The security situation in Lower Artibonite remains concerning. Following the armed attacks of November 29 in Pont-Sondé and December 1st in L’Estère, which caused population displacement, the 1st section of Délugé in the commune of Montrouis was targeted by further violence on December 23, 24, and 25, increasing the pressure on host communities and access to basic services. The locality of Piâtre, also located in the Délugé communal section, was attacked by armed men from the Canaan gang. Several houses were burned down.

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the latest violence has resulted in the displacement of approximately 1,120 people. All of the displaced persons have found refuge with host families, primarily in neighboring localities and in the city of Saint-Marc. According to information provided by the Communal Section Administrative Council (CASEC) of the affected section and the focal point of the General Directorate of Civil Protection (DGPC), the majority of displaced persons are located in neighboring localities, including Rozo, Aymé, and Dipen, among others. Access to these localities is very difficult, and the road is subject to armed attacks.

The security situation remains tense and volatile, significantly impacting humanitarian access in several localities within the commune of Saint-Marc, as well as along National Road #1, which was still inaccessible at Montrouis on January 6. These constraints hinder the implementation of the rapid humanitarian response, reducing the capacity of aid workers to reach affected populations and ensure the continuity of essential services.

The DGPC of Artibonite, with the support of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), is monitoring the situation through the existing coordination mechanism in Lower Artibonite.

HL/ HaitiLibre