Haiti Police Reclaim Téléco Hub in Kenscoff and took back control from the gangs. The facility had been in gang hands since last week. That takeover had shut down the internet and air traffic nationwide.
Police launched the raid early Monday morning. They moved fast and took the compound in two hours. They seized automatic weapons with no serial numbers and over 1,000 rounds of ammo. It’s a rare win for Haiti’s National Police. For months, gangs had been expanding their grip on Port-au-Prince. They controlled 90% of the capital.
The raid boosted morale at a time of despair. People had feared a total blackout of communications. Leaders praised the action. Citizens welcomed back internet and phone lines. It’s a symbolic win. It shows police can take back the background despite the odds.
A Rare Victory in a Crisis
Authorities celebrated the retaking of Téléco as an example of coordination. Gangs had filmed themselves taking the building days earlier. They stacked computer boards, cut cables and disabled servers. Members appeared on video demanding talks with government leaders. They threatened to destroy more if ignored. The attack showed their plan to cripple infrastructure.
The Kenscoff hub is crucial to Haiti’s economy. Airlines use their data systems for air traffic control. Hospitals and schools rely on its connectivity. Many called it an act of national sabotage. Police rushed to assemble forces under Paraison’s command. International partners backed the operation. Kenyan officers working under a UN mandate provided coordination. Together, they advanced at dawn and took the facility.
The weapons found confirmed outside involvement. Rifles had no serial numbers. Ammunition looked imported and expensive. That raises fears of growing gang networks. Analysts believe gangs trade with foreign suppliers. They finance weapons through kidnappings and extortion. Haiti is still dealing with widespread abductions. A child and an American missionary are among them. Kidnappings are now happening daily in Port-au-Prince. People see it as a way to fund operations. Police vowed to hunt down perpetrators without delay.
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Gangs Form New Alliances
The Téléco takeover also showed gang politics in motion. Footage showed Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier standing beside Kempes Sanon. Both men used to fight for turf. Their public display of friendship spooked observers. Experts say gangs are forming united fronts. Alliances will give them more firepower against the state. Such pacts will be bad for Haiti’s recovery. Rivalries kept groups apart. Now they’ll work together.
Chérizier leads a federation that already controls large areas. Sanon used to oppose him, but now seems to be cooperating. Citizens fear more joint attacks on infrastructure. Authorities are preparing for new assaults on energy grids and ports. Experts say every disruption makes humanitarian suffering worse. Haiti’s economy shrinks with each attack. Food imports are delayed, and fuel prices rise. Families flee to safer areas when they can. Refugee camps are growing on the outskirts of the city. Basic needs are getting harder to meet.
Citizens Demand Lasting Safety
Haitians across the country are calling for stability. Many praised the Téléco raid but want more. They want sustained security, not one-time wins. Residents want better protection for airports, hospitals and schools. Business leaders want secure supply chains. Farmers want safer roads. Students want uninterrupted learning. Families want safe neighborhoods.
Citizens tell police they need peace. Leaders know confidence is built on results. One raid can’t solve decades of lawlessness. Continued enforcement must build on this. Community partnerships can help identify threats faster. Local informants provide critical intel. Programs for at-risk youth can reduce gang recruitment. Economic projects can limit desperation. Social investment can undercut gang influence. Security and development must move together. Then victories will stick.
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Looking Forward with Hope
The Téléco raid was a turning point. Haitian police showed they can be resilient and competent. They coordinated with international partners and sent a clear message. Gangs can be pushed back. Now it’s up to the authorities to keep the momentum. Paraison says it’s about steady and deliberate campaigns. He warns against complacency.
Haitians must see security as possible. Restored telecom networks gave them a taste of normal life. People now believe more is possible. The way forward requires sacrifice, discipline and perseverance. Citizens must stay with the police. Global partners must not pull out too soon. A stable Haiti benefits the whole region. The Téléco raid was a milestone. It shows Haitians that even in the dark, recovery is possible.
