December 23, 2024
Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, is engulfed in a new wave of insecurity as several schools, including Saint-Louis de Gonzague and Collège Excelsior, have decided to temporarily close their doors. This decision, made on the evening of Sunday, November 10, 2024, follows explicit threats from armed gangs. These gangs, through videos posted on social media, have warned of planned attacks in various parts of the city, sparking widespread fear among residents.
The videos show heavily armed men threatening violent actions for Monday. The criminals claim they intend to target several neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince to protest against poor governance and the ongoing political crisis, which, according to them, benefits the political elite at the expense of the most vulnerable citizens. The widespread sharing of these threats online prompted schools to adopt precautionary measures to protect students and staff.
In separate statements, officials from Saint-Louis de Gonzague and Collège Canado Haïtien informed parents of the suspension of classes. “We would like to inform you that the school will remain closed on Monday due to threats and the risk of disturbances,” wrote the administration of Saint-Louis de Gonzague. Collège Canado Haïtien also announced its closure for security reasons, urging parents to encourage their children to continue studying at home during this assessment period.
In response to the rising insecurity, the Haitian National Police, through Deputy Spokesperson Lionel Lazarre, announced the deployment of reinforced patrols throughout the capital. These tensions arise amidst a period of political upheaval, marked by the recent appointment of Alix Didier Fils-Aimé as the new Prime Minister, replacing Garry Conille. This political instability appears to be fueling a climate conducive to violence, once again highlighting the precarious security situation in the country.