National Road N1 Blocked: Population Demands End to Gang Rule

For about a week, the road connecting Port-au-Prince to Cap-Haïtien has been blocked at L’Estère and St Marc. These barricades, erected by self-defense groups, are aimed at demanding the eradication of gangs from the country's authorities.

The Komite Initiativ pou Lapè nan ba Latibonit (KILBA), the Kowalisyon Revolisyonè pou Sove Latibonit (KORESA), and the Konbit ba Latibonit (KONBA), as well as the Syndicat des Planteurs Visionnaires pour le Développement de l’Artibonite (SPVDA), are the main instigators of this protest movement. According to these groups, composed mainly of farmers and workers, the State must take immediate measures to secure the region.

These roadblocks have major impacts on traffic in the area. They cause traffic jams, affecting the free movement of travelers. Some are forced to turn back.

Gangs have been terrorizing Lower Artibonite for years. They kill, burn everything in their path. This forces many families to flee their homes. Police authorities, for their part, reassure and announce operations.

The establishment of an anti-gang force, promised by the UN, is struggling to materialize. When will the reign of gangs in the country end? One can only wait.

Gedeon Delva / Le Relief