing the grim aftermath inside the hospital. Gang leader Johnson 'Izo' André, associated with the Viv Ansanm gang, claimed responsibility for the assault, stating that the coalition had not sanctioned the hospital's reopening.
This incident adds to a series of targeted attacks on journalists in Haiti, with previous cases resulting in fatalities. The General Hospital, a critical healthcare facility, had been reclaimed from gangs earlier this year, only to be subjected to further violence and destruction.
The ongoing gang violence has severely strained Haiti's healthcare system, leading to looting, fires, and the destruction of medical facilities. The situation is exacerbated by the rainy season, which poses additional health risks, including water-borne diseases like cholera.
The country's health system is grappling with immense challenges, with makeshift settlements and camps facing heightened disease risks. The recent surge in violence underscores the urgent need for stability and security to safeguard the well-being of Haiti's population.
