90% of Port-au-Prince Under Gang Rule

Key Concepts

• Displacement: Forced removal of people from their homes, specifically due to gang violence.
• Vivon (Live Together): A powerful gang alliance controlling a significant portion of Port-au-Prince.
• Makeshift Camps: Temporary settlements established for displaced persons, lacking adequate resources.
• State Control: Areas within Port-au-Prince still governed by the Haitian government, offering limited security.

The Crisis in Celino and Displacement in Port-au-Prince

The situation in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, is marked by widespread displacement stemming from escalating gang violence. Hundreds of families, originating from the working-class neighborhood of Celino, are currently residing in a makeshift camp situated in the heights above Porta Prince. This displacement occurred following Celino falling under the control of gangs in late 2024.

The dominant force driving this crisis is “Vivon,” a gang alliance self-described as “Live Together.” Current estimates indicate that Vivon controls over 90% of the capital city. This figure highlights the extensive reach and power wielded by these criminal organizations, effectively eroding state authority.

Living Conditions and Uncertainty in Displacement Camps

Residents who have fled Celino and sought refuge in camps under remaining state control face extremely precarious living conditions. Their survival depends on limited assistance provided by the Haitian government and various aid organizations. This assistance is described as “meager handouts,” suggesting insufficient resources to meet the basic needs of the displaced population.

A pervasive sense of “fearful uncertainty” characterizes life in these camps. The residents are constantly living with the anxiety of potentially needing to flee again, demonstrating the instability and lack of security even within areas nominally controlled by the government. The transcript explicitly states they are “not sure when they’ll have to run for their lives,” emphasizing the ongoing threat and lack of long-term solutions.

The Erosion of State Authority and Gang Control

The takeover of Celino by gangs, and the subsequent displacement of its residents, serves as a stark example of the diminishing authority of the Haitian state. The statistic of Vivon controlling 90% of the capital underscores the extent to which gangs have supplanted governmental control. This situation creates a cycle of violence and displacement, as residents are forced to abandon their homes and livelihoods in areas overtaken by criminal groups. The camps themselves, while offering a temporary haven, are vulnerable and dependent on external aid, further highlighting the state’s inability to provide adequate protection and support to its citizens.

Conclusion

The transcript paints a grim picture of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Port-au-Prince. The rapid expansion of gang control, particularly by the Vivon alliance, has resulted in mass displacement and a desperate struggle for survival for residents like those from Celino. The situation is characterized by a lack of security, insufficient aid, and a pervasive sense of fear, indicating a deeply unstable and concerning environment. The core takeaway is the urgent need for intervention to address the root causes of gang violence and provide sustainable solutions for the displaced population.