Clash between Haitian Police and Gangs Causes Chaos Near National Palace

Heavy gunfire erupted in downtown Port-au-Prince, Haiti, as police clashed with gang members near the National Palace for several hours on Monday. Local media reported that at least one policeman was shot after being forced to flee an armored car that was later set on fire.

Scores of people were trapped by the gunfire while others managed to escape. One man, who remained anonymous out of fear for his life, recounted being stuck for five hours until police rescued him. “It’s the armored car that covered us (so we could) leave the area,” he said.

This latest gun battle comes after powerful gangs have been attacking key government infrastructure for over a month. They have torched police stations, fired upon the main international airport, and even stormed the country’s two largest prisons, releasing over 4,000 inmates.

According to the U.N., at least 1,554 people have been reported killed up to March 22, with another 826 injured. The proposed transitional council of nine members, responsible for choosing a new prime minister and council of ministers, has yet to be formally established.

Haiti’s government issued a statement on Monday night expressing concerns over the creation of the council, citing constitutional and legal questions. The current council of ministers plans to create a joint commission to oversee the handover of responsibilities, with Prime Minister Ariel Henry receiving a list of nine people nominated to the transitional council and a draft decree establishing the council.