Life is beginning to return to the Port-au-Prince area of Carrefour-Aéroport after Haitian authorities successfully expelled gangs that had controlled the area for nearly two years.
The Carrefour-Aéroport area of Port-au-Prince, once a bustling commercial hub, has seen a resurgence of activity following a concerted effort by Haitian police to reclaim control from armed gangs. In early March 2024, the area became a battleground as gangs unleashed violence, destroying businesses, threatening civilians, and overwhelming police forces. This wave of violence had left the area desolate for almost two years, turning it into a no-man's land devoid of economic or social life.
After a protracted struggle, Haitian authorities, with the assistance of a private security company and Kenyan police in a UN-supported initiative, launched an offensive in December to clear the gangs from Carrefour-Aéroport. This offensive has resulted in the reclamation of the area, marking a significant shift in the fight against gang violence in Haiti. The successful operation is viewed as a crucial step in restoring stability and order, signaling to both residents and the international community that the Haitian government can assert its authority and reclaim control over its territory.
The retaking of Carrefour-Aéroport serves as a hopeful indicator for the people of Haiti who have endured prolonged suffering due to gang violence. The head of the Haiti Observatory, Romain Le Cour, highlighted that this operation sends a clear message about the government's capability to restore security in chaotic regions. As life gradually returns to this area, it may also pave the way for broader recovery and development efforts in a country that has faced immense challenges in governance and public safety.
