Violence Erupts in Haiti as Armed Gangs Attack Journalists
Journalists Lie Wounded After Being Shot
Journalists lie wounded after being shot by armed gangs at the State University hospital in Port-au-Prince. (AP pic)
At least three people were killed and others injured on Tuesday when armed men opened fire on a group of journalists gathered for a government press conference set to announce the reopening of Haiti’s largest public hospital, a witness to the attack told Reuters.
Details of the Attack
Two reporters and a police officer were killed, said a journalist at the scene who asked not to be named. Videos from local media livestreaming the attack showed journalists huddled on the floor of the hospital lobby as a barrage of bullets flew by. Some appeared to have been hit and were bleeding.
Background on the Situation
Armed gangs in Haiti, with near-total control over capital Port-au-Prince and wide remit over the rest of the country, have targeted hospitals to show their muscle over the government, forcing most to shut down. "What happened today is unacceptable," said Leslie Voltaire, who heads Haiti’s transitional presidential council, in a video message.
The Press Conference
Journalists were invited to arrive at the hospital from 8am (1300 GMT) to the press conference in the downtown area of the capital Port-au-Prince with Haiti’s new health minister. They were still awaiting the minister when shooting began around 11am. Health minister Duckenson Lorthe Blema was installed in November in a cabinet reshuffle when former prime minister Garry Conille was ousted after just six months in office.
The State University of Haiti Hospital
The State University of Haiti Hospital, known locally as the General Hospital, is the country’s largest public hospital but it has been closed since a March surge in gang attacks that saw former prime minister Ariel Henry ousted from power. In July, authorities celebrated retaking control of the hospital with a press conference in the facility, but Conille was forced to flee alongside security officers and journalists under a flurry of gunfire.
The Situation on the Ground
The hospital is in downtown Port-au-Prince, a stone’s throw from the central Champ de Mars square, an area that has seen frequent gun battles and clashes between police and a city-wide alliance of gangs known as Viv Ansanm. Gangs are estimated to control some 80% to 90% of the capital, while neighbouring countries have been slow to deliver on promises of security support for the Caribbean nation.
International Response
An international mission approved last year has so far seen just a fraction of troops deploying, while Haitian calls to shore up its resources by converting it to a peacekeeping force met opposition at the UN Security Council. A spokesperson for the mission, led by Kenya, told Reuters after shooting began that its personnel had not been invited to the conference and it had sent in reinforcements. The national police did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Conclusion
The attack on journalists in Haiti is a stark reminder of the country’s dire situation and the need for immediate action to address the violence and instability. The international community must come together to provide support and assistance to the people of Haiti and work towards a peaceful and stable future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened during the press conference?
A: Armed gangs opened fire on a group of journalists gathered for a government press conference set to announce the reopening of Haiti’s largest public hospital.
Q: How many people were killed?
A: At least three people were killed, including two reporters and a police officer.
Q: What is the current situation in Haiti?
A: Armed gangs control much of the country, including the capital Port-au-Prince, and have targeted hospitals to show their muscle over the government.