Faith Nyasuguta
Haiti endured a harrowing week marked by escalating gang violence, a deadly police crackdown, and a tragic shipwreck, leaving the nation grappling with grief and uncertainty. The violent unrest indicates the country’s deep-seated crises, as authorities struggle to contain gang dominance and provide security to its citizens.
In a significant development, the Haitian National Police (PNH) conducted a two-day operation in Port-au-Prince that led to the killing of Kendy “Jeff Mafia,” a key lieutenant of the infamous gang leader Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier. Known as the second-in-command of the Viv Ansanm gang coalition, Jeff Mafia was killed near Fort National, a site close to the National Palace and a base of the Haitian Armed Forces.
“The operations aim to weaken the control of criminal groups over strategic areas of the capital,” said PNH deputy spokesperson Lionel Lazarre, emphasizing the mission’s importance in reclaiming the city from gang control. The clashes also resulted in the deaths of several other gang members, with intense gunfire exchanged in neighborhoods like Delmas 6, Delmas 19, Carrefour Aeroport, Nazon, and Poste Marchand.
Gang Retaliation Fuels More Violence
In response to the death of Jeff Mafia, the Viv Ansanm gang coalition launched a series of retaliatory attacks, heightening the city’s tensions. “Gangs burned several homes and the Church of God, forcing dozens to flee,” reported witnesses from Poste Marchand. The destruction displaced families and added to the city’s humanitarian woes.
At Village Solidarite, gangs attempted to seize Bernard Mevs Hospital but were repelled by police. The assault left one civilian dead outside their home, further underscoring the indiscriminate violence.
Outside Port-au-Prince, clashes erupted in the Artibonite region, where Haitian police, supported by Kenyan officers from the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, faced resistance from gangs in Savien. Though no official toll has been released, the encounters highlight the spread of unrest beyond the capital.
Arrest of Pastor Linked to Arms Trafficking
Amid the chaos, police introduced Pastor Dieune Day, a prominent church leader in Port-au-Prince, arrested in the Dominican Republic on Dec. 12 and extradited to Haiti. He is accused of arms trafficking, tax evasion, and criminal association.
While the PNH provided evidence linking Pastor Day to the Episcopal Church of Haiti’s smuggling operations, the pastor denied the allegations, stating, “I still don’t know why I’m being arrested.”
As gang violence engulfed the capital, a tragic maritime disaster unfolded off the coast of Petit-Goave. A ship named La Cecilia, transporting passengers and goods from Port-au-Prince to Miragoane, sank in the early hours of Dec. 14. The Haitian Maritime and Navigation Service (SEMANAH) confirmed the ship’s registration in Port-de-Paix.
“Several lives were saved, but the tragedy remains heartbreaking,” stated the Prime Minister’s office, acknowledging the deaths and ongoing efforts to rescue survivors. By Monday night, only 21 survivors and one confirmed death were reported, with dozens of passengers, including a Coast Guard officer, still missing.
The shipwreck highlights a growing trend: Haitians risking perilous sea journeys to escape escalating violence and insecurity. “Faced with gang-controlled roads, people are choosing dangerous alternatives to flee,” noted a SEMANAH official.
Haitians Demand Security and Stability
The week’s events indicate the pervasive insecurity plaguing Haiti. Gang violence has paralyzed the nation, displacing thousands and forcing many into desperate circumstances. “The laxity of authorities against armed gangs continues to push Haitians to make extreme decisions,” an activist remarked.
The Haitian government has faced criticism for its inability to contain the crisis. While police operations like the one targeting Jeff Mafia demonstrate some progress, many argue that a more comprehensive approach is needed to address Haiti’s systemic issues.
As Haiti reels from days of violence and tragedy, the nation faces urgent questions about its future. The international community, including humanitarian organizations and the United Nations, continues to call for long-term solutions to Haiti’s crises. “Lasting peace requires not just security measures but addressing poverty, corruption, and governance failures,” emphasized a UN spokesperson.
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