Shots Fired to Protect Haitian PM During Hospital Visit Amid Gang Violence
Team Finance Saathi
30/Jul/2024

Key Points:
Shots fired by security to protect Prime Minister Gary Conille during a hospital visit in Port-au-Prince.
No deaths or injuries reported from the incident.
The hospital remains under the control of the Haitian National Police and a U.N.-supported security mission.
On Monday, security officers had to fire shots to ensure the safe exit of Haitian Prime Minister Gary Conille from Haiti's largest hospital in Port-au-Prince. The prime minister's office confirmed that Conille was accompanied by the head of the national police, Normil Rameu, and several journalists when the incident occurred.
According to the statement, the prime minister had just finished recording an interview when gunshots were heard outside the hospital building. The security agents responded by firing a few shots as the group exited, ensuring the safe return of the prime minister and his team to his office. Notably, no deaths or injuries were reported from this incident.
Security Measures and Hospital Control:
Earlier in the month, both Conille and Haiti's police chief had visited the same hospital after authorities announced the facility was regained from armed gangs. At that time, Conille described the hospital's condition as resembling a “war zone”. The recent statement from Conille's office confirmed that the hospital remains under the control of the Haitian National Police and the U.N.-supported multinational security mission, led by Kenyan police. This mission is specifically tasked with addressing the widespread violence caused by criminal gangs in Haiti.
Gang Activity and Widespread Violence:
The security situation in Haiti has been deteriorating, with gangs engaging in looting, setting fires, and destroying medical institutions and pharmacies in the capital. Reports indicate that these gangs control up to 80% of Port-au-Prince. Additionally, gunmen have seized police stations, attacked the main international airport—forcing its closure for nearly three months—and stormed Haiti's two largest prisons.
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This pervasive violence has severely impacted daily life and the operational capacity of essential services, including healthcare. The hospital visit by the prime minister and subsequent security measures highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the Haitian government in stabilizing the country and ensuring the safety of its citizens and infrastructure.
International Support and Future Measures:
The involvement of the U.N.-supported multinational security mission underscores the international community's recognition of the severity of the crisis in Haiti. The mission, led by Kenyan police, aims to assist the Haitian National Police in reclaiming control from criminal gangs and restoring order in the capital and other affected areas.
In summary, the incident at the hospital during Prime Minister Gary Conille's visit serves as a stark reminder of the volatile security situation in Haiti. The government's continued efforts, supported by international forces, are crucial in confronting the widespread gang violence and ensuring the safety and stability of the nation's institutions and citizens.
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