#62 - Territories Recaptured in Port-au-Prince

Port-au-Prince Takes a Breath | To the Rhythm of Rara | Watson-G and Kanis in a Duet | Souvenance, The Power of the Sacred

Jean Elie FORTINE, Etienne COTE-PALUCK, and Jean-Paul SAINT FLEUR

Apr 17, 2026

∙ Paid

Photo: Jean Elie Fortiné / Dèyè Mòn Enfo

Cleanup operations, more frequent police patrols, and military reinforcements: part of downtown Port-au-Prince is back under the control of Haitian authorities. All this and much more in issue #58 of HAÏTI MAGAZINE, by DÈYÈ MÒN ENFO.

Summary #62

Port-au-Prince Takes a Breath
To the Rhythm of Rara
Music Video of the Week: “A nou 2” by Watson-G feat. Kanis
Souvenance: The Power of the Sacred
Press Reviews

Port-au-Prince Takes a Breath

In recent days, authorities have carried out large-scale operations to liberate certain areas of downtown Port-au-Prince that were recently under the control of armed criminal groups. We were finally able to visit the Oloffson Hotel ruins (first two photos) to assess the damage caused by the last year’s fire that destroyed this historic building.

Peut être une image de ‎texte : « ‎News Opinion World Sport Europe The Int Guardian Lifestyle Culture US news Americas Asia Australia Middle East Africa Inequalit Global developmen Haiti How destruction ofHotel Oloffson is symbol Haiti's gang crisis Once haven for the world's rich and famous, the landmark hotel was burned down this month as violence gripped Port-au-Prince Prince ه The Oloffson hotel's design was one fth the most famous of of the gothic gingerbread style. It became a andmark Portau- -Prince, Haiti. Photograph raph: Jenny Matthews/Alamy EtteneCoté-PaluckandNaticaDunca and Etienne Côté-Paluck Duncan‎ »‎ — Our report for *The Guardian* on the demolition of the Oloffson Hotel on July 19.

The western part of the Pacot neighborhood, as well as a section of Christophe Avenue and Roy Alley, are now under army control. The army took over from the police in order to consolidate their gains.

The Prince Hotel (above) and the neighboring building (below) have long served as bases for self-defense groups (and were even occupied by armed criminal groups for a time). They still bear clear signs of the armed conflicts that have taken place in the area.

Although some parts of Christophe Avenue were still inaccessible, we were able to visit several locations along this thoroughfare by going through Baryajou. This area is normally home to numerous educational institutions, including the Department of Humanities at the State University of Haiti.

Jean-Jacques-Dessalines High School, in the above photo, has also been affected by the conflict. The temporary structure made of plywood and sheet metal was completely demolished, and most of the materials were stolen. Jérémie Square was empty as well (photo below), though it remains a sensitive area and we were unable to approach it (var).

For many months, the western part of the Pacot neighborhood has been the scene of clashes. It has now been cleared (see photos below). Will the residents dare to return? Will this peace be sustainable? We will find out in the coming months.

Photos: Jean Elie Fortiné / Dèyè Mòn Enfo

During our visit to the former Oloffson Hotel (photos below), we were accompanied by members of the neighborhood’s self-defense group. Before and after the fire, armed criminal groups occupied the famous hotel’s premises and grounds. The hotel had previously served as the headquarters of the RAM group and where Arcade Fire had previously performed.

Police authorities say that criminal groups now control 72% of the city, down from over 80% last year, according to multiple sources. Although the area around the Champ-de-Mars has been somewhat safer in recent days, the downtown area remains a conflict zone.

To the Rhythm of Rara

The tradition of rara groups is found in cities and rural areas across Haiti during Lent, reaching its peak over Easter weekend. “It serves multiple purposes: ritual, social, community, artistic, and more,” explains Pascale Jaunay to HAITI WEEKLY. She managed the Follow Jah group for over 15 years, and we reached her in the southern part of the country. “It is a strong marker of Haitian identity and a powerful, joyful force for cohesion.”

Rara bands, featuring traditional bamboo instruments and other musical instruments march through streets of the country, accompanied by dancers.

This African tradition, which originated on plantations, calls for freedom and is linked to Voodoo.

In Port-au-Prince, near the Gran Lakou base in Lalue (April 4, first two photos), the atmosphere around the Kirikou Band was electric. A festival was held at Place Boyer in Pétion-Ville (April 2, last photos) where a stage was set up to celebrate the raras season, featuring the Follow Jah band and a dance troupe.

Music Video of the Week

A nou 2 - Watson-G feat. Kanis

A young man’s relationship with an older woman is at the heart of Watson-G’s song A nou 2, in collaboration with singer and rapper Kanis.

Watson-G urges them to pursue their romance, even promising to hit the gym for a month to bulk up. She replies that their relationship will be stronger if they remain friends. She adds that she sees him as a little brother.

The music video for this song, released earlier this week, has already surpassed 200,000 views. Kanis is an established artist, while Watson-G, featured in our 2024 music special issue, is one of the most prominent young musicians of recent years.

Souvenance: The Power of the Sacred

Around Easter each year, Lakou Souvenance welcomes initiates (ousni) from across the country who come to honor the lwa (spirits) of this sacred Vodou site.

The temple and its surroundings in Artibonite, near Gonaïves, come alive with color during this fervent spiritual celebration.

Despite the situation in the country, many worshippers came from abroad. One of our staff member traveled by bus through the suburbs of Port-au-Prince, despite the tension there, in order to reach the celebration.

DÈYÈ MÒN ENFO’s team

Photojournalists: Francillon Laguerre, Sonson Thelusma, Andoo Lafond, Milot Andris, Patrick Payin, Ketlain Difficile, Steeve Saint Fleur, Clarens Siffroy
Community manager: Steven Andris
Editorial board: Etienne Côté-Paluck, Jean Elie Fortiné, Jean-Paul Saint-Fleur
Interns: Wilky Andris, Donley Jean Simon
Special collaboration: Stéphanie Tourillon-Gingras, Mateo Fortin Lubin, Françoise Ponticq
Media partners: Centre à la Une, J-COM, Nord-Est Info
Institutional partners: Kay Fanm, Mouka.ht

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