PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — The government of Haiti has dismissed Health Minister Duckenson Lorthé Blaima following a tragic incident during the reopening of the General Hospital, which left two journalists and a police officer dead. The shocking event has raised serious questions about security coordination and the role of government officials at public events.
The incident occurred on December 24 when armed gang members burst through the hospital, firing indiscriminately at journalists who had been invited to cover the reopening. Eyewitness accounts described chaos as gunfire erupted, leading to the deaths of the two reporters, alongside one police officer, and leaving seven others injured. This attack is noted as one of the most severe incidents of violence targeting the media in Haiti's recent history.
According to reports from officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity, Health Minister Blaima has been replaced on a temporary basis by Justice Minister Patrick Pélissier. The decision was made following discussions involving President Leslie Voltaire and Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, underscoring the government’s urgent response to public safety concerns.
"The fact the minister of health invited us, you feel preparations have been made already," Jean Feguens Regala, one of the journalists who survived the attack, told the Associated Press. Regala highlighted the glaring lack of security at the event, as police units were reportedly unaware of the planned reopening celebration. Interestingly, the health minister was absent during the attack, and reasons for his non-attendance have not been disclosed.
The attack was claimed by Johnson “Izo” André, regarded as one of Haiti’s most powerful gang leaders, via social media. His video declaration asserted the gang coalition had not authorized the reopening of the hospital. This incident adds to the increasingly alarming pattern of violence and control exerted by gangs throughout Haiti, especially within the capital of Port-au-Prince.
Gang violence has escalated dramatically, with estimates indicating these criminal groups now control approximately 85% of the city. This reality is reflective of the broader crisis facing the nation, which has struggled to establish democratic governance amid rampant violence and upheaval. With coordinated gang attacks on prisons and police stations increasingly common, authorities find themselves under immense pressure.
Following the assault on the hospital, the government has established a special commission to investigate the incident and its aftermath thoroughly. A spokesperson for the government emphasized their commitment to citizen safety and the importance of transparency in the investigative process. The goal is to gain insights on how to prevent such tragic occurrences from happening again.
"We will provide a detailed report to the public as we hold accountable those responsible for this security lapse," the spokesperson assured, reaffirming the administration's dedication to enhancing measures ensuring safety at public events.
This devastating incident and the swift dismissal of Blaima have ignited discussions throughout Haiti about the capacity of authorities to protect journalists and civilians alike. Public sentiment remains tense, particularly as the transitional government struggles to maintain order and push toward organizing elections pivotal for restoring reliable governance.
The interim leadership of the health ministry under Justice Minister Pélissier may provide necessary interim stability as the government seeks to navigate these turbulent waters. The timeline for appointing Blaima’s permanent successor remains unclear, but the public is eager for accountability and reform amid deepening security concerns.
With gang violence dominating the narrative and community safety at stake, Haitian citizens are left to wonder how much longer they will endure this climate of instability and fear, particularly as voices for change and calls for justice grow louder.
It is clear: Haiti's struggle with crime and governance remains at the forefront of national discourse, and impactful actions are urgently required to safeguard its citizens and restore faith in government institutions.
