Port-au-Prince Under Siege: Gangs Unleash Terror, Leaving Thousands Dead and Millions Facing Famine

Port-au-Prince, Haiti remains under siege by violent gangs, with over 2,500 people killed or injured from January to March 2024. Residents have resorted to installing metal barricades for protection, but nearly 160,000 people have been left homeless. The crisis has forced businesses, government agencies, and schools to close, leaving many Haitians unemployed. "The situation in Haiti has become a 'game of survival' as the government remains largely absent and the police are overwhelmed by the gangs," according to reports.

The violence has disrupted daily life in the capital, with people afraid to leave their homes and unable to engage in activities like playing soccer or going to bars. The main international airport and seaport have been largely paralyzed by the gangs, leading to shortages of essential supplies. Fuel is being sold on the black market for three times the official price.

Why this matters: The ongoing gang violence in Port-au-Prince has pushed Haiti to the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe, with nearly 2 million people, including 600,000 children, facing famine. The crisis threatens to further destabilize the country and exacerbate the already dire living conditions for millions of Haitians.

The government's response has been largely absent, and a transitional presidential council is expected to be sworn in soon, but few believe this will end the crisis. The violence has also led to the emergence of a vigilante movement known as "bwa kale" that has killed several hundred suspected gang members or their associates. More than 95,000 people have fled Port-au-Prince in just one month, risking gang violence, rape, and murder as they pass through gang-controlled areas.

The European Union has launched a humanitarian air bridge to provide aid to the northern city of Cap Haïtien, but the situation in Port-au-Prince remains dire. "People are living in an 'open-air prison', with gunfire, kidnappings, and fatal shootings a constant threat," according to local residents. The crisis has deepened poverty across Haiti, with even students forced to join the workforce to support their families.

Key Takeaways

• Port-au-Prince under siege by violent gangs, over 2,500 killed/injured since Jan 2024
• Nearly 160,000 people left homeless, businesses and schools closed, many unemployed
• Crisis has disrupted daily life, with shortages of essential supplies and fuel price hikes
• Nearly 2 million Haitians, including 600,000 children, face famine due to the violence
• Over 95,000 people have fled Port-au-Prince, risking gang violence, rape, and murder