Port-au-Prince, Haiti – The spiraling gang violence has reached new heights, with the recent deaths of two journalists highlighting the worsening security situation. Markenzy Nathoux and Jimmy Jean were killed during a shootout involving gang members from the Viv Ansanm coalition at the State University of Haiti Hospital on December 12, 2023. According to Robest Dimanche, spokesperson for the Online Media Collective, the journalists were caught up amid panic as the gang launched attacks during the hospital's reopening.
This incident occurs against the backdrop of rampant criminal activity, with the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) reporting over 5,350 fatalities and 2,155 injuries resulting from gang violence so far this year. The recent report also detailed horrifying atrocities, including the massacre of at least 207 people—134 men and 73 women—executed by the Wharf Jérémie gang between December 6 and 11. Tragically, the violence has targeted vulnerable populations, including Vodou practitioners and those perceived as opposing the gang's authority.
The brutality of these gangs has become impossible to ignore, as families of victims have been tortured and killed after being interrogated. Disturbingly, gang members attempt to bury their crimes by incineration or disposal of bodies at sea, leaving behind no trace of their brutality.
Meanwhile, Nathoux and Jean's deaths underline the perilous conditions for journalists striving to cover these events. The Hospital incident, also marked by panic among others present, saw journalists injuring themselves amid the chaos. “It is total panic in the city center,” reported Gazette Haiti, with images circulating of those harmed during the attack.
Last week, the Viv Ansanm coalition set fire to another health facility, the Bernard Mevs hospital, destroying much of it but fortunately causing no injuries. The lawlessness has forced key institutions to shutter and impacted commercial flights, with the capital’s airport closing its doors to outbound flights.
UN officials have condemned the violence but have done little to enact change on the ground. María Isabel Salvador, head of BINUH, called for urgent investigative measures to apprehend those responsible and create specialized judicial units to handle such crimes. She asserted, “These crimes targeting the most vulnerable populations touch the very foundation of Haitian society.”
With calls for the international community to prevent arms transfers to Haiti, the situation demands immediate action to support the beleaguered Haitian National Police amid the chaos. Despite the involvement of international forces and assistance, the violent reality has continued largely unchanged.
Efforts to stabilize the region seem distant as armed groups engage continuously over territorial disputes, primarily surrounding control of key areas like the La Saline port. The evident lack of law enforcement efficacy raises doubts over local and international law enforcement strategies.
Overall, the media environment has become perilous as journalists combat not only the violence but also the overarching societal challenges Haiti faces. The country’s citizens and media, caught between powerful gangs and ineffective governance, hold onto hope for change. This violence and loss must prompt stronger international and governmental responses to restore peace and rebuild the justice system.
