This Monday, November 18, 2024, intense clashes broke out at the Carrefour de l’Aéroport, in Port-au-Prince, between PNH agents and members of armed gangs
The latter, known for their control over several districts of the capital, launched a series of attacks, including an attempted looting of the commercial complex “Safari Motors”. The PNHquickly alerted, put up strong resistance, pushing back the attackers after violent exchanges of fire.
However, after this initial failure, the gangs intensified their actions in other areas of the capital. The company “Rotation Tours” was targeted, looted, then set on fire. The flames, fanned by flammable materials stored on site, quickly consumed the building, causing considerable damage and plunging the area into confusion and fear.
The violence also spread to other neighborhoods, notably Delmas 13, where several houses were burned. Heavy exchanges of fire between gangs and police caused panic among residents, who fled en masse to escape the threat. Caught in the crossfire, terrified residents denounced a situation that had spiraled out of control. The explosions of firearms echoed all day, accentuating the climate of anxiety in the area.
the situation in Port-au-Prince remains extremely volatile. As gangs continue to wreak havoc, several neighborhoods remain under their control. The events of November 18 reflect a new escalation of tensions in a capital already plagued by chronic insecurity.
The human and material damage remains difficult to assess, but this day was marked by scenes of desolation and anxiety. Between gang violence and the sometimes insufficient efforts of the police, the population lives in deep uncertainty, increasingly exposed to a climate of insecurity that seems endless.
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Marie Claire, Security and Political Expert
Time.news Editor: Good morning, Dr. Marie Claire. Thank you for joining us today. The recent clashes in Port-au-Prince on November 18 have drawn significant attention. Can you give us some insight into the situation and what led to these intense confrontations between the police and armed gangs?
Dr. Marie Claire: Good morning, and thank you for having me. The situation in Port-au-Prince has been deteriorating for some time, but the events on November 18 represent a new escalation. Gangs have increasingly asserted their control over various districts, and on that day, they attempted to loot significant establishments like “Safari Motors.” The police, known as PNH, responded quickly to counter this, but the gangs were not deterred.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a highly volatile environment. What factors contribute to the gangs’ control over these neighborhoods?
Dr. Marie Claire: Several factors are at play. First, there’s a lack of effective governance. The police are often outmatched and under-resourced, allowing gangs to establish a stronghold in various regions. Moreover, socioeconomic issues, such as poverty and unemployment, drive young people into gang membership as a means of survival. This creates a continuous cycle of violence and insecurity.
Time.news Editor: We saw reports of chaos, including incidents of arson, such as the looting and burning of “Rotation Tours.” What does this say about the capacity of the gangs to instill fear in the population?
Dr. Marie Claire: The willingness of gangs to resort to such extreme measures is alarming and indicative of their growing boldness. By setting properties on fire and engaging in heavy firefights, they demonstrate their capacity to create chaos and panic. Such actions not only serve as a message to their rivals and authorities but also instill fear among local residents, pushing them to flee for safety.
Time.news Editor: Residents in areas like Delmas 13 were reported to have fled due to panic. How does the community’s response to these incidents impact the overall security situation in Port-au-Prince?
Dr. Marie Claire: The immediate flight of residents does exacerbate the situation. It creates a sense of lawlessness and disarray, with neighborhoods becoming deserted under the pressure of violence. This also hampers police efforts, as more areas fall into gang control when the local population is too scared to report incidents or cooperate with authorities. The psychological impact of living in such an environment can also lead to a lasting trauma within communities.
Time.news Editor: The article highlighted that the human and material damage from these conflicts is difficult to assess. What are the implications of this uncertainty for both the government and international observers?
Dr. Marie Claire: Uncertainty in the assessment of damage complicates both local governance and international response efforts. For the Haitian government, it becomes challenging to implement effective rescue or rehabilitation strategies. For international observers and aid organizations, it may hinder the ability to provide necessary assistance. A lack of clear data can result in delayed responses and a misallocation of resources, worsening the humanitarian crisis.
Time.news Editor: Looking ahead, what potential solutions could help address these security challenges in Port-au-Prince?
Dr. Marie Claire: A multifaceted approach is necessary. First, bolstering the capacity of the police force through training and resources is critical. Additionally, community-building initiatives that provide economic opportunities can help deter youth from joining gangs. Lastly, engaging dialogue with community leaders and local organizations can strengthen the social fabric and restore trust in law enforcement.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Marie Claire, for sharing your insights on this critical issue. Your expertise sheds much-needed light on the conditions in Port-au-Prince and the steps that might be taken to improve security for its residents.
Dr. Marie Claire: Thank you for having me. It’s important we continue to shed light on these issues so that we can work toward meaningful solutions.