78 Killed in Gang Turf Clashes in Port-au-Prince Suburbs Since May 9
Violent clashes between gangs erupted in the suburbs of Haiti's capital on May 9, killing at least 78 people in one week. The deaths come as the country, already ravaged by gang violence, has seen its security situation deteriorate sharply over the past two years.
citizen.co.zaAt least 78 people have died since May 9 in violent clashes between gangs in the suburbs of Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital city. The clashes began on that date and have continued in an area long plagued by armed groups fighting for control. France 24 reported the death toll, which reflects only those killed in the latest flare-up of fighting.
Haiti has been ravaged by gang violence for years. The situation in the country has deteriorated in the past two years, with armed groups expanding their influence across the capital and beyond. Port-au-Prince suburbs have become primary battlegrounds as gangs compete for territory and resources.
The latest round of violence adds to a death toll that has mounted steadily since the beginning of 2024, though exact figures for earlier periods remain unstated in available reporting. No further details on the specific gangs involved or government response were available in verified reporting.
The clashes have occurred against a backdrop of weakened state institutions unable to contain the spread of gang power.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- May 15, 6:03 PM ET
1 new source added: @AJEnglish
1 source@AJEnglish - 2026-05-09
Violent clashes between gangs begin in the suburbs of Port-au-Prince
3 sourcesFrance24_en · France 24 · unattributed data - 2026-05-15
Death toll from clashes since May 9 reaches at least 78
3 sourcesFrance24_en · France 24 · unattributed data - 2024-05-15
Haiti's security situation has deteriorated over the past two years
2 sourcesFrance24_en · France 24
Potential Impact
- 01
Increased pressure on already weakened Haitian state institutions
- 02
Further displacement of residents in Port-au-Prince suburbs
- 03
Potential for violence to spread beyond current suburbs
Transparency Panel
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