As you know, Haiti’s current struggle with gang violence started soon after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise on July 7, 2021. Over the last three years, Haiti has descended further and further into turmoil and chaos.
After pleas to the international community for help, a contingent of 400 police officers from Kenya arrived in Haiti over the summer and have been working to combat the powerful gangs that control over 80% of the Haitian capital.
The international police force will eventually consist of 2,500 personnel. Jamaica, the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin and Chad also pledged to send police and soldiers, although it’s not clear when those forces are slated to arrive.
Since July, these forces have worked alongside the Haitian National Police to secure the airport and shipping ports and have pushed gangs out of important areas of Port-au-Prince. While many Haitians have welcomed the Kenyans’ arrival, others worry that this mission will only achieve a temporary reduction in violence.
As the police force pushes gangs out of Port-au-Prince, other communities on the outskirts of the capital have been experiencing more violence. Armed groups have arrived by boat in communities like Cabaret and Arcahaie, just down the road from the area where World Wide Village serves.
Many in our area fear that the violence will continue to move north, although we have received reports from our staff of helicopters overhead and small groups of police officers arriving by boat to provide more security.
Along with the fear of violence coming from Port-au-Prince is the threat of violence from the mountains. For two years after the presidential assassination, the violence was mainly centered in Port-au-Prince as gangs fought for territory in the capital city. Roadblocks caused many problems for those living in our rural communities of Williamson and Luly, but families in our area were relatively safe.
Sadly, just over a year ago, Williamson was tragically hit with violence as a gang from the nearby mountains started fighting for land rights. This feud continues today, and more lives were even lost just last week. This violence has hit close to home and has tragically affected the lives of our staff, students, churches, and families.
Along with the threat of violence from mountain gangs, there are several problems plaguing families in our area of Haiti.
Increased Fuel + Food Prices: Gangs have disrupted fuel terminals and food delivery routes causing shortages of both. Inflation is soaring across Haiti.
Gang checkpoints: Inflation is out of control across Haiti, but the food and supplies that reach Williamson and Luly are even more expensive as shipping routes from Port-au-Prince and Saint-Marc along National Highway 1 are blocked by gang checkpoints. Bribes must be paid at each checkpoint to allow trucks to pass, significantly increasing the cost of all goods that come through.
Livelihoods interrupted: Fishermen in Luly have offered up their boats to allow people to patrol the waters and deter gangs from arriving on the shores of Luly. They are losing income each day they don’t fish. Thousands who had jobs in Williamson were forced to flee and leave their work behind due to gang violence. Many are still struggling to rebuild. Farmers have witnessed their crops being burned to the ground by armed gangs. With poverty increasing, construction projects have been put on hold. Fathers who work as masons have had very little work over the last two years and struggle to feed their children. Too many families are going without.
Today, what follows this tragic situation is deep poverty. People are suffering.
But thanks to you, World Wide Village continues to fight poverty and share Christ in the midst of this heartbreaking situation. All hope is not lost. God is still at work!
We hope the maps below will give you a better picture of what’s happening in Haiti.
As you can see, there are areas of heavy gang activity surrounding our communities. There are periods of gunfire to the north, south, and up toward the mountains in Williamson.
Many families relocated from Williamson to the communities of Luly, Saintard, and St. Medard where children are now attending school thanks to the help of sponsors. Sant Sante Espwa moved to Marotte – just south of Luly – and continues to provide care to mothers and babies. Luly continues to be a safe haven for families and we pray for God’s continued protection over our staff, students, and families in these areas.
Even as families have been forced from their homes and communities, God is working! The new church plant in Bail is seeing God move in remarkable ways. Thanks to your generosity, World Wide Village now supports a school in Delpeche in the mountains, where families are trying to keep their children in school and out of gangs. Many college students have relocated to Saint-Marc – a safer place to attend college while Port-au-Prince remains under gang control.
Despite the devastating situation, you continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Please keep praying for the country of Haiti.