In the latest burst of the ongoing gang violence that has beset the Caribbean nation of Haiti, flames in multiple neighborhood barriers caused inhabitants to either hide in place or return home, putting the capital of Haiti, Port-au-Prince, under a recent lockdown.
According to eyewitnesses, they were burning tires and rocks blocking off streets, producing large pillars of black smoke in the sky throughout several city areas.
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When the siege of the city’s Solino neighborhood started a few days ago, it was not immediately apparent who was in charge.
According to analysts, there has been a noticeable increase in violence for several months as gangs compete for control and aim to exert pressure on Ariel Henry, the acting prime minister, before a political agreement that solidified his authority expires on February 7.
According to Pierre Esperance of the Human Rights Network RNDDH, during the weekend, two dozen deaths have been recorded in the underprivileged area of Solino.
Esperance stated, “Police are absent. The public physical force is not present.” He added, “And the population in (other) areas have blocked the streets in solidarity with Solino.”
One of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere, Kenya is the target of gang violence; a court verdict on the matter is anticipated on January 26. This coincides with the violence.
A request for a response from a police representative was not immediately answered.
Several organizations, notably Guy Philippe, a former rebel and American criminal, are attempting to unseat Henry.
Protests are expected in the upcoming days and weeks, according to Moïse Jean-Charles, the leader of the Pitit Dessalines party.
There is currently no date set for a new presidential election.
