Gressier, Haiti: A Town on the Brink as Violence Escalates and Displacement Reaches Record Highs

The town of Gressier, Haiti is currently facing a severe crisis due to escalating gang activity. On Sunday, a police station was attacked by gunmen resulting in the deaths of at least 20 people. The international community has responded with a security mission led by Kenya, deploying 400 police officers to the island in an attempt to contain the violence. Despite the attack taking place on a Sunday, tensions remain high in Gressier as reported by Mayor Jean Vladimir Bertrand.

The ongoing spiral of violence has internally displaced approximately 600,000 people in Haiti, with over half being children according to UNICEF. The Executive Director of UNICEF, Catherine Russell emphasized the impact of the violence on children and called for a safe and protective environment for them. Since March, the number of displaced children has increased by 60%, leading many to feel forced to join gangs.

Haiti has been facing political turmoil since the assassination of its president in July 2021 and the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry in March. A Transitional Presidential Council has been put in place, led by Edgard Leblanc and former Prime Minister Garry Conille heads the transitional government with the goal of holding elections in 2026 to stabilize the nation.