On Saturday May 11, a violent armed attack hit the town of Gressier, precisely in the 1st Morne à Bateau section. This assault, carried out by criminal gangs, sowed terror among the inhabitants, causing a mass exodus. According to the latest data provided by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), 4,463 people have been forced to flee their homes.
Among those displaced, an overwhelming majority, or 92%, headed to the West department, reflecting the urgency and relative proximity to the safest destinations. Nippes received 4% of the displaced, while the South received 3%. This population movement demonstrates not only the scale of the crisis, but also the pressure exerted on neighboring regions which must now manage this sudden influx of people in distress.
Local solidarity played a crucial role in this emergency situation, according to IOM. Around 73% of the displaced found shelter with host families, showing a strong community response to this crisis. However, 27% of the displaced had to resign themselves to settling in accommodation sites. Among these sites, four are new, set up to respond to the urgency of the situation, while three are already existing sites, reused for this new wave of displaced people.
The Transitional Presidential Council, in a press release yesterday, reiterated its commitment to restoring security and protecting citizens. He assured that soon the bandits will no longer be able to dictate their law, calling for the cooperation of all citizens to support the police in this crucial fight.
In a publication made on its Facebook page, the PNH announced that following the resumption of control of the Gressier police station by law enforcement officers on Sunday May 12, 2024, it is strengthening its security measures and maintaining its presence in the Commune .
By: Daniel Zéphyr
