Residents of Arcahaie, a coastal town in Haiti known as the birthplace of the country’s flag, are fighting against heavily armed gangs as the nation commemorates the anniversary of the historic Battle of Vertières. This battle, fought in 1803, was pivotal in establishing Haiti as the world’s first Black republic. On Tuesday, as many celebrated this significant event, the community banded together with local police to repel ongoing gang assaults aimed at seizing control of their neighborhood.
“We are holding them off for the moment,” stated Mayor Jean Edner Gilles in a phone interview with the Associated Press. The attack, which began on Monday, has already resulted in the death of one police officer, who was shot in the head during the violent confrontation. While the full extent of injuries among residents remains unclear, Gilles mentioned that many have been hurt, but police have yet to compile a complete report.
The situation in Arcahaie reflects a broader trend across Haiti, particularly in regions north of the capital, where gang violence has escalated significantly. According to a U.N. report released last week, over 1,240 individuals have been killed, and another 710 injured across the country from July to September 2023, amid clashes between gangs, police, and self-defense groups. Nearly 20% of these incidents occurred in the central department of Artibonite, indicating a troubling increase in gang activity.
As the residents of Arcahaie defend their community, a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police is attempting to assist Haitian authorities in addressing the rampant gang violence. However, this mission is significantly underfunded and understaffed. In late September, the U.N. Security Council authorized the establishment of a gang-suppression unit with the authority to arrest suspected gang members; nevertheless, this force has yet to be deployed.
During a speech marking the 222nd anniversary of the Battle of Vertières, Laurent Saint-Cyr, leader of Haiti’s transitional presidential council, condemned the violence plaguing the nation. “It’s a moment for us to take a little time to look at ourselves in the mirror and make a clear commitment to honor the great chain of sacrifices our ancestors made for us,” he remarked, emphasizing the need to prioritize national security and stability.
On the eve of this significant anniversary, life in Port-au-Prince was largely disrupted following a warning from the powerful gang coalition known as Viv Ansanm. The group advised residents to remain indoors to facilitate their ongoing conflicts with police. Despite the threats, Haitian law enforcement reported no major gang attacks, instead celebrating successful offensives against gang-controlled areas, stating, “Criminal strongholds destroyed, bandits neutralized. No police casualties. The struggle for security continues.”
As the people of Arcahaie continue to defend their town, the challenges facing Haiti remain daunting, with escalating violence underscoring the urgent need for effective security measures and community resilience in the face of adversity.
