Inauguration of New Prime Minister in Haiti Marred by Violent Clashes Between Police and Gangs

Violence Erupts in Port-au-Prince as New Prime Minister Takes Office

Port-au-Prince, Haiti – On Monday, November 11, 2024, chaos erupted in the streets of Port-au-Prince as gunfire rang out between police forces and gangs, coinciding with the inauguration of Haiti’s new interim prime minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé. The intense violence overshadowed Fils-Aimé’s swearing-in ceremony, signalling the challenges his administration will face in restoring peace to a country grappling with ongoing turmoil.

Gangs Clash with Police

The capital was engulfed in violence when gangs engaged in shootouts with police in several neighborhoods. Reports indicated that heavily armed officers confronted gang members amidst a flurry of gunfire, causing civilians to flee for safety. As the fighting intensified, residents were forced to take cover, clearly illustrating the fear that has permeated everyday life in the capital.

Flight Diverted Amid Assault

In a shocking incident, a commercial flight from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was also targeted during the violence. As the Spirit Airlines plane was approaching its landing at Port-au-Prince’s international airport, reports surfaced of armed gang members opening fire. Fortunately, the flight was diverted to the Dominican Republic, but not before one flight attendant suffered minor injuries from gunfire.

The U.S. Embassy has described these shootings as part of a broader pattern of gang-led attempts to disrupt travel into and out of the capital, which has made it increasingly difficult for both residents and travelers to navigate the region.

Political Transition Amid Chaos

This violence coincides with a significant political shift in Haiti. Fils-Aimé was appointed after the transitional council dismissed former Prime Minister Garry Conille amid accusations of infighting and corruption. In his first address as prime minister, Fils-Aimé outlined his primary goals: restoring peace and moving forward with elections that have not been held since 2016.

The newly sworn-in leader expressed deep concern for the people of Haiti, stating, “There is a lot to be done to bring back hope.” He also acknowledged the hardships that countless citizens have endured due to ongoing violence and instability.

Gang Control and International Response

Many observers note that the escalation of violence comes at a time when gangs have seized control over nearly 85% of Port-au-Prince. The United Nations, which has struggled to fund its peacekeeping mission, has called for urgent international support to restore order. Observers warn that this ongoing power struggle has only allowed gangs to tighten their grip on the capital, taking advantage of the political chaos that has lingered since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.

As the violence increased, civilians in the upper-class neighborhoods faced additional threats, with reports of gangs setting homes ablaze. Schools across the city shut down, and fear has gripped communities as the situation remains unpredictable.

Future of Haiti at Stake

Local leaders and organizations have voiced grave concerns over the escalating violence. Louis-Henri Mars, who leads a peace-building initiative in Haiti, expressed that the ongoing political fighting is allowing gangs to expand their influence even further, leading to more suffering, hunger, and displacement among the population.

Many have called for unity and a focus on restoring democracy in Haiti. International representatives, including those from the United Nations, have urged all political players in the country to come together and prioritize the welfare of the Haitian people over personal or political ambitions.

With the country’s future hanging in the balance, it remains to be seen how Fils-Aimé’s government will address these enormous challenges and what more violence might unfold as the struggle for power continues in Haiti.