Terror as Haitian gangs shut city
PORT-AU-PRINCE: Haiti’s capital was largely shut down as heavily armed gangs tried to seize control of the city’s airport and fearful residents ventured out only for essentials after an attack on a prison freed thousands of inmates out into the community.
As the latest crisis spiralled, Prime Minister Ariel Henry was still out of the country after a trip to Kenya to push for the deployment of a UN-backed multinational police mission to try to stabilise Haiti.
An armoured truck on the tarmac at Toussaint Louverture International Airport repelled gangs as they tried to enter the grounds. The airport was closed at the time with no passengers on site.
The government has imposed a night-time curfew on the city after the prison break on Saturday – the latest incident in a wave of violence sweeping through Port-auPrince, where armed gangs control much of the city.
Some locals were on the streets looking to buy water and fuel on the day after the state of emergency and a nighttime curfew were declared.
Schools and banks were closed, and people sheltered for safety in schools, sports venues, gyms and public buildings, often without adequate toilets, health facilities or drinking water.
“The city is paralysed,” said Carlotta Pianigiani, a co-ordinator in Port-au-Prince for the Alima medical group.
“Public transport is practically at a standstill, private vehicles are rare and schools are closed. Some roads are also barricaded.”
She said 15,000 people had been displaced in weeks of unrest. and the largest public hospital suspended operation last week, adding that the situation was “already very tense.”
Gang leaders such as Jimmy Cherisier, known by the nickname “Barbecue”, say they are demanding the resignation of Mr Henry, who has led the troubled Caribbean nation since the assassination of president Jovenel Moise in 2021.