April 21, 2025
Tensions ran high on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, as clashes erupted between security forces and angry protesters on the Bourdon road, near the residence of the U.S. ambassador. The Haitian police, deployed in large numbers to contain the crowd, used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse demonstrators attempting to approach the Villa d’Accueil in Musseau. Several injuries were reported in the ensuing chaos, further fueling the protesters’ anger.
Ahead of the march, authorities had implemented strict measures to block access to Bourdon, bolstering security around the Prime Minister’s Office and the Villa d’Accueil. Despite this show of force, thousands of demonstrators, waving placards and tree branches, converged toward Canapé-Vert to denounce the state’s failure to curb the rampant insecurity. Protesters voiced their frustration over the atrocities committed by the gang coalition “Viv Ansanm,” which continues to spread terror in several neighborhoods of the capital.
The heavy-handed police intervention quickly escalated into violent confrontations, triggering panic among the crowd. As security forces used what many deemed excessive force to break up the demonstration, numerous participants condemned the crackdown.
Some accused the Haitian National Police (PNH) of repressing citizens demanding security instead of fighting those who terrorize them daily. One protester, visibly shaken by the events, voiced her frustration: “The police should be with us, not against us. Our families are suffering from this situation, including the families of the police officers themselves!”
