Haitians Struggle To Survive Amid Continued Gang Violence

Gang violence and political instability continue in Haiti, leaving many civilians trapped in the crossfire and struggling to survive.

Transcript

00:00 People in Port-au-Prince are now risking their lives just to buy food at this market.

00:07 Over the past three months, gang violence has rocked the capital of Haiti, leaving over

00:12 1,000 people dead and plunging the country into political crisis.

00:18 Sometimes, when we sell, we have to go to the police.

00:23 Sometimes, when we sell, we have to go to the police.

00:28 Sometimes, they come and finish us.

00:30 Gangs began launching attacks in the capital in late February.

00:33 The government declared a state of emergency just days later.

00:37 But it wasn't until last week that Prime Minister Ariel Henry agreed to resign,

00:43 handing over power in secret to a transitional council made up of select politicians,

00:48 a businessman and a religious leader.

00:51 All routes out of the capital are now controlled by the gangs,

00:55 leaving most people with no choice but to stay in the city as violence continues to surge.

01:00 Nothing is getting in either.

01:03 Last month, the UN warned that half the country's population was already experiencing acute food insecurity.

01:10 We are not going to eat anything.

01:13 We are going to buy food for our families.

01:16 We are going to sell it.

01:18 We are going to sell it for 60 gold.

01:20 Elsewhere in the city, those that have fled their homes find shelter in a makeshift refugee camp at a school.

01:27 It's difficult for us. We have no money to live on.

01:31 We have no money to pay for our education.

01:34 We have no money. We have no money.

01:37 As many Haitians are on the brink of famine,

01:40 the transitional council appears to be struggling to maintain unity as it settles on naming a new prime minister.

01:46 Gang leaders continue to demand political influence and amnesties

01:51 and are threatening violence until these demands are met,

01:54 which means continued uncertainty for the people of Haiti.

01:58 Andy Schreer and Maddy Anstruther for Taiwan Plus.

02:02 (wind blowing)