Protesters Demand Urgent Measures to Dismantle Gangs in Port-au-Prince

Nearly a thousand people took to the streets of Port-au-Prince on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Carrying various objects, they denounced the resurgence of gang violence and the prolonged inaction of the Haitian government. Coming from several neighborhoods of the capital, notably Canapé-Vert, Débussy, Pacot, Carrefour-Feuilles, and Christ-Roi, the protesters converged towards the Villa d’Accueil and the Primature in Musseau. They unanimously demanded urgent measures to dismantle the armed groups that are spreading terror in the country.

Upon arriving in Bourdon, the situation took a different turn. Indeed, law enforcement attempted to disperse the crowd with tear gas, particularly near the office of notary Jean Henry Céant. The protesters retaliated by throwing stones and various projectiles at businesses in the area, thus escalating the already growing tensions.

Equipped with sticks, machetes, and some dressed in black jerseys similar to those of the police, the demonstrators did not hide their anger. «We need security, our children are dying, they are suffering, it's too much,» protesters shouted throughout the march.

Following the brutal reactions of the police, the demonstration took an anti-government turn, marked by strong criticism against Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils Aimé and the members of the transitional presidential council. The protesters denounced the authorities' inaction in the face of insecurity.

In summary, the protesters unequivocally demanded the resignation of the current leaders, whom they hold responsible for the worsening situation and the failure to honor their commitments.