At least three people were killed when armed men opened fire during the reopening ceremony of Haiti's largest public hospital on Tuesday. This tragic incident, which occurred at the General Hospital in Port-au-Prince, has left two journalists and one police officer dead, highlighting the pervasive violence and instability faced by the country.
The attackers, associated with the Viv Ansanm gang alliance, claim control over much of Port-au-Prince and openly admitted their responsibility for the ambush. They stated they had not authorized the reopening of the hospital, which they had previously occupied and destroyed.
The violence erupted as journalists waited for the arrival of Health Minister Lorthe Blema, who was set to announce the reopening at 11 A.M. (1300 GMT). Eyewitness reports reveal chaotic scenes as journalists scrambled for safety. Videos from the site depicted journalists huddled on the floor of the hospital lobby as gunfire erupted. Some were seen bleeding from apparent injuries.
Among the dead were reporters Markenzy Nathoux and Jimmy Jean. Robest Dimanche, spokesman for the Online Media Collective, confirmed their deaths to AFP, adding the grim tally of injuries sustained by others on the scene.
Police spokesman Lionel Lazarre also confirmed the death of the officer, though specific details about the police's response remain unclear at this time.
Dieugo André, a photojournalist present during the attack, described the horrific event, stating: "It felt like a terrible movie. I have the blood of several injured journalists on my clothes." His account reflects not only the immediate horror but also the grim environment under which journalists operate in Haiti.
Leslie Voltaire, the head of Haiti's transitional presidential council, expressed his condolences to the victims' families, particularly to the families of the police and journalists. He asserted, "We guarantee them this act will not remain without consequences," signaling potential repercussions for the armed groups operating with impunity.
This incident serves as another grim chapter in Haiti's struggles with gang violence, which worsened following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. Nearly 85% of Port-au-Prince is reportedly under gang control, creating an environment of fear and lawlessness.
The General Hospital had been closed due to safety concerns stemming from increased gang violence. Since the government reestablished control over the hospital last July, hopes for stability and healing seem continuously dashed by violence. The reopening ceremony, meant to signal recovery and communal hope, instead turned tragic.
Health Minister Duckenson Lorthe Blema was appointed during recent government changes, aiming to tackle the pressing healthcare needs amid rising instability. Yet, such events underline the formidable challenges the Haitian government faces when dealing with gang dominance.
The situation has raised international alarm, with calls for more proactive measures to curb gang influence. Despite international support pledges and troop deployment from Kenya aimed at restoring order, on-ground realities remain starkly different.
The United Nations reported alarming statistics indicating up to 5,000 people may have been killed amid the violence this year, pushing Haiti closer to the brink of collapse. Such figures paint a somber picture of the nation grappling with crime, poverty, and political instability.
The funeral for the slain journalists and police officer is expected to prompt public outcry and renewed attention to the dire state of affairs within Haiti. The hope remains for increasing international support to curb this trend of violence, but for now, the shadows of gang warfare loom large over the country.
