January 5, 2025
The symbolic attempt to reopen the State University Hospital of Haiti (HUEH) ended in tragedy on Tuesday, December 24, 2024. Initiated by the Minister of Public Health, Duckenson Lorthé Bléma, the event was intended to mark the resumption of operations at the facility, recently placed under the direction of Dr. Prince Pierre Sonçon. However, armed gangs from the “Viv Ansanm” coalition turned the area into a war zone, leaving three people dead—including two journalists and a police officer (Jimmy Jean, Mackendy Nayou, and Daniel Renaud)—and nearly a dozen injured.
The violence erupted as journalists and law enforcement officers gathered to support the planned activities. Under heavy gunfire, several journalists, mostly from online media outlets, sustained serious injuries. According to witnesses, the delayed intervention of officers from the West Departmental Directorate (DDO) helped rescue some of those trapped in the crossfire. During the operation, one police officer was killed, adding to the day’s horror.
The chaotic scene exposed the fragility of security measures in a context where armed gangs dominate large parts of Port-au-Prince. Amid the sound of heavy gunfire, the assailants surrounded the hospital buildings, blocking any movement. Their attacks not only targeted journalists and police officers but also disrupted efforts to rehabilitate an institution critical to the country’s healthcare system.
This poorly prepared attempt to reopen the General Hospital was meant to symbolize a fresh start for the HUEH, following the appointment of Dr. Prince Pierre Sonçon as executive director less than 24 hours earlier. However, the lack of coordination and adequate security precautions not only undermined this goal but also exposed many professionals to severe risks.
The tragic events highlight the immense challenges Haiti faces in restoring its vital infrastructure and ensuring safety in a climate of pervasive violence. The deaths of three individuals and the injuries to nearly a dozen others serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for a coordinated and robust response to the growing influence of armed gangs.