Police Battle Gangs Attempting to Seize Haitian Capital
NewsweekOct 23
Haiti: Dozens Killed in Suburb Attack
Above: People walk past a burning barricade in the Petion-Ville neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Nov. 19, 2024. Image copyright: Guerinault Louis/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Facts
Police and residents successfully defended Haiti's wealthy hillside neighborhood of Pétion-Ville, located near the capital, Port-au-Prince, from a gang attack that occurred Monday overnight. A reported 28 gang members were found dead following the fight.
Residents mobilized and reportedly fought side-by-side alongside police members. They also allegedly violently killed some suspected gang members.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
Haiti should critically evaluate Western calls for intervention, as historically, Western powers, particularly the US, have exerted control over the country to sustain economic systems reliant on low-wage labor. Many so-called "gangs" are essentially freedom fighters opposing a Western-backed oligarchy. Labeling them as criminals perpetuates chaos that benefits foreign interests while keeping Haitians impoverished.
Pro-establishment narrative
Just days after Prime Minister Fils-Aimé's inauguration, violence has spiraled out of control, with Jimmy Chérizier's gang forcing 20K more from their homes in a week. Over 700K are now displaced, and aid delivery has become too dangerous. With insufficient police to restore order, Haiti faces a deepening humanitarian crisis. The global community must act urgently to provide the help Haiti desperately needs.
