Armed gunmen attacked a press conference in Haiti, killing at least two individuals, including a journalist and a police officer. This attack occurred at the State University of Haiti Hospital, which has been plagued by gang violence, causing widespread closures of health facilities. The transitional government condemned the assault and vowed to hold those responsible accountable amidst growing calls for international security support.
In a tragic incident during a press conference aimed at announcing the reopening of Haiti’s largest public hospital, armed assailants opened fire, resulting in the deaths of at least two individuals, including a journalist and a police officer. The attack occurred amidst the ongoing threat posed by increasing gang violence in Haiti, exacerbating an already precarious security situation. The transitional presidential council condemned the violence, assuring that there would be consequences for the perpetrators, while also extending condolences to the victims’ families and the affected communities.
The press conference was scheduled to take place at the State University of Haiti Hospital, commonly known as the General Hospital, which has been closed for months due to escalating gang activity. Invitations were sent to journalists for an event featuring Health Minister Duckenson Lorthe Blema, who was appointed during a recent cabinet reshuffle following the ousting of Prime Minister Garry Conille. As journalists awaited the minister’s arrival, gunfire erupted, reflecting the deteriorating security in the capital, Port-au-Prince.
Haiti has witnessed a surge in gang-related violence, with criminal organizations reportedly controlling between 80 to 90 percent of the capital. The country has received minimal international support in terms of security assistance to counter this alarming trend, even as the international community, including the United Nations, has opposed certain proposals to strengthen Haiti’s security forces. Currently, only a limited number of health facilities operate within the metropolitan area, underscoring the dire need for humanitarian aid and infrastructural support.
Haiti has been grappling with escalating gang violence, which has severely crippled its public health infrastructure and security forces. The health sector is particularly vulnerable, as many facilities remain non-operational due to threats from criminal gangs. The State University of Haiti Hospital, prior to the recent attack, had only recently regained control after a series of violent outbreaks forced its closure. The situation highlights the need for urgent international intervention and assistance to restore order and provide essential health services to the population.
The shooting incident during the press conference starkly illustrates the dire security challenges faced by Haiti, particularly as armed gangs continue to dominate significant portions of the capital. The loss of lives amidst efforts to revive critical health services underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive response from both the Haitian government and the international community. Without immediate action, the cycle of violence and instability is likely to persist, further jeopardizing the wellbeing of the Haitian populace.
Original Source: www.lismorecitynews.com.au
