Gangs at War Again in the Cul-de-Sac Plain

CROIX-DES-BOUQUETS.— The neighborhoods of Marassa, Santo, and Chada have been in turmoil since the night of Friday, June 6, to Saturday, June 7. The Chen mechan, 400 Mawozo, and Canaan gangs are clashing violently for territorial control.

Dozens of residents from the neighborhoods where the fighting is taking place have abandoned their homes, desperately seeking to find safety.

For now, there is no exact assessment of the damage caused by the bandits; but reports indicate deaths and injuries among the population, caught in this surprise attack. There are also reports of losses in all the displaced persons' camps. Several houses and businesses have also been set ablaze.

A video of the spokesperson for the criminal coalition, Viv Ansanm, calling on the gang leaders for a ceasefire to find common ground, is circulating on social media, while the battle continues with alarming intensity, in the total absence of state authorities.

An armored patrol was observed in the area during the day on Saturday, June 7, but it was insufficient to repel the bandits, who were too numerous to be calmed. For now, residents of Santo, Croix des Missions, Lilavois, and other neighboring areas live in constant fear.

Jean Mapou