Chaos in Cite Soleil: Hospitals and Aid Groups Suspended Amid Gang Warfare
In Haiti's Cite Soleil, hospitals were evacuated and MSF suspended activities as deadly gang fights intensified. Residents sought refuge, and patients, including newborns and expectant mothers, were relocated. The conflict involves former allied gangs near Port-au-Prince's key infrastructure. MSF closed their hospital, citing growing unprotected local medical needs due to gunfire.
Hospitals in Haiti's Cite Soleil have been evacuated, and aid organization MSF has halted its operations amid escalating conflict between armed groups that began two weeks ago and worsened over the weekend.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported that hundreds of residents sought shelter in its hospital located in an underprivileged area of Port-au-Prince. A security guard was wounded inside the facility by a stray bullet. Additionally, Hopital Fontaine had to evacuate infants from its intensive care unit. MSF treated transferred patients from Fontaine, including pregnant women who gave birth overnight.
MSF announced that no operational hospitals remain in the combat zone, adding that medical demands were surging, yet it couldn't secure its personnel or patients amid gunfire exchanges. Consequently, after sheltering over 800 people, MSF decided to suspend its services until safety could be ensured.
Local business leaders revealed that the clashes near the capital's port, close to the international airport, originated between the Chen Mechen gang and other previously allied groups. They had been members of the extensive Viv Ansanm alliance of gangs throughout the city.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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