Haiti: Gang violence

An increase in gang violence and criminal activity in Haiti since 1 June 2021 has been affecting around one-third of the territory of Port-au-Prince. Southern neighbourhoods are the most affected: Bas Delmas, Bel Air, Cité Soleil, Fontamara, Laboule 12, Martissant, and Toussaint Brave townships. Violence erupted because of territorial disputes and a reconfiguration of gang alliances. Since 1 June, 95 gangs have been clashing in Port-au-Prince in a bid to gain power, looting local businesses and leading to the desertion of the commercial district. Sporadic clashes between gangs are common in Port-au-Prince, but recent incidents are on a much greater scale and systematic.