Protesters trigger major power outage in Haiti’s capital

Haiti.- A widespread power outage has affected the Port-au-Prince area and Haiti’s Centre department since Tuesday, after protesters forced the shutdown of the Péligre hydroelectric plant. The state-owned company Electricité d’Haïti confirmed that the plant’s closure resulted in a complete blackout in the regions it supplies, following alleged acts of sabotage.

The protest was led by civil society groups in Mirebalais and Saut d’Eau—towns recently overtaken by criminal gangs. Activist and lawyer Robenson Mazarin stated the action was taken in response to the government’s failure to address the growing insecurity. “As long as the authorities refuse to act, the power plant will remain closed,” said Mazarin, who coordinates the Committed Citizens Movement of the Center.

Since late March, Mirebalais has been under the control of the “Viv ansanm” gang coalition, prompting the closure of the city’s major hospital and the escape of over 500 inmates. Over 85% of Port-au-Prince is now estimated to be controlled by armed gangs, deepening Haiti’s ongoing crisis marked by violence and political instability.