independent.co.uk
Haiti's Airport Closed Amidst Gang Violence
Gang violence in Haiti shuts down the main airport and disrupts daily life after the new prime minister's swearing-in, highlighting the country's ongoing political and security crisis.
English
United Kingdom
AfricaPolitical CrisisSecurityGang ViolenceHaitiInstability
Spirit AirlinesUnited NationsKenyan Police
Garry ConilleAlix Didier Fils-AiméMartha Jean-Pierre
- What caused the closure of Haiti's main airport?
- Haiti's main airport remained closed due to gang violence that erupted after the swearing-in of a new prime minister. The violence included an attack on a Spirit Airlines plane, resulting in injuries and airport closure.
- What is the extent of gang control in Port-au-Prince?
- Gangs control approximately 85% of Port-au-Prince, according to UN estimates. A UN-backed mission, hampered by funding and personnel shortages, is working to quell the violence.
- How has the violence affected daily life in Port-au-Prince?
- The violence has severely impacted daily life in Port-au-Prince; schools, banks, and government offices are closed. Ordinary citizens struggle to survive as they cannot work freely due to the unrest.
- Who are the recently appointed and dismissed Prime Ministers?
- The transitional council fired the interim prime minister, Garry Conille, and appointed Alix Didier Fils-Aimé as the new interim prime minister. Conille declared the move illegal, but the new prime minister promised to work towards peace and elections.
- How are ordinary Haitians affected by the political instability and violence?
- Many Haitians, like Martha Jean-Pierre, are struggling to survive amid the violence. They are frustrated with the political turmoil as it exacerbates their economic hardship and insecurity.