Feb 26 • 18:00 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

Living in a Corpse: The Fall of Port-au-Prince

Haiti is experiencing an unprecedented humanitarian and violence crisis, with criminal gangs governing its capital, Port-au-Prince.

Haiti is currently facing an unparalleled humanitarian and violence crisis, particularly in its capital, Port-au-Prince, which has become the first in the Americas to be largely governed by criminal gangs. The article describes a grim scene in Delmas 95, where the remains of a man killed just hours before are left unattended, highlighting the extreme violence and lack of security. As students from the only functioning school nearby prepare to pass by, local women attempt to cover the body to shield children from the horrific sight. This situation underscores the daily horrors faced by residents amidst the rapidly deteriorating conditions in the city.

The report is part of a broader project by Dromómanos and the Global Initiative on Transnational Organized Crime, illustrating not only the immediacy of violence but also detailing how gang dominance intertwines with the local economy. Many street markets, which are crucial for survival, exist under the constant shadow of gang control, causing fear among local residents and disrupting their daily lives. This reflects a larger pattern of instability where essential public services, like education and safety, have faltered in the presence of ongoing violence.

Moreover, the narrative emphasizes the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and effective governance in Haiti. With the rise of gang rule, traditional state powers have diminished, leading to a crisis where the population is left vulnerable and dependent on external aid. The implications of this crisis extend beyond immediate survival, as the cultural and social fabric of Haitian society continues to erode under the harsh realities of gang control and violence, calling for a reevaluation of international responses to humanitarian emergencies in the region.

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