In Haiti, residents of the commune of Cité-Soleil, north of the Haitian capital and surrounding areas have been living in fear since the beginning of the week. Caused by clashes between rival armed gangs, following the death of a gang leader.
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Isca Andrice, leader of the armed gang in the Belekou district of Cité-Soleil, died in disturbing circumstances and his death caused great tensions, reports our correspondent in Port-au-Prince, Marie-André Bélange.
Loud bangs were heard in the area as vehicle traffic and activities were paralyzed. Residents were forced to flee their homes. Deaths and damage are to be deplored, this resident of Cité Soleil tells us. “ They went by sea to attack neighborhoods. They set fire to vehicles and houses. I was able to observe around eight deaths. We are asking the police to help us because some residents would like to move, but have nowhere to go. »
On Wednesday afternoon, clashes also took place near a hospital center in the Fontaine district, located near Cité Soleil, causing panic among patients and healthcare staff. The hospital was completely evacuated, its director told Agence France Presse. “ All the health personnel took cover (..) and we had to call the police to come and help us evacuate all the people who could not move of their own accord, including women who had a cesarean yesterday and couldn’t walk “, he continued.
Residents who still live in the area were unable to return to their homes this Wednesday. On social networks, calls for help multiply with a view to stopping armed violence in the town of Cité-Soleil. Gangs control 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and the number of serious crimes has reached records, according to the UN representative in the country.