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Gunfire Disrupts Meeting of Haiti’s Leaders in Port-au-Prince

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Heavy gunfire erupted in downtown Port-au-Prince on October 5, 2023, as Haitian leaders convened at the National Palace in a significant effort to reclaim territory long dominated by gangs. The meeting, attended by Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and members of the transitional presidential council, aimed to address pressing governmental issues, including the national budget and security measures.

Reports indicate that while there were no immediate casualties, at least one armored vehicle in the vicinity sustained damage from gunfire. Eyewitness accounts described a chaotic scene as officials quickly exited the palace through a rear exit, fleeing from the violence while people in the area sought cover.

The gathering at the National Palace marked a pivotal moment for Haiti’s leadership, as they attempted to symbolically reclaim control of a location previously deemed unsafe due to gang violence. Prior to the meeting, a police band performed, and the national flag was raised, underscoring the government’s resolve to restore order. Heavily armed officers were stationed behind sandbags on the palace’s second floor.

In a statement released before the attack, the government emphasized the significance of this meeting, describing it as a “symbolic and decisive step” toward re-establishing state authority over downtown Port-au-Prince, which is historically central to Haitian governance. The area has been under the influence of a gang coalition known as Viv Ansanm, which is estimated to control up to 90% of the capital.

During the turmoil, former Vice President of the transitional presidential council, Leslie Voltaire, who presided over the meeting in the absence of the council’s leader, acknowledged the importance of the discussions that took place. On the social media platform X, he stated, “We discussed matters of national importance, such as security, the 2025-2026 budget, and national governance. The State reaffirms all of its authority over the Champ de Mars,” referring to the area where the National Palace is situated.

The timing of the violence coincided with recent developments at the international level. Just days prior, the United Nations Security Council approved the establishment of a specialized force aimed at combatting gang violence in Haiti. In a statement, the U.S. Embassy in Haiti confirmed that the United States and Caribbean partners are collaborating to implement this new force, expressing a strong commitment to “defeat the gangs terrorizing the region.”

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Haiti’s government as it strives to regain control from criminal groups that have long destabilized the country. The situation remains fluid, with the government’s efforts to secure downtown Port-au-Prince continuing in the wake of this alarming outbreak of violence.

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