On December 24, 2023, chaos erupted at the State University of Haiti Hospital, one of the country's largest medical facilities, when members of the notorious 'ViV Ansamm' gang launched a violent armed attack. The assault resulted in the tragic deaths of two journalists, Mackendy Nathoux and Jimmy Jean, along with the death of a police officer, sparking outrage and fear across the nation already besieged by rampant insecurity.
Witnesses reported hearing the sound of gunfire erupting as journalists and media workers gathered to cover the reopening of the hospital, which had been shuttered for months due to previous gang violence. According to the Miami Herald, as journalists awaited the Health Minister Duckenson Lorthe Blema to arrive, armed assailants stormed the area and opened fire indiscriminately. Video footage showed the horror inside the facility, with reporters lying on the floor, many bleeding from serious wounds.
A journalist trapped inside the hospital expressed desperation, stating, "We haven’t found a nurse or anyone to give us first aid, anything." Another journalist, who was not injured, pleaded for help for her colleagues, indicating the severity of the situation as she described the atmosphere of fear and helplessness.
Reports showed at least seven journalists and two police officers sustained serious gunshot wounds and were taken to La Paix Hospital for treatment, highlighting the dangers faced by those reporting on issues of immense public interest.
Guyler Delva, head of the press freedom group SOS journalists, characterized the attack as part of a broader trend where journalists are increasingly targeted by both police and criminal organizations. Delva stated, "The whole area is under siege. If the journalists go out onto the street, they will be killed, and no one is helping them. The situation is very worrisome. They are stranded." His commentary reveals the alarming trend of violence against media workers, which has grown more frequent as gangs have taken control of significant portions of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
Earlier this year, the hospital had been forced to close amid rising gang violence, with powerful gang leaders uniting to overthrow the government. Although authorities had promised to regain control of the General Hospital, the Christmas Eve incident illustrated the extent to which gang influence has permeated everyday life.
The attack left many questioning the ability and commitment of the Haitian government to provide safety to both citizens and media representatives. Prime Minister Leslie Voltaire condemned the ambush, saying, "This heinous act, which targets an institution dedicated to health and life, constitutes an unacceptable attack on the very foundations of our society." He assured citizens of the government's firm response to the attack, reinforcing the need for effective governance and security.
On the day of the attack, reports indicated additional horrors elsewhere as communities struggled with natural disasters, including torrential rain causing fatalities and flooding. This was compounded by the broader instability created by gang violence, which has strained health resources to the brink of disaster. With hospitals shuttering and crime rampant, healthcare workers faced extreme challenges treating increasingly vulnerable populations.
The health crisis is exacerbated by chronic shortages, worsened by the fact the healthcare system is now under severe duress due to the violence. According to UNICEF, Haiti is experiencing troubling levels of waterborne diseases, as cholera has surged, particularly affecting those displaced by violence and hardship.
Internationally, the situation has drawn concern, with U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, issuing warnings. The U.N. Security Council has highlighted the unprecedented crisis facing Haitians, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive intervention to restore order and protect civilians.
Following the devastation and loss of life from the Christmas Eve attack, the Haitian Association of Journalists condemned the violence, demanding immediate measures to protect journalists and assist those injured. They expressed deep frustration over the prevailing atmosphere of fear surrounding press operations and the perceived lack of governmental support.
This tragic incident shines a light on the alarming intersection of gang violence, government negligence, and declining press safety. With the rising death toll among journalists reporting on these dangers, coupled with the crippling impact on public health, it is clear Haiti is engulfed in multifaceted crises requiring urgent attention from both local and international stakeholders.
Widespread calls for action must prioritize the safety of journalists and civilians alike, as well as the restoration of basic services and security to alleviate the despair gripping the nation. The wounds from December 24 will take long to heal, marking another dark chapter in the history of Haiti.
