A high-profile gang leader, who had broken out of prison, was killed by police gunfire earlier this month. This comes as political factions seem to be nearing the completion of a transition council.
Ernst Julme, known as Ti Greg, whose real name is Ernst Julme, was the head of Delmas 95, an alliance of gangs brought together by notorious gang leader Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier.
Julme was shot by police in the Petion-Ville neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, also following the death of Makandal, another gang leader, reported Sky News. The incidents are believed to be linked to a resurgence by the vigilante group Bwa Kale.
The passing of Julme is a major blow to Cherizier's "Viv Ansanm" coalition of gangs, which aims to extend its control over additional areas of Port-au-Prince.
Haiti issued a state of emergency on March 3, after Cherizier called for criminal groups to unite and overthrow the country's Prime Minister, Ariel Henry.
Beginning on Feb. 29, powerful gangs launched coordinated attacks on crucial government sites throughout Port-au-Prince. Gunmen were responsible for torching police stations, shutting down major international airports, and penetrating the country's two largest correctional facilities, leading to the escape of 4,000 inmates.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed reports on Thursday, that political groups in Haiti had selected all members of a transitional council set to assume presidential powers ahead of future elections.
Tasked with uniting Haiti's fractured political landscape, the council has been given the responsibility of nominating a replacement for Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who resigned on March 11 due to gang violence obstructing his return to the country.
The plan was negotiated in Jamaica and led by the intergovernmental Caribbean Community (CARICOM), with the participation of representatives from Haiti's government and opposition.
Cherizier continues to threaten retaliation against politicians and their families if they take part in the proposed council.
While the council appeared to be reaching its conclusion, intense gunfire erupted on Thursday near the National Palace, located off the Champ de Mars square in downtown Port-au-Prince, while residents fled from new rounds of shootings in the capital's Petion-Ville suburb.
Plans for an international security mission, requested by Mr Henry in 2022, remain on hold, said Sky News.
The UN and other international bodies have facilitated the evacuation of staff and other foreigners by helicopter as Haiti's main airport is deemed unsafe.
On Thursday, the US government organized the departure of 90 US citizens from Haiti's northern city of Cap-Haitien to Miami, in addition to 70 it has flown out since Sunday, a State Department spokesperson disclosed.
