April 29, 2025
Violence continues to escalate in Port-au-Prince as February 7, 2025, approaches—a symbolic date in Haiti’s political history. On Wednesday, Professor Israël Saintimé was shot and killed on Rue Cameau while on his way to work at the Collège Union des Universitaires de Port-au-Prince (CUUP in French) in Fontamara. The teacher was fatally shot in front of Collège Cœurs-Unis, sending shockwaves through the educational community. This act comes amid a surge in violence that is particularly alarming for the school sector.
In response to growing threats, several schools have already announced they will close their doors on February 7. Others plan to shift to remote learning to protect students and staff. This alarming situation follows threats from the Viv Ansanm armed gang coalition. Persistent rumors suggest plans to spread chaos in the capital, forcing many schools and institutions to reinforce security measures.
The teacher’s assassination comes as insecurity reaches critical levels, fueled by political tensions and uncertainties surrounding the ongoing transition. Many political and social actors fear an outbreak of violence as February 7 approaches, a date that has historically marked major turning points in Haiti’s governance. The rise in armed attacks and criminal activity is fostering a climate of fear that increasingly paralyzes essential activities, particularly in the education sector.
