Gunfire erupts as Haitian leaders hold rare meeting at national palace
Incident in Port-au-Prince During Cabinet Meeting
Incident in Port-au-Prince During Cabinet Meeting
On Thu, Oct 5, 2023, heavy gunfire occurred in downtown Port-au-Prince concurrent with a cabinet meeting at the National Palace. This meeting involved Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé , members of the transitional presidential council , and other key officials, aimed at endorsing significant government measures.
The gathering was intended to symbolize state authority. Prior to the incident, a flag-raising ceremony took place under police protection, with security personnel stationed behind sandbags. A government statement described this meeting as "a decisive step in the gradual resumption of state control over downtown Port-au-Prince."
Prior to the incident, a flag-raising ceremony took place under police protection, with security personnel stationed behind sandbags.
Following these events, automatic gunfire was reported in the vicinity. Local reports indicated that at least one armored vehicle was impacted, and footage displayed a convoy of official vehicles rapidly departing the palace amid civilians seeking shelter.
At this time, no injuries or fatalities have been confirmed. This incident highlights the fragile security situation in Haiti, where armed groups maintain control over up to 90% of the capital , despite ongoing efforts to reclaim key areas from gang coalitions such as Viv Ansanm .
Based on reporting by Africanews.
