Gang violence in Haiti leaves 20 dead, thousands fleeing homes 

Gang violence in Haiti increased this week, causing thousands to flee from their homes and leaving at least 20 people dead, including children, reported The Associated Press.

The fighting began on Sunday in four neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince, the country’s capital, reported Haiti’s Civil Protection Agency. According to the Civil Protection Agency, this week’s violence started with a fight between the Chen Mechan gang and the 400 Mawozo gang. 

The struggles between the two gangs caused at least a dozen homes to burn, sending many of those displaced to take shelter in the yard of the local mayor’s office. 

“Armed men of the ‘400 Mawozo’ gang set fire to my house” and “killed several of my neighbors before also burning their houses,” Lucien, a neighbor who was forced to leave his home, told AFP.

Among those killed was a family of eight, including six children. More than two dozen people were also injured. One bullet hit a United Nations Humanitarian Air Service Helicopter that was parked at the nearby airport.

Because of the heightened violence, many local schools and businesses closed. “They need water, food, supplies,” said Jean Raymond Dorcely, who runs a small grassroots community organization. “They had to leave with nothing in their hands.” 

“The conflict is likely to escalate in the coming days, leading to further casualties and new population migrations,” the Civil Protection Agency said

Officials have warned that the main roads that lead to Haiti’s northern region could be cut off if the violence persists. 

This week’s violence comes as Haiti has seen an increase in fighting and kidnappings as gangs seek to control more territory. The country’s instability has intensified following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July.

Many Haitians are demanding that Prime Minister Ariel Henry do something to stop the violence. Furthermore, Henry’s term as Prime Minister expired on February 7, but no date has been set for the next elections, creating a political vacuum and a power struggle in the country.