Haiti's Protests: A call for change and security - April 2025
- Asmau Kontagora
- Apr 6
- 4 min read
Intelligence Update:
On 02 April 2025, thousands of protesters gathered outside the Villa d’Accueil in Port-au-Prince to protest the rising gang violence in the country. Most of the protesters came from various areas, including Canapé-Vert, Turgeau, and Debussy. The protest turned violent when security personnel used tear gas and gunfire to disperse the crowd. Clashes broke out between both parties, but no casualties were reported.
Commercial activities in the city were paralysed. The demonstrators blocked roads in Juvénat, Delmas, Pétion-Ville, and along Route des Frères with stones and burning tyres, causing major traffic disruptions. Banks, schools, and other businesses were closed.
Some protesters were armed with machetes and chanted phrases like “Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go and get them out.” According to reports, one of the organisers stated that the aim of the protest was to “take over the prime minister’s office and burn down the CPT.”
Recent Gang violence and impact on infrastructure:
Gang members from the Viv Ansanm coalition have continued to expand their territory and are believed to control over 85% of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Gang violence has led to thousands of deaths and displacement. U.N. sources reported that approximately 4,200 people have been killed and 1,356 injured between July 2024 and February 2025. Criminal activity has also caused major disruptions as they attack public infrastructure, including government buildings, hospitals, and media outlets. Citizens are left stranded with limited access to basic necessities.
During the night of 12 and 13 March 2025, members of the Viv Ansanm coalition set fire to the former building of the country’s oldest radio station, Radio Télévision Caraïbes (RTVC), in Port-au-Prince. On 13 February 2025, they also set fire to the State University Hospital, the largest public hospital in the country.
The violence is not confined to Port-au-Prince. A recent large-scale attack in Mirebalais, 48 kilometres northeast of the capital, highlights this issue. On 31 March 2025, gang members invaded the town and freed hundreds of inmates from a prison. They moved from house to house, attacking residents. Several people were killed, including two nuns working at Mirebalais National School. The incident prompted the closure of the Mirebalais University Hospital (HUM).
Locals and authorities have raised concerns about the hospital's closure and the presence of gangs, which threaten the health system amid ongoing health crises in the country. On 02 April 2025, a helicopter rented by Taiwan for the Haitian government was flying low over Saut-d’Eau when it was hit by a bullet. The pilot returned safely to Port-au-Prince, and no casualties were reported. The gangs are also accused of extortion, murder, rape, and arson against homes, businesses, and churches.
Assessment:
The demonstration marks the first major protest since Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé came into office in November 2024. It highlights the government’s ineffective approach to tackling gang violence. It is also the largest protest since the Transitional Council was established in 2024. In response to calls for urgent intervention, the government may be compelled to review its security policies to address the pressing issues.
On 03 April 2025, a day after the protests, Fritz Alphonse Jean, the newly appointed President of the Transitional Council (CPT), held a press conference. He announced additional measures to combat insecurity in the country, including the deployment of officers from the Protected Areas Security Brigade (BSAP). He also mentioned plans for a new budget focused on security, which will be approved soon.
With elections scheduled for February 2026, the ongoing gang violence could jeopardise efforts to hold the elections. Gang members may coordinate attacks to sabotage these plans and disrupt voting. The focus on key infrastructure is an attempt to frustrate the government and international community’s efforts while creating more problems and suffering for the masses.
Haitian nation police fighting gang activity are being supported by foreign forces backed by the U.N from countries like Kenya, Guatemala, El Salvador, Belize etc. These forces have also faced losses recently; a Kenyan soldier was killed when suspected gang members ambushed two mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicles in Pont-Sondé on 25 March 2025.
The protest has heightened fears about the country’s deepening instability. The remarks made by the organisers not only reflect discontent but also signal larger problems that could further complicate gang violence in the future.
Forecast:
Given the current climate of discontent, further protests are likely. Citizens will continue to demand action from the government, especially if gang violence continues.
The current significant disruptions caused by gang activities, is expected to lead to further violence. Gang members are likely to target critical infrastructure in their efforts to assert control.
In response to these protests and ongoing violence, the government may implement stricter security measures. This could include increased police presence and military involvement in urban areas.
The potential for violence may delay elections or lead to a less secure voting environment. Authorities may consider alternative arrangements to ensure safety during the electoral process.
With the deployment of BSAP, gangs may retaliate with more aggressive tactics, leading to escalated violence in some areas where they are present.
The humanitarian situation in the country is likely to worsen as citizens struggle with limited access to essential services including health care.
