The capital of Haiti without electricity. The protesters broke into the power plant

Protesting residents of the capital, demanding from the state authorities to protect against gang violence on Tuesday, the closing of the largest hydroelectric power plant in Haiti, which the authorities condemned as a “hideous” sabotage.

The protest, which forced the complete closing of the largest hydroelectric power plant in Haiti, led to a break in the supply of electricity to the capital, Port-Au-Prince and the central region of the country, reported municipal services operators. Haiti is already fourth day without electricity, reports AFP.

Lawyer and activist Robenson Mazarin, who represents protesters in the occupied power plant, told AFP that their action is a response to leaving central cities of Mirebalais and Saut D'Eau without protection against gang activities. Haiti is controlled by powerful gangs, which repeatedly conducted attacks on law enforcement and residents

“We decided to close the hydroelectric power plant because the government gave our cities into the hands of criminal gangs. The authorities refuse to send the necessary forces to drive the bandits and restore peace,” said Mazarin, coordinator of the movement of involved citizens. “As long as this situation persists, the power plant will remain closed.”

Since the end of March, the VIV Ansanm Gang coalition has been controlling Mirebalais and enabled 515 prisoners from prison. VIV Ansanm also forced the closing and evacuation of patients from the Mirebalais University Hospital, one of the largest medical service providers in the country.

Haiti is the poorest country of the Americas, and its political instability gave way to the development of brutal criminal gangs, accused of murder, rape, plunder and kidnapping. The country is managed by a transitional government, and since February it has experienced a new increase in violence, while gangs have entered previously safe areas. This happens despite the partial distribution of the multinational security mission led by Kenia to help local law enforcement agencies, AFP reminds.

The United Nations warned that Haiti is approaching the “point without a retreat”, which threatens the country in “total chaos”. (PAP)

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