The streets of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, are gripped by a sense of post-apocalyptic stillness as criminal groups launch coordinated attacks on the last remnants of the Haitian state. The Toussaint Louverture International Airport, a vital lifeline for the city, has been forced to close due to gang sieges, leaving residents stranded and isolated.
Gangs, covering 80% of the city according to UN estimates, have instilled fear and chaos, choking off essential supplies like food, fuel, and water. In response, communities have formed vigilante groups known as bwa kale, organizing neighborhood defense committees to push back against gang incursions.
