Gangs rule Haiti’s capital. Some say they’re ready to overthrow the government too
CNNMar 01
Gangs in Haiti Try to Seize Port-au-Prince Airport
The Facts
Gunfire has been heard close to Haiti's main airport, Toussaint Louverture International, in Port-au-Prince, as security forces clashed with armed gangs that sought to take over the facility to prevent the return of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
According to a local law enforcement source, several dozen gunmen broke through the outer walls of the airport on Monday but were pushed back before entering its main buildings.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Armed bandits have orchestrated acts of violence and terror to cause chaos and panic in Haiti. Ruthless gangs control 80% of Port-au-Prince and are fighting to seize the rest to delay forming inclusive governance and restoring democracy in the country. The mass prison break and upsurge in violence underlines the need for the UN to deploy a multinational security force to bring peace to Haiti and eliminate the gang problem.
Establishment-critical narrative
Deploying a multinational security force in Haiti would legitimize the unelected leaders of Port-au-Prince. Prime Minister Henry must immediately step down to allow a fresh, credible transitional government to emerge and create the conditions for free and fair elections. Until leaders unaffiliated with gangs form a functional government in Haiti, hope and stability will continue to elude an impoverished nation.
Nerd narrative
There is a 40% chance Ariel Henry will cease to be Acting Prime Minister or Prime Minister of Haiti before April 1, 2024, according to the Metaculus prediction community.