Gang violence in Port-au-Prince leaves dozens dead and thousands displaced

Since May 9, violent clashes between gangs in the Cité Soleil and Croix-des-Bouquets districts of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, have resulted in at least 78 deaths and 66 injuries, according to the UN integrated office in Haiti (BINUH). Among the casualties, 10 civilians were confirmed dead, including five men, four women, and a young girl. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that the recent weekend escalation caused the forced displacement of approximately 5,300 residents. Additionally, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) notes that many families remain trapped in the conflict zones. Earlier reports highlighted a broader period from March 5 to March 11, 2026, where at least 305 people were killed and 277 wounded in the same areas. Humanitarian operations have been severely disrupted, with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) forced to evacuate staff and patients from the Fontaine hospital due to proximity to the fighting. Despite the deployment of Haitian police units to restore order, clashes continued as of late Thursday.