Haiti is gripped by a severe crisis as warlord and former police officer Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier threatens a government overthrow in the face of rampant lawlessness.

Amidst the chaos, a transitional council plans to take control despite facing severe opposition from gang lords dominating the capital.

The escalation of violence in Port-au-Prince could be seen in a coup executed by Cherizier, leader of the gang alliance G9, according to Daily Mail.

He has a strong foothold in the region, controlling approximately 80% of the city. This unchecked power is critical as Haiti tries to establish a transitional government.

The Current Turmoil in Port-au-Prince

In mid-March, as gangs intensified their aggression, Prime Minister Ariel Henry had to flee the capital. His departure marked a significant turnaround in Haiti’s governance as he later supported transferring power to a transitional council. He even agreed to resign once the council was established.

Despite the dangerous situation and ongoing gang violence, the council is adamant about being officially installed at the presidential palace. Hospitals, police stations, and airports have been overrun, leading to the closure of the main airport and forcing many institutions to cease operations.

Impact of Ongoing Gang Violence on Society

The violence has only escalated, resulting in thousands of casualties. Residents have taken drastic measures to protect themselves, such as erecting neighborhood barricades.

Furthermore, the situation has severely disrupted local economies and daily lives, with vital supplies only being available through the black market, further emphasizing the dire conditions.

"No one out here is safe," commented Josil Djaimeska, reflecting the widespread fear amongst Port-au-Prince residents.

Humanitarian Crisis Intensifies Under Gang Rule

"There is no security in this country. You just basically pray to God," said Marie-André Blain, underlining the desperation people feel. Over 160,000 residents are now displaced within the capital, with makeshift shelters becoming more prevalent.

Philippe Branchat, International Organization for Migration chief in Haiti, highlighted the severe movement restrictions, "People living in the capital are locked in, they have nowhere to go." This has created a critical humanitarian situation with a lack of essential services and safety.

Public Outcry and International Concern

International responses have been cautious yet deeply concerned. María Isabel Salvador, UN Special Envoy for Haiti, in her address to the UN Security Council, cautioned that gang leaders are poised to disrupt further the political process violently.

Additionally, the tourism sector, crucial for Haiti’s economy, has taken a hit with Royal Caribbean canceling May cruises due to security concerns. This decision reflects the broader impact of gang violence on Haiti’s global economic interactions.

Testimonies from the Ground

Every day, citizens and those caught in the crossfire share bleak insights. Noune-Carme Manoune, an immigration officer, lamented, "Every day I wake up and find a dead body." Such statements capture the overwhelming and morbid reality many Haitians face daily.

Isidore Gédéon, a local musician, described the atmosphere as "Everyone is under stress," indicating how widespread the impact of this crisis is on the psychological state of Haiti’s citizens.

The Fight for Change Amidst Despair

Nelson Langlois, a producer and cameraman, shared his harrowing experience: "This is hell," while narrating his actions during neighborhood raids to protect his family.

Despite the grim circumstances, Renoir Auxil remains resolute, asserting, "Whatever the circumstance is, they have to swear in the council." This demonstrates some citizens' determination to restore some semblance of governance and order amidst the chaos.

In conclusion, Haiti is experiencing a severe and escalating crisis that affects all aspects of life. The struggle for political stability continues as the transitional council seeks to assert its legitimacy against formidable gang opposition, all the while ordinary citizens suffer immense hardships, from violence to basic shortages, amidst a collapsing infrastructure.