PORT-AU-PRINCE — A violent attack occurred on December 24 at the General Hospital of Haiti, during the reopening ceremony, leaving two journalists and one police officer dead. The assailants, affiliated with the gang coalition known as Viv Ansanm, opened fire on journalists gathered for the event, highlighting the dire security crisis affecting the nation.
The tragic shooting unfolded as members of the press awaited the arrival of Health Minister Dr. Duckenson Lorthé Blema, who was not present at the time of the attack. Reports indicate the lack of adequate security measures, leading to rampant chaos as gunfire erupted. Journalists scrambled for safety, with some injured as they lay on the blood-soaked ground. Arnold Junior Pierre, a journalist for Radio Galaxie, recounted, "I counted 49 seconds of uninterrupted gunfire," painting a grim picture of the event. Another eyewitness, photographer Jean Feguens Regala, later pointed out lapses by the health ministry, stating, "The fact the minister of health invited us... preparations have been made already." This indication of negligence has ignited furious outrage among various media organizations and civil rights groups.
Despite the invitation and expectations for safety, the attack turned deadly, resulting not just in the tragic loss of Mackendy Natoux and Jimmy Jean, both respected journalists, but also injuring seven other reporters. According to some accounts, bodies remained at the scene as efforts began to rescue the wounded. An anonymous journalist at the scene expressed frustration, saying, "We haven’t found a nurse or anyone to give us first aid... those who are the most vulnerable, we want to get them out of here."
The aftermath of this horrific incident was swift. Three days later, on December 27, Dr. Blema was dismissed from his post over criticisms related to the lack of security at the event. A decree published by the Presidential Transition Council outlined these accusations, leading to the appointment of Justice Minister Patrick Pélissier as the interim health minister. Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé condemned the attack, asserting, "Impunity has no place in a society..." This declaration came amid increasing calls from advocacy groups demanding accountability and justice for the victims.
The gang violence afflicting Haiti continues to escalate, with approximately 85% of Port-au-Prince reported to be under the control of various armed groups. Guyler Delva, head of the press freedom organization SOS journalists, remarked, "The whole area is under siege," underscoring the dire situation for both journalists and citizens alike. This incident is considered one of the most severe assaults on Haitian media, drawing condemnation from multiple domestic and international organizations concerned about the preservation of press freedom.
The attack not only signifies the vulnerability of reporters operating under these dangerous circumstances but also highlights the government's struggle to maintain order within the capital. The Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression (RELE_CIDH) emphasized the significance of protecting press freedom amid Haiti's insecurity, calling it “essential” during such turbulent times.
The General Hospital, also known as the State University Hospital of Haiti (HUEH), has faced numerous challenges due to rampant gang control, leading to its temporary closure since March. Previous attempts to resurrect the hospital have failed, with former Prime Minister Garry Conille experiencing gunfire upon attempting to visit the facility earlier this year.
This persistent violence appears interconnected with political instability and the challenges faced by the transitional government composed of various factions. Many citizens and journalists express frustration at the lack of action and accountability from government officials—a sentiment echoed by media organizations like CMEL, who stated, "The Haitian authorities, particularly the Ministry of Public Health, are directly responsible for this unacceptable failure."
Despite promises of justice and accountability from Haitian officials, the past has shown little progress. The public remains skeptical as the persistent gang violence continues to threaten not only journalists but the very fabric of society. Many are now calling for tangible actions rather than mere rhetoric as the spirit of Haiti faces one of its darkest periods yet. Just as Leslie Voltaire, the president of the transitional council, declared on the day of the attack, "What happened today... is unacceptable," the nation watches closely for the government’s next steps and enduring solutions to this crisis.
With the media community reeling from the loss of their colleagues, calls for justice and reform persist, as both journalists and ordinary citizens continue to navigate the perilous conditions instigated by decades of violence and neglect. The hopes for restoring law and order may seem distant, but there remains a clarion call for change from the heart of this beleaguered nation.
