On November 18, 2023, as many Haitians celebrated the 222nd anniversary of the Battle of Vertières, a pivotal moment in the nation’s history, residents of Arcahaie found themselves locked in a desperate struggle against heavily armed gangs. This coastal town, recognized as the birthplace of Haiti’s flag, has become a battleground as locals and police joined forces to repel an ongoing attack by organized crime groups.
Mayor Jean Edner Gilles reported that the community was successfully holding back the gangs for the moment, despite the violence that had erupted since the previous day. “We are holding them off for the moment,” he stated during a phone interview with The Associated Press. Tragically, one police officer lost his life after being shot in the head during the assault, with many others injured. Mayor Gilles was unable to provide specific numbers on casualties, as police reports were still being compiled.
Escalating Violence in Haiti
The attack on Arcahaie reflects a larger trend of increasing gang violence in Haiti, particularly in regions north of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Gangs have been expanding their influence, creating significant challenges for an understaffed and under-resourced police force. A recent United Nations report indicated that over 1,240 people were killed and 710 others injured across the country between July and September 2023, with nearly 20% of those incidents occurring in the central department of Artibonite.
Mayor Gilles urged community members to remain vigilant and united against the gangs, stating, “My message to my brothers and sisters in the community is to remain vigilant like true fighters.” He emphasized that the gangs’ days are numbered if they continue their attempts to infiltrate the community.
The escalation of violence has not gone unnoticed internationally. The United Nations has been involved in efforts to address the crisis, with a mission led by Kenyan police aimed at aiding Haitian authorities. Unfortunately, this initiative remains underfunded and understaffed. In September, the U.N. Security Council approved the formation of a gang-suppression force, which is intended to have the authority to arrest suspected gang members, but this force has yet to be deployed.
Reflections on a Historic Battle
On the same day as the violent confrontations in Arcahaie, Laurent Saint-Cyr, leader of Haiti’s transitional presidential council, delivered a speech highlighting the importance of the anniversary of the Battle of Vertières. He condemned the ongoing violence and destruction in Haiti, urging citizens to reflect on the sacrifices made by their ancestors. “It’s a moment for us to take a little time to look at ourselves in the mirror and make a clear commitment to honor the great chain of sacrifices our ancestors made for us,” he said, pledging to prioritize security and stability in the country.
The celebratory atmosphere surrounding the anniversary contrasted sharply with the grim reality in Port-au-Prince, where life came to a standstill due to a warning issued by the gang coalition known as Viv Ansanm. They advised residents to avoid the streets as they engaged in confrontations with police forces. Thankfully, there were no major gang-related incidents reported that day, although police reported making offensive moves in certain gang-controlled areas of the capital, stating, “Criminal strongholds destroyed, bandits neutralized. No police casualties. The struggle for security continues.”
The situation in Haiti remains precarious as communities like Arcahaie continue to face threats from organized crime. The resilience of its residents, as they band together with law enforcement, highlights a determined fight for safety and stability in a nation marked by historical struggles.
