On 18th Oct 2024 armed groups launched attacks on multiple areas in Port-au-Prince Haitiʼs capital. The gangs set fire to homes and a church while bullets flew through the air – a woman lost her life as the violence unfolded in neighborhoods like Solino St Michel and Tabarre 27.
Frightened residents had been reaching out to radio stations since the previous evening begging for help. A police union also posted on social media warning of a possible invasion of Solino by gunmen and calling for immediate action.
The swearing-in of Haitiʼs provisional electoral council originally planned for downtown Port-au-Prince‚ was moved to a safer location due to the unrest. This attack comes shortly after Haitian and Kenyan police (part of a UN-backed mission to tackle gang violence) killed at least 20 suspected gang members in an area controlled by the 400 Mawozo gang.
Gangs currently control about 80% of Port-au-Prince‚ although some communities like Solino have been resisting attempts by gunmen to take over. The reason for this latest outbreak of violence isnt clear‚ but it highlights the ongoing struggle for control in the city
The situation remains tense as authorities try to respond to the crisis. With no immediate comment from the National Police spokesman residents are left wondering when and how the violence will be brought under control