Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, awoke this Monday to noticeably reduced activity, reflecting the deep insecurity plaguing the nation.

This paralysis is a direct response to threats issued by the gangs that control large parts of the city, who vowed to attack security forces following a recent police operation against them. 

The trigger was a police operation conducted on Friday in a Port-au-Prince suburb, a stronghold of the powerful 400 Mawozo gang. Authorities reported that seven gang members were killed in the clash, and security forces were forced to destroy a support helicopter to prevent it from falling into criminal hands. 

In retaliation for the police action, Jimmy Chérisier, known as «Barbecue» and leader of the Viv ansanm gang coalition, released a video over the weekend announcing that his men would take to the streets to “confront the security forces,” and warned residents to stay indoors. 

The population has taken these threats seriously. Most schools closed in the capital, and public transport circulation was drastically reduced.

The escalation of insecurity forced international agencies to take precautions: the United Nations recommended its staff in Port-au-Prince work remotely, and both the French and US embassies took similar measures.

Furthermore, the police general directorate has suspended all holidays and leave for its officers. 

Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, has long suffered chronic violence from organized gangs, who commit kidnappings, murders, and looting within a context of persistent political instability. The situation has deteriorated further since the beginning of 2024, when gangs forced the resignation of then-Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

The country, which has not held elections since 2016, is currently governed by a Transitional Presidential Council that is struggling, with no visible success, to curb the wave of violence gripping the nation.