Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, was rocked by violence on Christmas Eve as suspected gang members opened fire on journalists covering the reopening of the General Hospital. The hospital, a crucial facility in the city, had been closed earlier this year due to escalating gang violence. Authorities had vowed to reopen the hospital on Tuesday, but the event was marred by a deadly attack.
Street gangs have seized control of approximately 85% of Port-au-Prince, forcing the closure of vital institutions and creating a climate of fear and instability. The General Hospital’s closure earlier this year underscored the gangs’ growing power and the dire security situation in the Haitian capital.
The Online Media Collective, a Haitian journalists’ association, confirmed the deaths of two reporters, Markenzy Nathoux and Jimmy Jean. Several other journalists were also wounded in the attack, which has been attributed to the Viv Ansanm gang coalition. This coalition is known to control significant portions of Port-au-Prince and has been implicated in numerous violent incidents.
Haiti’s interim president, Leslie Voltaire, addressed the nation, confirming that journalists and police officers were among the victims. He expressed condolences and vowed that the perpetrators would be brought to justice. The attack highlights the extreme dangers faced by journalists in Haiti, particularly those reporting on gang violence and political instability.
A video circulating online, purportedly filmed by journalists trapped inside the hospital, showed two bodies on stretchers, one with a press credential visible. This footage, though not yet officially verified, underscores the brutality of the attack and the chaotic scene at the hospital.
The General Hospital, along with the main international airport and two major prisons, was forced to close earlier this year due to rampant gang violence. The recent attack occurred just as the hospital was preparing to reopen its doors, highlighting the ongoing challenges in restoring essential services in Port-au-Prince. The ongoing violence has severely hampered efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Haiti. The country is grappling with widespread poverty, political instability, and a surge in cholera cases.
Johnson “Izo” André, leader of the Viv Ansanm gang, claimed responsibility for the attack in a social media video, stating that the hospital’s reopening had not been authorized by his coalition. This brazen declaration underscores the gangs’ dominance in certain areas of the capital. The attack on the General Hospital is a tragic reminder of the perilous security situation in Haiti and the challenges facing the country’s efforts to rebuild and recover.
The targeting of journalists in Haiti is not unprecedented. In 2023, two journalists were killed within weeks of each other, underscoring the risks faced by members of the press. The recent attack further emphasizes the need for greater protection of journalists and a concerted effort to address the root causes of gang violence in Haiti. The closure of hospitals and other essential services due to gang violence has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Haiti. The lack of access to healthcare and other basic necessities has left many vulnerable populations in dire straits.
