Overview:
Four criminals were killed in their bid to assault Haiti's central bank, an institution that governs all other banks in the nation. These bandits had already seized control of several strategic locations within the capital city. Amidst this escalating violence, UNICEF raises a grim warning: the persistent gang conflicts could precipitate a humanitarian catastrophe.
PORT-AU-PRINCE — Four armed individuals were killed Monday during an attack on the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH) in Port-au-Prince. The attackers were thwarted by the bank’s security agents, supported by reinforcements from the Haitian Armed Forces (FADH) and the Haitian National Police (PNH). Despite the counteroffensive, one agent from the bank was reportedly injured. Four M4 rifles were recovered from the scene by the police.
This incident is part of a string of ongoing attacks. In Pétion-Ville, a commune in Port-au-Prince, at least ten people were found dead from gunshot wounds on Rue Panamericaine early morning of March 18. Bandits invaded and looted numerous houses, including that of Pierre Volmar Demesyeux, a judge of the Court of Auditors and Administrative Disputes.
Anthony Bennett, a local businessman, reported a gang attack in Laboule, a suburb located a few miles southeast of Port-au-Prince, between Pétion-Ville and Kenscoff. “It’s my security guard who was shot, we’re praying for him,” he said.
UNICEF is warning about the potential for a humanitarian catastrophe
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warns of an imminent humanitarian catastrophe. Gangs that control the main port of Port-au-Prince have looted one of UNICEF’s 17 containers filled with supplies for maternal, neonatal, and child care, early childhood development and education, and water supply equipment.
Bruno Maes, UNICEF Representative in Haiti, expressed concern over the situation. “We are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe, and there is little time left to reverse the trend,” he said.
This escalating violence, coupled with the paralysis of Haiti’s capital by gangs, continues to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis. Access to health centers in Port-au-Prince has become difficult, depriving three out of four women and children in the metropolitan area access to public health and nutrition interventions.
According to UNICEF, six out of ten hospitals nationwide are non-functional, and only two surgical facilities remain operational in Port-au-Prince. “Each closed health center puts lives in danger and deprives people of essential medical care,” the organization stated.
Thousands of people have been displaced in Port-au-Prince
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that the number of displaced persons in Port-au-Prince has increased by 15% since the start of the year, with 160,000 people unable to return home due to unchecked gang violence.
Despite the escalating violence and displacement crisis in Haiti, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has observed a decrease in the number of displaced people in shelter sites from March 9 to 15, 2024. Since the crisis began, 84 active sites have been identified, housing 20,884 managed and 86,040 displaced individuals.
The distribution of displaced people across the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince varies. Pétion-Ville has accommodated 1% of the displaced population, Carrefour 2%, Cité-Soleil 2%, Tabarre 5%, Delmas 17%, and Port-au-Prince has taken in the majority with 73%.
In its weekly update, the IOM reported that several sites have seen a significant influx of displaced persons. The Mon Fort Institute is currently housing 9,500 displaced individuals, the new location of Lycée Marie Jeanne has 6,250, the Young Girls’ School has registered 5,004, the Antenor Firmin High School has 3,471, and the current location of Lycée Marie Jeanne is providing shelter to 3,173.
Despite this grim reality, Martin Griffiths, UN Relief Chief, remains hopeful. “The people of Haiti have already endured so much,” he said. “Yet each passing day brings new deprivations and horrors,” he added, highlighting the need for immediate action to resolve the crisis.