Armed men attacked a press conference in Haiti, resulting in the deaths of a journalist and a police officer amidst escalating gang violence. The conference marked the planned reopening of the country’s largest public hospital, which has been closed due to ongoing attacks. The transitional government expressed condolences and emphasized that such acts will have consequences, while calls for international support to restore security in the nation remain largely unfulfilled.
At a press conference in Haiti meant to announce the reopening of the State University of Haiti Hospital, at least two individuals were tragically killed and several others injured when armed assailants opened fire. Among the deceased were a journalist and a police officer, according to an unnamed witness present at the scene. This incident marks a severe escalation in violence, as armed gangs increasingly assert control within the country amid inadequate security measures and muted international intervention.
The transitional presidential council of Haiti expressed its condolences via a Facebook post, stating, “We express our sympathy to all the victims’ families, in particular, to the Haitian National Police and all the journalists’ associations,” albeit without confirming the death toll. Journalists had gathered at the hospital at 8 AM for statements from the newly appointed Health Minister Duckenson Lorthe Blema, but the event turned deadly around 11 AM when gunfire erupted.
The State University of Haiti Hospital, the largest healthcare facility in the nation, has remained closed since March due to rampant gang violence that led to the ousting of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Celebrations of a slight recovery of control over the hospital in July were short-lived, as journalists and officials found themselves fleeing amid gunfire. The facility is located near the central Champ de Mars square, an area infamous for its gang-related conflicts.
Reports indicate that armed gangs now dominate approximately 80 to 90 percent of the capital, and neighboring countries have been slow in their support for Haiti’s security needs. An international mission approved last year has only deployed a small number of troops, and efforts to expand this mission into a peacekeeping operation have encountered resistance at the United Nations Security Council. Currently, only 24 percent of health facilities within the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area are operational, as indicated in a recent UN report.
Haiti is facing a growing crisis due to the expanding influence of armed gangs, which now reportedly control up to 90% of the capital, Port-au-Prince. This situation has been exacerbated by under-resourced local security forces and a tepid international response. The recent attack at a press conference reflects the deteriorating security environment in the country, impacting critical services like healthcare, as illustrated by the shrinking operational capacity of health facilities. The violence is symptomatic of broader political instability, which has seen rapid changes in leadership and government efficacy in addressing the needs of the public.
The tragic events during the press conference underscore the dire security situation in Haiti, where armed gangs have increasingly shown their capacity for violence. The government’s expression of sympathy following the attack highlights the urgent need for enhanced security measures and international support to combat gang dominance and restore order. The situation not only threatens the safety of civilians and journalists but also severely hampers essential public services like health care, complicating the recovery efforts in Haiti.
Original Source: www.lismorecitynews.com.au
