At least three killed in raid at Haiti’s Central Bank

A criminal group targeted the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH) on Monday (Mar18), according to an employee who informed AFP.

The incident resulted in up to four fatalities and left a guard injured. BRH expressed gratitude to security forces for safeguarding the community. Haiti has been engulfed in turmoil for weeks following prison raids by gangs, leading to the release of numerous inmates and the resignation of the prime minister.

In a statement on X, BRH stated, "Following an incident yesterday near [our] site on Rue Pavee, security forces and the bank's security team acted with professionalism and efficiency." The bank, situated in Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince, remains one of the few vital institutions still operational.

BRH also extended appreciation to its officers and state police for their vigilance. An anonymous employee speaking to AFP mentioned that three or four members of the criminal gang were killed in the attack. The employee also reported that the injured guard had sustained gunshot wounds. However, news agencies could not independently verify these accounts.

Police efforts to reclaim areas of Port-au-Prince controlled by notorious gang leader Jimmy Chérizier, alias "Barbecue," have intensified. The power struggle has led to a surge in violence, including gun battles, exacerbating Haiti's longstanding issue with gang violence.

Haitians expressed despair over the ongoing crisis, with Port-au-Prince and surrounding regions under a state of emergency for a month. Last week, under mounting pressure, Ariel Henry agreed to step down as prime minister to facilitate the establishment of an interim government.

Leslie Voltaire, a former government minister under ex-President Jean Bertrand Aristide, emphasised Haiti's grave crisis but rejected the notion of bandits governing the country. He underscored the urgent need for action to address the chaos and blockades affecting ports and airports, as well as rampant kidnappings and violence.

Countries such as the United States and Germany evacuated embassy staff from Port-au-Prince last week, with the violence showing no signs of abating. The US State Department announced plans to charter a flight to rescue its remaining citizens stranded in Haiti.

(With inputs from agencies)