April 8, 2025
Port-au-Prince witnessed a massive demonstration this Wednesday as thousands of citizens, dressed in black, took to the streets to denounce the rise in violence and the authorities’ inaction. Protesters from several neighborhoods affected by insecurity, particularly those under the control of the “Viv Ansanm” gang coalition, converged on key roads, turning the day into a collective cry against escalating terror.
Residents from Canapé-Vert, Lalue, Turgeau, Débussy, Pacot, Bourdon, Juvénat, as well as parts of Pétion-Ville and Delmas, expressed their frustration over the state’s inability to restore order. Among them were displaced individuals from Carrefour-Feuilles and Solino, who had lost everything in recent attacks. Some demonstrators, armed with sticks and tree branches, symbolized their determination not to succumb to violence any longer.
Their demands were clear: a firm response against criminal groups, a stronger police force, and adequate resources to ensure public safety. Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé’s government faced harsh criticism for what many perceived as a failure to manage the security crisis. Some protesters even suggested forming self-defense groups if authorities failed to take immediate action.
From the early hours of the demonstration, barricades of burning tires were erected, paralyzing traffic in several strategic areas of the capital. The unrest led to the closure of schools and businesses, while public transportation was severely disrupted.
The march eventually reached the Villa d’Accueil in Musseau, the headquarters of the Transitional Presidential Council, where protesters reiterated their call for urgent action. Some warned that if no concrete measures were taken, the movement could escalate, potentially leading to demands for the resignation of interim leaders.
Security forces eventually dispersed the crowd by firing tear gas canisters, further fueling the protesters’ anger against the police.
