Violence Escalates in Carrefour-Feuille, Haitian Residents Forced to Flee Homes
Residents of Carrefour-Feuille, a neighborhood in the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince, have been forced to flee their homes as violence continues to escalate. On Friday, terrified locals hastily left the area, clutching whatever belongings they could salvage. Disturbing reports suggest that houses were looted and set ablaze, with several casualties reported during the latest attack.
Carrefour-Feuille has become a dangerous place, plagued by the presence of violent gangs. One displaced resident, Destiney Mauliere, shared her harrowing experience, stating, The gangs are there. There was intense shooting yesterday. I had no choice but to abandon my home, taking only a few clothes. All my children have fled, and I fear for the safety of my five young boys roaming the streets. To make matters worse, my husband is blind.
Despite promises from the Haitian National Police to secure the area, the gangs persist in their ruthless takeover of yet another part of the capital. In response, local residents had organized vigilance brigades in an attempt to contain the actions of these armed groups that instill terror in 80% of the city’s population.
Jean Edouard Amazan, another displaced resident, expressed his despair, saying, I have nowhere else to go. Everything I own is here, including my ID. I don’t know what they have taken or if my house has been destroyed and all my belongings stolen.
The Carrefour-Feuille neighborhood, situated near the affluent district of Pétionville, has been under relentless attacks by the Ti Lapli gang since August 13th. These horrifying incidents reflect a larger trend in Port-au-Prince, where gangs have taken control of up to 80% of the capital. The consequences are devastating — innocent lives are lost, women are subjected to unspeakable acts of violence, and terror reigns over communities already grappling with severe poverty.
The situation demands urgent attention and action from local authorities and international organizations. The Haitian government must prioritize the safety and well-being of its citizens, restoring peace and stability to these affected areas. It is crucial to dismantle these dangerous gangs and establish a secure environment where residents can reclaim their homes and rebuild their lives.
As the international community stands witness to the escalating violence in Carrefour-Feuille and Port-au-Prince, it is our collective responsibility to aid the Haitian people in their hour of need. The restoration of security and hope, coupled with long-term solutions addressing poverty and inequality, is the path towards a brighter future for Haiti.
