In the heart of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, armored vehicles cautiously patrol the streets as National Palace guards scan the skyline for lurking gang threats. The city is gripped by a relentless barrage of gunfire that penetrates buildings and claims innocent lives. Fear permeates the air as gangs relentlessly assert their dominance over most of the territory encircling the palace, posing a grave threat to the upcoming swearing-in ceremony for Haiti’s newly appointed transitional council, tasked with selecting a new prime minister and Cabinet. Despite the precarious security situation, the ceremony is scheduled to take place at the National Palace on Wednesday, as officials scramble to implement stringent security measures. The decision to hold the ceremony at the palace is seen by some as a symbolic show of force, conveying a message that the Haitian government remains in control despite the rampant gang violence that has plagued the city and even targeted the palace itself. However, regional officials have voiced concerns over the safety risks associated with the palace venue, urging the council members to consider a more secure location. Amidst the escalating violence, residents of Port-au-Prince live in constant fear, their safety compromised by the relentless gunfire. Josil Djaimeska, a 33-year-old resident, recounts a harrowing incident where a stray bullet struck him in the leg near the palace grounds just days prior. He hopes to receive medical attention soon as the bullet remains lodged in his calf. The ongoing violence has taken a heavy toll on Haiti, with over 2,500 people killed or injured between January and March this year, a staggering increase of more than 50% compared to the same period last year. The United Nations has issued a stark warning, highlighting the urgent need for security measures and assistance to combat the escalating gang violence and restore stability to the country. Despite the challenges, the Haitian people yearn for a path towards a brighter future. Renoir Auxil, a 63-year-old displaced resident who now resides in an abandoned bathroom in Champ de Mars park after his neighborhood fell victim to gang attacks, believes that the swearing-in of the transitional council should proceed despite the ongoing violence. “Whatever the circumstances, they must swear in the council,” he asserts. The transitional council comprises nine members, seven of whom hold voting powers. The council includes representatives from various political parties and civil society organizations, tasked with the critical mission of guiding Haiti towards a more stable and just future. As preparations for the swearing-in ceremony continue, sporadic gunfire continues to erupt near the National Palace, a chilling reminder of the prevailing security concerns. Hundreds of displaced individuals seeking refuge in a makeshift shelter close to the palace have become accustomed to the unsettling sounds of gunfire. However, the recent shooting incident that left one of their own critically injured remains fresh in their minds, serving as a sobering reminder of the constant danger they face. Chesnel Joseph, the 46-year-old director of the shelter, expresses his deep concern for the safety of his fellow residents and the need for immediate action to address the escalating violence. Marie-André Blain, another concerned resident, echoes the sentiments of many Haitians, questioning the feasibility of holding the ceremony at the National Palace given the prevailing lack of security. “There is no security in this country. You just basically pray to God,” she says. “If the higher ranks aren’t safe, we ourselves aren’t safe.”
Amidst Gang Violence, Haiti’s Transitional Council Faces Security Concerns for Palace Swearing-In Ceremony
