Port-au-Prince sees 'unprecedented' displacement as gang violence escalates

RFI

26 November 2024 at 9:44 am·2-min read

Passersby look at the abandoned body of an alleged gang member who was set on fire by residents, in the Pétion-Ville neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Tuesday, 19 November, 2024.

More than 40,000 people fled their homes in Port-au-Prince in the space of just ten days this month, according to the International Organization for Migration. The Haitian capital is witnessing a spike in gang violence despite the presence of a multinational security mission.

On Monday the International Organization for Migration described the exodus as the worst wave of displacement in two years, with a total of 40,965 people in Port-au-Prince on the move between November 11 and 20 – some for the second or third time.

According to Gregoire Goodstein, the IOM chief in Haiti: "The scale of this displacement is unprecedented since we began responding to the humanitarian crisis in 2022".

For the past two weeks, several neighbourhoods of Port-au-Prince and the surrounding area have been the sites of violent clashes involving "Viv Ansanm" or "Living Together" – an alliance of gangs formed in February aimed at overthrowing then-Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who resigned in April.

In total, over 700,000 people have been displaced in Haiti.

"This crisis is not just a humanitarian challenge. It is a test of our collective responsibility," Goodstein added.

Gang warfare

Haiti has suffered from political instability for decades, with the latest security crisis linked to the presence of armed gangs that are accused of widespread murder, kidnapping and sexual violence.

In its new report, Human Rights Watch said attacks on civilians have risen in the past year, including an expanded use of "horrific sexual abuse".

"They’re total morons," Macron had said, referring to the council. "They never should have dismissed him".

Australian Associated Press
English, Kiwis docked WTC points for slow over rates
New Zealand's chances of making the World Test Championship final have slimmed after they and England were docked points for slow over rates in the first Test.
Australian Associated Press
Titans deny release request for gun Pahulu to Bulldogs
Gold Coast refuse to be "bullied" and have denied a release for rookie-of-the-year Josiah Pahulu to join Canterbury.
Australian Associated Press
Kate to help begin Qatar's emir on state visit to UK
The Princess of Wales will help kick off the emir of Qatar's trip to Britain as she returns to formal welcoming duties after undergoing cancer treatment.
Australian Associated Press
Renshaw ton fires Bulls to one-day win over Tasmania
Queensland beat Tasmania by 56 runs in the One-Day Cup clash thanks to starring roles by Matthew Renshaw and Mitchell Swepson.
Australian Associated Press
Betting ads played before, after kids' song shock dad
A fight for a blanket ban on gambling advertising has been reinvigorated after Sportsbet paused promotions on Spotify following an incident.
Australian Associated Press
Trump to attend Notre-Dame reopening in France
US President-elect Donald Trump will attend the reopening celebration for Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, his first foreign trip since the election.
Australian Associated Press
Yokohama thrash hosts Mariners to deliver big ACL blow
John Hutchinson's return to Gosford was an unhappy one for Central Coast as the Mariners legend led Yokohama F Marinos to a 4-0 win over the hosts.
Australian Associated Press
Cbus-CFMEU bond 'may not be in members' best interest'
A review has cleared the board of a major superannuation fund but suggested substantial improvements after intense scrutiny of CFMEU-linked appointments.
Australian Associated Press
Australia, Singapore work to boost defence base access
Closer defence ties and further investment in the transition to net zero have been discussed by senior Australian and Singaporean ministers.
Australian Associated Press
Crime-hit city businesses embrace youth justice laws
A city reeling from crime backs controversial youth justice laws, saying juvenile offences have contributed to business closures and tarnished its reputation.
Australian Associated Press
France 'at turning point' ahead of no-confidence vote
A French minister is warning colleagues "not to plunge the country into uncertainty" as Michel Barnier's government faces a historic collapse over the budget.
Australian Associated Press
Deadly floods wreak havoc in Malaysia and Thailand
More than 30 people are dead and tens of thousands of others are displaced after monsoon rain flooded Malaysia and Thailand, with officials bracing for more.
Australian Associated Press
'Significant step' in push to repatriate Bali Nine
Five Australians serving life sentences in Indonesia for their role in attempting to smuggle heroin as part of the Bali Nine are a step closer to coming home.
Australian Associated Press
Sacking of cop who tasered 95yo 'too little, too late'
A senior constable who fatally tasered a 95-year-old woman has been dismissed from the police force less than a week after being found guilty of manslaughter.
Australian Associated Press
Young gay and lesbian staff target of sexual misconduct
Most young LGBTQI employees say they have been sexually assaulted or harassed in the workplace and supporters blame a culture that devalues their identity.
Australian Associated Press
'Big reaction to one loss': Carey expecting bounce back
After their first Test drubbing by India, Pat Cummins' Australia squad are regrouping in Adelaide, determined to hit back.
Australian Associated Press
United's Goulding to miss two NBL weeks with calf issue
A calf injury has sidelined Melbourne United sharpshooter Chris Goulding, one of the NBL's best players.
Australian Associated Press
Aussie young guns Giddey, Daniels shine in NBA wins
Josh Giddey bagged his 12th NBA triple-double, the first since joining the Chicago Bulls in the offseason, as he steered them to a win over the Brooklyn Nets.
Australian Associated Press
Mother's mercy plea in forced marriage jail term appeal
The first person in Australia convicted of causing a person to enter into a forced marriage has challenged her three-year jail term in the Court of Appeal.
Australian Associated Press
Zampa set to miss Shield game as Test hopes dwindle
Adam Zampa's Sheffield Shield selection controversy has ended with the legspinner to miss NSW's looming fixture against WA.

Gang warfare

Latest stories