PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — In a dire turn of events, over 53,000 individuals have fled the capital city of Haiti in less than three weeks, with the overwhelming majority seeking refuge from the relentless gang violence that has plagued the area. This alarming exodus, as revealed in a recent United Nations report, has raised concerns among officials, particularly as more than 60% of those displaced are heading towards the already strained rural southern region of Haiti.
According to U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric, the southern departments lack the necessary infrastructure and resources to accommodate the large influx of people escaping Port-au-Prince. The report by the U.N.’s International Organization for Migration indicates that the southern region already hosts over 116,000 Haitians who had previously fled the capital.
The mass departure from Port-au-Prince, home to approximately 3 million residents, commenced following a series of attacks by powerful gangs on government institutions at the end of February. These brazen acts of violence included the burning of police stations, an assault on the main international airport (which remains closed), and the storming of Haiti’s two largest prisons, resulting in the release of over 4,000 inmates.
Tragically, the toll of this ongoing crisis has been devastating, with over 1,500 reported deaths as of March 22 and an additional 17,000 individuals left homeless, according to the U.N. Among those attempting to travel north instead of south from the capital were Marjorie Michelle-Jean, a 42-year-old street vendor, and her two young children. Fearing for their lives due to stray bullets constantly hitting their tin-roofed home, they made two unsuccessful attempts to reach Michelle-Jean’s hometown of Mirebalais in central Haiti, encountering roadblocks on both occasions. Determined to find safety, Michelle-Jean expressed her intention to try again, emphasizing the dire conditions in Port-au-Prince.
The U.N. report reveals that nearly 70% of the 53,125 individuals who fled Port-au-Prince between March 8 and 27 were already displaced, living with relatives or in overcrowded and unsanitary makeshift shelters within the capital. Disturbingly, over 90% of those leaving the city have been forced to travel through gang-controlled territories, risking their safety on buses where gang rapes and attacks on public transport have been reported.
The escalating violence prompted Prime Minister Ariel Henry to announce his resignation once a transitional presidential council is established. Henry, who was in Kenya advocating for the U.N.-backed deployment of a police force from the East African country when the attacks unfolded, remains locked out of Haiti. However, the formation of the transitional council, responsible for selecting a new prime minister and council of ministers, is yet to be officially established.
As the mass migration from Port-au-Prince continues, Gary Dorval, 29, expressed his desire to remain in the capital until a new government is installed, stating his intention to be part of the change.
2 Responses
1. Stay informed: Keep up to date with the latest news and developments regarding the situation in Haiti. This will help you understand the extent of the crisis and identify ways to contribute or support relief efforts.
2. Support local organizations: Research and donate to reputable local organizations that are actively working to provide assistance and support to those affected by the violence. These organizations often have a better understanding of the situation on the ground and can make a significant impact with your contributions.
3. Raise awareness: Use your
It is heartbreaking to see the situation in Haiti deteriorating due to the escalating gang violence. As a blog commenter, my personal goal is to raise awareness about the crisis and encourage others to take action. I plan to share this post on my social media platforms to spread the word and educate my friends and followers about the plight of the Haitian people. Additionally, I will research and identify reputable organizations that are providing assistance to those affected by the violence and make a financial contribution to support their efforts. It