Mirebalais: A City Under Tension, Situation Report

Mirebalais has plunged into violence since Monday, March 31, 2025, when armed gangs affiliated with the criminal coalition, Viv Ansanm, invaded the city. The police station was attacked, a massive prison break occurred, and the terrified population is attempting to flee to neighboring communes. Faced with this escalation, law enforcement attempted to react by reinforcing their presence, while a new police chief was appointed to head the police station.

Woken by gunfire, residents helplessly witnessed the attack on the city, which began in the Trianon neighborhood. Activities are suspended, and the city is gripped by high tension. The police station, abandoned by law enforcement, was quickly stormed, and cars in the courtyard were partially set ablaze.

The assailants, identifiable by their red jerseys bearing inscriptions such as Taliban Mawozo, easily took possession of the premises before attacking the prison, where over 530 inmates escaped. One of them was shot dead in the courtyard during the assault.

Panicked, hundreds of Mirebalais residents embarked on an exodus, seeking refuge in safer areas. In the city, gangs are sowing terror: looting, arson, assassinations.

Despite the arrival of police reinforcements by helicopter, including several elite units like SWAT, and the engagement of BSAP agents alongside the population, the gangs' grip on the city remains strong. Self-defense groups have also organized. Manhunts are underway to find the assailants dispersing throughout the Benoît Batraville neighborhood.

Throughout the day and into the night leading up to April 1st, cries of distress echoed in several neighborhoods. Businesses are being looted, and heavy gunfire resonates. According to local sources, shots even targeted a helicopter bringing reinforcements.

To try and regain control, a change in leadership at the police station was announced nearly 24 hours after the attack. This Tuesday, Commissioner Mathias Jean David replaced Jean Claude Bazile, who was criticized for his inaction. According to several testimonies, the latter allegedly preferred to close the police station and flee, leaving the field open to the assailants who had time to organize the escape and set fire to several buildings in the commune.

Mirebalais, Under Siege

According to a local source, gangs are seeking to place their leaders in various strategic neighborhoods to ensure total control of Mirebalais.

The situation is critical: road users have been blocked in the commune for several days, forced to turn back. Access to Port-au-Prince is completely cut off. Mirebalais is under siege. Electricity has been out for weeks, and schools and other institutions have closed their doors.

A Spreading Threat