What's happened
On May 4, 2025, thousands protested in Port-au-Prince against escalating gang violence, demanding security and government accountability. The protests followed the deaths of community leaders and highlighted the dire situation as gangs control over 85% of the capital, leaving many homeless and fearful.
What's behind the headline?
Current Situation
- Gangs control at least 85% of Port-au-Prince, leading to widespread fear and displacement.
- Recent protests reflect deep frustration among citizens, who demand security and accountability from their leaders.
Community Response
- The protests are fueled by the deaths of community leaders, galvanizing residents to take a stand against violence.
- Activists and citizens are calling for a new government, blaming current leaders for failing to address the crisis.
Implications
- The ongoing violence and protests may lead to increased international attention and potential intervention.
- The situation highlights the urgent need for effective governance and community support to restore safety and order in Haiti.
What the papers say
According to The Independent, protesters expressed their desperation for security, with Eric Jean stating, "The only thing the Haitian people are asking for is security." This sentiment was echoed by Marc Étienne, who blamed the government for the violence and called for change. AP News reported on the memorial for slain community leaders, where mourners shouted, "Freedom or death!" highlighting the community's resolve against gang violence. The U.N. has noted that over 5,600 people were killed in Haiti last year, underscoring the severity of the crisis. The contrasting perspectives from these sources illustrate the urgent need for action and the community's determination to reclaim their neighborhoods.
How we got here
Haiti has faced increasing gang violence, particularly in Port-au-Prince, where gangs have seized control of neighborhoods. The situation has worsened, with over 1,600 people killed in the first quarter of 2025 alone, prompting public outcry and protests for government action.
Go deeper
- What are the main demands of the protesters?
- How has the government responded to the violence?
- What is the current situation in Port-au-Prince?
More on these topics
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Haiti, officially the Republic of Haiti formerly founded as Hayti, is a country located on the island of Hispaniola in the Greater Antilles archipelago of the Caribbean Sea, to the east of Cuba and Jamaica and south of The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos
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Port-au-Prince is the capital and most populous city of Haiti. The city's population was estimated at 987,310 in 2015 with the metropolitan area estimated at a population of 2,618,894.