Tragic Shooting at Reopening of Haiti’s Largest Hospital
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In a devastating turn of events, armed men opened fire during a briefing to announce the reopening of Haiti’s largest public hospital, the State University of Haiti Hospital, also known as the General Hospital. The attack, which occurred on December 24, 2024, resulted in the deaths of two journalists and a police officer2.
Incident Details
The briefing was intended to mark the hospital's reopening after it had been previously taken over by gangs and reclaimed by the Haitian government in July. The event was interrupted by gunfire, leaving three dead and at least seven others wounded2. The slain journalists were identified as Jimmy Jean of Moun Afe Bon and Marckendy Natoux of the Voice of America in Haiti.Perpetrators and Response
Johnson "Izo" André of the Viv Ansanm gang coalition claimed responsibility for the attack in a video posted to social media. Leslie Voltaire, president of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council, condemned the incident, stating that it was "unacceptable" and promising that "this act will not remain without consequences".Impact and Reactions
The hospital had been closed since a surge of gang attacks in March, which saw the country’s former Prime Minister ousted from power. The attack highlights the ongoing struggle with gang violence in Haiti, where armed groups have near-total control over Port-au-Prince and have targeted hospitals, forcing many to shut down.The office of Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé expressed determination to reopen the hospital despite the attack, emphasizing the government's commitment to defending the interests of the population and combating chaos.
Conclusion
This tragic event underscores the severe challenges faced by Haiti in its efforts to restore order and provide essential services to its citizens. The international community continues to watch closely as Haiti navigates these turbulent times.
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