Port-au-Prince, Haiti (AP)-Criminal violence in Haiti escalated this week. Gang clashes in some parts of the capital have driven thousands of people from their homes and killed at least 20 people, including children.
The Haitian civil protection agency said fighting began Sunday in four neighborhoods of Port-au-Prince, north of the international airport. At least a dozen houses were set on fire and many of the fugitives first hid in the courtyard of the local town hall.
The explosion came amid escalating violence and kidnappings as gangs grew stronger and tried to control more territory amid the power vacuum following the assassination of President Juvenel Moses.
The situation has caused anger and frustration among Haitians, who are calling for action from the administration of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, which is receiving international aid to strengthen its inadequate and funded police force.
A family of eight, including six children, was among those killed Sunday, authorities said Wednesday. Schools and businesses in the area remain closed as thousands of families with children set up camp in the park near the local town hall.
“They need water, food, supplies,” said Jean-Raymond Dorselli, who runs a small community organization. “They were forced to go for nothing.”
She said the neighborhood is generally quiet and her son often plays in the park, which has now been converted into a converted outdoor shelter.
“I see children crying because they are hungry and families have nothing for them,” he said, adding that needs have increased as the fighting continues. “I don’t know what will happen tomorrow.”
Authorities said that, along with the dead, 2 dozen people were injured in the violence and a bullet hit an empty UNHCR helicopter located near the airport.
“The conflict is likely to intensify in the coming days, leading to more casualties and a new population shift,” the Civil Protection Agency said.
Officials warned that major roads leading to the northern region of Haiti could be resolved after the fighting.
Gang violence in the Martigian community in southern Port-au-Prince has cut off access to the country’s southern region, which is trying to recover from last year’s deadly earthquake.
Last year the violence in Martig moved thousands of families who spent months in overcrowded and unsanitary government shelters in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas. It is not clear where the newly displaced families will stay.
The Civil Protection Agency blamed this week’s violent clash between Chen Mechan’s gang and rival 400 Mawozo’s gang. Who was involved in the abduction of 17 American missionaries last year.
A citizen protection office similar to the Haitian ombudsman issued a statement condemning the violence. He criticized political leaders, saying their inaction and silence had resulted in “a form of human rights, particularly the right to life and security, in the form of ridicule or hatred”.
The office is also wondering if the area known as Plaine du Cul de Sac is becoming another march and called on the authorities to accept responsibility for protecting citizens.
Associated Press writer Danica Coto contributed to this report in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Source: Huffpost
