April 8, 2025
The armed violence that struck the communes of Mirebalais and Saut d’Eau on March 31 and April 1, 2025, has forced thousands of Haitians to flee their homes. According to a report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), 5,981 people, spread across 1,272 households, have been displaced.
The majority (83%) have taken refuge with host families, while 17% have settled in 14 newly established displacement sites following the attacks. The humanitarian situation remains critical, as many victims lack access to essential resources.
The attacks were particularly brutal in Grand Boucan (3rd section) and Crête Brûlée (4th section) of Mirebalais, as well as La Selle (2nd section) of Saut d’Eau. Witnesses reported that armed groups stormed these areas, causing widespread panic and significant loss of life.
In Mirebalais, the local prison was attacked, leading to the escape of more than 500 inmates, further worsening an already alarming security situation. Gun battles between gangs and law enforcement terrorized residents, forcing them to flee in haste.
This surge in violence comes amid Haiti’s deteriorating security crisis. Recent estimates indicate that armed gangs control over 85% of Port-au-Prince and are expanding their reach into rural areas.
The wave of attacks has resulted in over 60,000 forced displacements in just one month, worsening the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Despite the deployment of a multinational force led by Kenya, the security response remains limited, and the population continues to bear the brunt of chronic instability
