Police in Haiti are currently engaged in a fierce battle with a gang coalition attempting to seize control of the entire capital city, Port-au-Prince. The situation is escalating as gunmen are trying to take over one of the few communities in the capital that is not already under gang control.
The neighbourhood of Solino has been under attack since last Thursday, leading residents to make desperate pleas for assistance as they evacuate their homes. Law enforcement officers have managed to secure several areas in Solino as they continue their efforts to apprehend gang members, as confirmed by Haiti’s National Police in a statement released late on Sunday.
In a disturbing video circulated on social media, gang members can be seen brandishing automatic weapons and celebrating as they claim dominance over parts of Solino. They issued a chilling warning that anyone not aligned with the gang coalition, known as “Viv Ansanm,” will face severe consequences.
The coalition has not limited its aggression to Solino alone, as it has also carried out attacks in other neighbourhoods like Tabarre 27, resulting in the displacement of hundreds of residents in recent days. Moreover, gangs that already control 80% of Port-au-Prince have issued threats against journalists covering these recent attacks, specifically naming them and calling for their execution.
The formation of the Viv Ansanm alliance, translating to “Living Together,” in September 2023 marked a significant shift in gang dynamics in Haiti. This coalition brought together two major gang federations that were previously rivals. Their coordinated attacks, particularly targeting critical government infrastructure, ultimately led to the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry earlier this year.
The coalition’s unity was also reflected in their resistance against a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police, aimed at tackling gang violence in Haiti. Despite internal tensions, the report suggests that Viv Ansanm is likely to remain intact as long as they perceive a common threat from international security forces.
According to data from ACLED, an American nonprofit tracking global conflict data, armed clashes between gangs decreased by 78% from March to August following the formation of the coalition. Rather than engaging in internal conflicts, gangs are now focusing their efforts on criminal activities and confronting security forces. However, the report cautions that the volatile relationships within the gang members could pose ongoing challenges despite their alliance.
The situation in Haiti remains tense and precarious as Police forces continue their efforts to counter the gang coalition’s attempts to extend their control over the capital. Residents are living in fear as gang violence escalates, underscoring the urgent need for a sustainable solution to restore peace and stability in the region.