An arson attack devastated a vital hospital in Port-au-Prince, leaving the population without access to essential care. Armed gangs are sowing chaos in a country already plagued by…
On the night of Monday to Tuesday, a major hospital in the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince was the target of an arson attack carried out by armed gang members, putting it out of service. This criminal act, which fortunately did not cause any victims according to sources close to the establishment, nevertheless destroyed vital medical infrastructure, including the operating rooms, the laboratory, the scanners and the administrative offices.
This attack, attributed to gangs belonging to the “Viv ansanm” coalition who used Molotov cocktails, deals a heavy blow to Haiti’s already fragile health system. The Bernard Mevs hospital, known for its cutting-edge medical imaging technologies, played a key role in the country’s healthcare provision. A private establishment, it notably welcomed injured police officers thanks to a partnership with the State, as well as medical students and patients from all social categories.
Arson, a symptom of growing insecurity
This arson comes in a context of growing insecurity in Port-au-Prince, where gang attacks have increased for more than a month in several neighborhoods. At the beginning of December, at least 184 people had already been killed during abuses ordered by a powerful gang leader against practitioners of the voodoo cult, according to the UN and a local NGO.
Despite the arrival this summer of a multinational mission to support the Haitian police, led by Kenya and supported by the UN and the United States, the violence of armed groups has not diminished. Accused of numerous crimes, including murder, rape, looting and kidnapping for ransom, these gangs also attack strategic buildings. In November, they caused the closure of the capital’s airport to commercial traffic.
Dramatic consequences for the population
Beyond the loss of a major health establishment, this arson will have considerable repercussions on access to care for the Haitian population. As a source close to the Bernard Mevs hospital points out, “it’s a whole symbol that went up in smoke”. In a country marked by poverty, political instability and endemic violence, the destruction of this hospital deprives many Haitians of vital treatment.
The impact of this attack on medical provision in the capital will be considerable.
A source close to the Bernard Mevs hospital
Faced with this dramatic situation, it appears urgent to strengthen security and stability in Haiti, in order to protect essential infrastructure and allow the population to access basic services such as health care. The international community and the Haitian government must join efforts to combat armed gang violence and restore the rule of law in the country.
A country in the grip of multiple crises
This arson unfortunately fits into the broader context of the numerous crises facing Haiti. In addition to insecurity and gang violence, the country faces chronic political instability, marked by frequent changes of government and popular protests. Economically, Haiti remains one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere, with high unemployment and a large portion of the population living below the poverty line.
Added to these difficulties are recurring natural disasters, such as hurricanes and earthquakes, which further weaken the infrastructure and living conditions of Haitians. The devastating earthquake of 2010, which caused more than 200,000 deaths, left lasting traces in the country, both materially and psychologically.
An urgent need for help and solidarity
Faced with the scale of the challenges facing Haiti, international solidarity and development aid appear more necessary than ever. Beyond supporting the Haitian police to combat gang violence, it is crucial to support the strengthening of institutions, access to education and health, as well as the economic development of the country.
Humanitarian organizations and NGOs play an essential role in this context, providing direct assistance to the most vulnerable populations and contributing to the reconstruction of the country. However, for these efforts to bear fruit in the long term, it is essential that the Haitian authorities resolutely commit to the path of stability, good governance and respect for human rights.
The arson that ravaged the Bernard Mevs hospital is a new blow for Haiti, tragically illustrating the consequences of gang violence and the country’s chronic instability. Beyond indignation and sadness, this event must be a call for mobilization and solidarity, in order to help Haiti overcome the multiple crises it faces and offer a better future to its population.
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