Haiti: Civilians defend themselves against gangs who in turn escalate violence

In Pétion-Ville on Tuesday, May 2, five alleged bandits were killed by machetes before being burned by members of the population. Scenes like these have been surreal and widespread for over a week, with civilians armed with machetes, sticks, pikes, etc., and in some cases, accompanied by agents of the National Police of Haiti (PNH), launching a real hunt for armed bandits and their allies or presumed ones.

The movement is called "Bwa kale." It was triggered on April 24th when members of the population killed and th