Surviving Haiti's Turmoil: Struggles Amidst Gang Rule and Inequality

In a city overwhelmed by gang violence, the sound of a helicopter flying overhead in the night catches everyone's attention - a rare indication that someone has managed to escape Port-au-Prince.

CNN successfully landed in the Haitian capital by helicopter last Friday, following days of careful planning and obtaining necessary security and diplomatic approvals. Since our last visit to Haiti a month ago, the situation has significantly worsened. Prime Minister Ariel Henry has announced his decision to step down, leaving uncertainty about who will take over and when. Despite promises of a transitional government, no progress has been made, and the proposed Kenyan-led stabilisation force remains on hold.

Ordinary people in Port-au-Prince seldom leave their homes nowadays. The city is filled with daily clashes between police and gangs, causing smoke to rise into the air and gunshots to reverberate through the once peaceful streets. Boulevards that are typically bustling with cars and vendors now stand deserted, with the city's colorful "tap tap" taxis rarely carrying passengers.

Port-au-Prince seen from helicopter on March 15, 2024.

Port-au-Prince seen from helicopter on March 15, 2024.

Evelio Contreras/CNN

Few options remain for residents in the city. Gangs have blocked all roads leading out, access to the port is restricted, and the international airport is closed with visible damage from gunfire. Supplies are dwindling in grocery stores and gas stations are empty. Hospitals are facing a shortage of blood.

Gunfire echoes through the hills of the city on Friday evening. Meanwhile, a police operation is underway in the area belonging to notorious gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, also known as Barbeque, who is a former police officer.

The United Nations is currently working on establishing an air bridge between Port-au-Prince and Santo Domingo in the neighboring Dominican Republic. This air bridge would help transport essential supplies to the city. Unfortunately, at the moment, the only aircraft arriving in Port-au-Prince are private evacuation helicopters. This situation serves as a stark reminder of the long-standing inequality in Haiti, where the majority of the population lives on less than $4 per day.

Armed members of the G9 and Family gang stand guard at their roadblock in the Delmas 6 neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Monday, March 11.

Armed members of the G9 and Family gang stand guard at their roadblock in the Delmas 6 neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Monday, March 11.

Odelyn Joseph/AP/File

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Several pilots told CNN that hundreds of people in Port-au-Prince are signing up to leave the city by air. This includes wealthy foreigners and diplomats who have the means to charter private flights, with a single seat costing over $10,000.

Residents in Port-au-Prince have reported hearing helicopters frequently in the evening and early morning. They can distinguish between small private helicopters coming from the Dominican Republic and larger military helicopters believed to be used by diplomatic missions, such as the United States.

Flying through a war zone will always be risky, no matter how much money or preparation is involved. Pilots are becoming more cautious about taking on evacuation flights, as the next flight opportunity is always uncertain.

According to two pilots interviewed by CNN, they have experienced gunfire while conducting evacuations. One pilot described the sound of bullets passing by as a clear sign of danger, making them hesitant to continue with such missions.

Another person interviewed by CNN expressed their belief that gangs are running the entire city, pointing to a map of Port-au-Prince where they feel uncertain about where fires may start.

According to UN estimates, gangs control eighty percent of Port-au-Prince. In early March, Haiti faced a crisis as gangs demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Henry and his government. Security sources noted that rival gangs and coalitions worked together for the first time, strategically sharing territory to cause chaos.

Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on March 15, 2024.

Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on March 15, 2024.

Haiti's national police have shown great courage in the face of challenges, but they are working with limited resources. They are unable to be present in all locations at the same time, and they are frequently targeted themselves. In fact, there have been numerous instances of police stations being attacked or set on fire in the last two weeks.

Haiti is currently facing its most severe security crisis in years. This escalation is unprecedented for a country that has been plagued by chronic violence, political turmoil, and drought. As a result, approximately 5.5 million Haitians, half of the population, are in need of humanitarian assistance.

After the assassination of Haiti’s then-President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, Henry assumed power without being elected. However, his time in office has been overshadowed by escalating gang violence. The situation worsened when he postponed elections last month, citing concerns that the country's insecurity would jeopardize the voting process.

Henry announced his resignation on Monday in response to the urgent need to address the violence in Port-au-Prince. He stated that he would transfer power to a transitional council. However, by the end of the week, the council had not been established.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI- MARCH 12: A motorcyclist passes burning tires during a demonstration against CARICOM for the decision following the resignation of Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry as representatives of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Haitian actors made an agreement for political transition in Haiti it a historic decision that was made by the formation of a seven-member Presidential Council (CP), and the Haitian government on Tuesday extended the night-time curfew and state of emergency in the capital of Port-au-Prince for a month amid a wave of violence triggered by armed groups in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on March 12, 2024. (Photo by Guerinault Louis/Anadolu via Getty Images)

On March 12 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, a motorcyclist was seen passing by burning tires during a protest against CARICOM. This demonstration was in response to the decision made following the resignation of Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Representatives of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Haitian actors reached an agreement for a political transition in Haiti, which included the formation of a seven-member Presidential Council (CP).

Additionally, the Haitian government announced the extension of the night-time curfew and state of emergency in the capital city of Port-au-Prince for a month. This decision was made in light of the recent wave of violence caused by armed groups in the area. The situation remains tense in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, as efforts are made to address the ongoing challenges.

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One possible solution for Port-au-Prince is to bring in foreign troops to support the police and deal with the gangs. This mission was approved by the UN Security Council and will be led by Kenya at the request of Henry.

The first priority is to restore peace in the city, which will pave the way for Haiti to hold elections and choose a new government. When the violence escalated last week, Henry was actually in Kenya finalizing a deal to send 1,000 Kenyan police officers to Haiti.

Hopes for the cavalry in Port-au-Prince are fading as chaos persists. Kenya has decided to postpone the deployment of its forces following Henry's resignation announcement. They cited the instability of the Haitian government as the reason for the delay.

Editor's P/S:

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