Haiti: Tension in capital after protests against violence

Haitian protesters in Haiti, August 2024 Photo: @jo_comms

August 20, 2024 Time: 4:32 PM

The union called on law enforcement officials to intervene quickly in the west wing of the capital before criminal gangs take full control.

Tense moments emerged in the Haitian capital on Tuesday following protests against gang violence that has terrorized a population without police protection.

Related:
Haiti: Provisional government extends state of emergency

Residents of the Solino and Delmas 24 neighborhoods, among others, demonstrated a day earlier against attacks by the criminal gang group Vivamos Juntos (Let’s Live Together).

According to the online newspaper Le Fateur Haiti, the protesters, to make their demands known, have built barricades and burned tires on the road, disrupting traffic.

The police, unable to guarantee social peace, used tear gas to disperse the crowd.

In this context, the National Police Union of Haiti (SPNH-17) remains concerned about the strength of the gang members in the Solino neighborhood.

The union called on police to intervene quickly in this neighbourhood in the western wing of the capital before criminal gangs take full control.

In the complaint circulated in local media, SPNH-17 stressed that if nothing is done, the rest of the capital will fall into the hands of the bandits, who now control 80 percent of Port-au-Prince.

The union condemned the death of police officer James Dorsainvil, who was killed in an attack by armed bandits in Solino on Thursday afternoon.

SPNH-17’s urgent request came after members of the criminal gang Vivamos Juntos unleashed their anger in Solino.

Neighbors responded to the attack, which left several dead and injured.

According to the digital newspaper Haiti Libre, there were casualties on both sides, but the exact number is not given. Even a police officer who confronted the criminals was killed.

Violence continues to rage in the so-called Pearl of the Caribbean, due to police actions, the presence of Kenyan troops and the significant military logistics provided by the United States.

IN THIS NOTE: