PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — In a significant move, Haiti’s health minister has been dismissed from his position following a tragic attack by gangs on the capital’s largest public hospital, the General Hospital in Port-au-Prince.
A statement released by Haiti’s transitional council on Thursday announced that Justice Minister Patrick Pelissier would take over as interim Health Minister until a new appointment is made to fill the vacancy left by Duckenson Lorthe.
The gang assault occurred on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of two journalists and a police officer. The journalists were present to report on the hospital’s reopening when gang members entered the facility and opened fire indiscriminately. This incident is regarded as one of the most severe attacks on media workers in recent Haitian history, with seven other journalists sustaining injuries in the onslaught.
Survivor Jean Feguens Regala, a photographer, recounted that the health ministry had invited the media to the event, but the security measures in place were insufficient. He expressed disbelief at the chaos, stating, “The fact that the minister of health invited us, you feel that preparations have been made already.” Regala also noted that when he reached out to a nearby police unit for assistance, they were unaware of the event taking place.
Notably, the health minister was absent from the event, and no reasons for his absence have been provided.
In the aftermath of the incident, Johnson “Izo” André, identified as Haiti’s most influential gang leader and affiliated with the Viv Ansanm gang coalition, shared a video on social media claiming responsibility for the attack. In the video, he stated that the gang alliance had not given authorization for the hospital’s reopening, indicating a disregard for the established order.
Gang violence has intensified in Haiti, with orchestrated attacks targeting prisons, police stations, and the primary international airport, resulting in a significant deterioration of security in the capital. It is estimated that gangs now control approximately 85% of Port-au-Prince, contributing to a profound crisis in the country.
Haiti continues to face challenges in organizing elections aimed at restoring democratic governance. As of now, the nation is under the administration of a transitional council that includes members from political parties, business sectors, and civil society organizations.
