Haiti in Turmoil: Gangs Target TV Stations
In a disturbing turn of events, criminal gang Viv Ansanm has stepped up its attacks on media outlets in Port-au-Prince. The recent incident involved the vandalism and arson of Télé Pluriel’s premises in Delmas 19 district, leaving the TV station in ruins. This follows a similar assault on Radio Television du Caraïbes (RTCV), Haiti’s prominent media group, just days before. The violence unleashed by these gangs is escalating, leaving the Haitian population in a state of fear and uncertainty.
Interim Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé has publically condemned these attacks, but the populace is still plagued by concerns as gang violence continues to grip the nation. Since early 2024, Haiti has experienced a surge in violence, rocked by incidents that led to the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. The country is now under the stewardship of a Presidential Transitional Council, tasked with restoring order and preparing for upcoming elections. However, their efforts have been hampered by the overwhelming control these armed groups have over large swathes of the country.
It is clear that the security situation in Haiti is deteriorating rapidly, with gang-controlled areas witnessing a surge in violence that has forced many to abandon their homes. Viv Ansanm, a coalition of armed gangs primarily active in Port-au-Prince, is at the forefront of these disturbances. Led by Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier, this coalition has resorted to disruptive tactics like blockades to further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The rise of Viv Ansanm has added a layer of complexity to the already troubled nation of Haiti. With their increasing influence and control, some voices have suggested negotiating with the gangs to maintain a sense of order. However, others vehemently oppose this idea, advocating for stronger security measures and sanctions against gang leaders. The UN-backed Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, stationed in Haiti, has faced challenges in reducing the influence of these armed groups.
As the crisis deepens and the gangs tighten their grip on the nation, ordinary Haitians continue to suffer the repercussions. Schools remain closed, hospitals inaccessible, and entire neighborhoods displaced. The blockade of essential ports has led to a sharp rise in food prices, causing severe hardship for the population. The need for urgent action to address the gang violence in Haiti is more pressing than ever before. The time to act is now to prevent further devastation and restore peace to this embattled nation.
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