Haiti: Dozens Killed in Suburb Attack

Facts

• Police and residents successfully defended Haiti's wealthy hillside neighborhood of Pétion-Ville, located near the capital, Port-au-Prince, from a gang attack that occurred Monday overnight. A reported 28 gang members were found dead following the fight.^[1][2]
• Residents mobilized and reportedly fought side-by-side alongside police members. They also allegedly violently killed some suspected gang members.^[2][3]
• According to a police spokesman, authorities halted trucks suspected of transporting gang members and seized ammunition, a drone, and at least two AK47s. Police killed at least ten gang members while residents helped track down the remaining ones.^[2]
• The attack was led by Jimmy Chérizier — a former police officer-turned-gang leader who orchestrates violent attacks in Port-au-Prince. His gang, Viv Ansanm, has expanded its control across the city to challenge political elites.^[4]
• This comes as Haiti faces a political crisis, including having three prime ministers so far this year. Despite a $600M US-funded Kenyan police force deployed to the Caribbean nation, the 400-officer force has struggled against the gangs, who have left 4K people dead.^[5]
• Doctors Without Borders, which provides free treatment in Haiti, has also halted its services in Port-au-Prince because of rape and death threats. The UN Security Council will address Haiti's escalated violence on Wednesday.^[6]

Sources: ^[1]Reuters, ^[2]Miamiherald, ^[3]Associated Press, ^[4]Newsweek, ^[5]New York Times and ^[6]The Hill.

Narratives

• Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by Youtube and Left Voice. Haiti should critically evaluate Western calls for intervention, as historically, Western powers, particularly the US, have exerted control over the country to sustain economic systems reliant on low-wage labor. Many so-called 'gangs' are essentially freedom fighters opposing a Western-backed oligarchy. Labeling them as criminals perpetuates chaos that benefits foreign interests while keeping Haitians impoverished.
• Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by The Haitian Times and ReliefWeb. Just days after Prime Minister Fils-Aimé's inauguration, violence has spiraled out of control, with Jimmy Chérizier's gang forcing 20K more from their homes in a week. Over 700K are now displaced, and aid delivery has become too dangerous. With insufficient police to restore order, Haiti faces a deepening humanitarian crisis. The global community must act urgently to provide the help Haiti desperately needs.

Predictions