PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – A tragic gang attack marred the reopening of Port-au-Prince’s General Hospital on December 24, 2023, resulting in the deaths of two journalists and serious injuries to several others. This incident reflects Haiti’s deteriorated security situation, where violent street gangs exert control over the capital.
Photographer Jean Feguens Regala recalled the harrowing scene as he sheltered behind concrete near the hospital’s entrance. He witnessed the chaos of journalists attempting to access medical help for their wounded colleagues. "When we saw the armored police car, we thought it would be ok. There was no sign we would be attacked," he said, highlighting the false sense of security the police presence instilled.
The gang, identified as part of the Viv Ansanm coalition and led by notorious figure Johnson "Izo" André, opened fire as reporters gathered to cover the event, which was intended to showcase the hospital's reopening after months of closure due to gang violence. Both the Haitian Association of Journalists and Robest Dimanche from the Online Media Collective confirmed the identities of the slain journalists, Markenzy Nathoux and Jimmy Jean.
Regala, who survived the attack, described the horrific aftermath where injured journalists awaited help on the floor of the hospital, calling it "a macabre scene comparable to terrorism, pure and simple." With seven journalists reported wounded, the scale of the incident raises alarms about the safety of media workers operating within the country.
Authorities had pledged to reopen the General Hospital on Christmas Eve after it had been shuttered by gangs earlier in the year. Yet as journalists gathered, the situation escalated dramatically. The sound of gunfire reached them, growing closer, and within moments, the gang's assault unfolded.
“When we arrived, we could already hear gunfire, but it seemed to be two or three blocks away,” Regala recounted. “I witnessed some journalists falling down – they couldn't get up.” The chaos ensued as they rushed inside, with journalists left vulnerable to the rising danger.
The Haitian government has condemned the attack, which they labeled as “unacceptable,” emphasizing the assault as one against the foundations of society. They vowed to respond firmly to this egregious act. “This heinous act, which targets an institution dedicated to health and life, constitutes an unacceptable attack on the very foundations of our society,” they stated.
Gang violence has pushed Haiti’s healthcare infrastructure to breaking point, exacerbated by looting and systematic attacks on medical facilities. Conditions are spiraling out of control, with hospitals turning away patients due to the chaos.
After the attack, Regala lamented the lack of medical aid available at the hospital when journalists were wounded. “There was no doctor or nurse around,” he noted, stressing the urgency of care when some victims were bleeding heavily yet received no aid for up to two hours. Police needed to scale walls to access the hospital since gang-controlled streets posed significant danger.
Leslie Voltaire, the interim President of Haiti, expressed his sympathies to those affected, noting the attack's impact on journalists and police alike. “I send my sympathies to the people who were victims, the national police and the journalists,” Voltaire said. He assured the nation, “This crime is not going to go unpunished.”
The current situation reflects broader challenges Haiti faces, with street gangs reportedly controlling about 85% of Port-au-Prince. The battle with gangs extends beyond hospitals, targeting police stations and even the main international airport, creating widespread chaos and fear.
Haitian journalists have increasingly become targets for violence, as this incident is not isolated. Earlier reports indicate two local journalists were killed earlier this year amid rising tensions. The frequency of such attacks casts shadows on freedom of the press within the nation. Regala emphasized, “The work needs to continue, to make sure the population is kept informed.”
The psychological toll of operating under such threats weighs heavily on journalists committed to their mission. While many feel the need to exit the profession, individuals like Regala remain steadfast against the violent tide. “If I had rushed and ran, I am sure I would be among the victims,” he recounted, showcasing not only the perilous nature of this occupation but also the resilience of press workers determined to tell their stories.
Overall, the events of December 24 are not only another chapter of violence against journalists but highlight the systematic breakdown of order and safety within Haiti. At the closing of the year, questions remain about the future of journalism, the health system, and the broader struggle for stability and security within the nation.
