Brandishing machetes and stones, the demonstrators aimed to reach the Prime Minister’s office but were stopped by police deploying tear gas.

From the Canape Vert neighborhood, residents had been experiencing days of threats from gangs planning an invasion and had requested multiple times for police protection, which went unaddressed.

Taking a stand on Wednesday, these residents armed themselves with knives and machetes, erecting barricades with trees and burning tires on the roads leading to Canape Vert.

A protester, donned in the Haitian flag, accused the government of allowing gang power to escalate. “They will not displace us!” he exclaimed, choosing to remain unidentified.

Another protester, equally unnamed, voiced the community’s fatigue, stating, “We have nowhere else to go. We will not flee. Cotrix-dan moun — no more!”

Despite the residents’ calls for help, the police remained unresponsive, creating a puzzle around their inaction.

The gang posing a threat to the neighborhood is affiliated with the Viv Ansamm coalition, which has already claimed dominance over large parts of the capital.

Additionally, Viv Ansanm orchestrated a series of attacks that kicked off late February 2024. These assaults targeted critical government facilities, including police stations and the main international airport, disrupting operations and affecting security across the capital.

With gangs exerting control over 85% of Port-au-Prince, their persistent efforts to expand their territory into previously peaceful communities remain a significant issue.