Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Violence committed by gangsters in Haiti is increasing. An attack was even carried out on the central bank, Bank of Republic of Haiti (BRH), in the capital Port-au-Prince, Tuesday local time.
It was reported how “a group of criminals” attempted to attack the bank building. Gunfights even broke out with bank security guards, police and armed forces.
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“A bank security guard was shot and injured,” said an employee who was an eye witness AFP, quoted Wednesday (20/3/2024).
“Three or four suspected criminals were killed,” he added, declining to give names.
This is also confirmed by BRH. In a tweet on social media (medsos) X, the central bank said the attack had been carried out at the BRH location on Rue Pavee.
However, the gangsters’ criminal efforts were thwarted. It was said that the bank’s security and guard forces had acted professionally and efficiently.
“Very grateful to the security guards and police for their continued vigilance and commitment to protecting our community,” the tweet read.
Haiti has been rocked by gang violence since late February. This started when gangsters raided a prison, released thousands of inmates and demanded that Prime Minister (PM) Ariel Henry resign.
Henry eventually agreed to step down to allow the formation of a provisional government. Pressure from neighboring countries in the Caribbean and the United States (US) is also a cause.
Talks among political parties and other parties are underway to form a transitional council to appoint an interim PM. The goal is that the country is ready to hold elections someday.
Please note, Haiti currently has no president or parliament. The last election took place in 2016.
No official deadline has been announced for the formation of the council, but United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged it to happen quickly. He called on all Haitian stakeholders to put aside their differences and take immediate action in implementing transitional governance arrangements.
Electrical Substation Destroyed by Gangsters – Bodies Scattered
Even though the PM stepped down the situation is still tense. Residents are still under curfew and a state of emergency.
In the capital the curfew has been extended until Wednesday in light of the ongoing violence. The state of emergency itself will end April 3.
Several areas in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area were left without power. It was reported by the state power company that gangsters had also attacked power utilities in the country.
Monday, it was reported that four substations were destroyed and not functioning at all. “Electricity d’Haiti has not escaped the (recent) acts of vandalism and terror of bandits,” the company said.
On the other hand, bodies were also found on the streets in the violence that broke out Tuesday in two elite areas of the country. It was reported that at least 14 bodies were found where residents finally voluntarily evacuated them.
There has been no update on whether UN security forces will descend on the location. It is known that initially there would be UN troops from Kenya descending on the country but this was canceled following the PM’s resignation.
[Gambas:Video CNBC]
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