As of 7 p.m. on Monday, April 20, 2026, the situation remained tense in the Cul-de-Sac plain. Since Wednesday, two criminal coalitions have been engaged in a violent battle for territorial control.
The Chen Mechan and Taliban gangs, led by Jeff Gwo Lwa (Canaan), along with 400 Mawozo of Lanmò San Jou, are fighting against gangs from Pierre 6 and Terre Noire in the commune of Cité Soleil.
The clashes have created severe tensions in areas such as Pierre 6, Duvivier, Village Renaissance, Fourgy, and Sarthe throughout the weekend. Residents of Terre Noire describe a dramatic situation: confined to their homes since Saturday, they are trapped under crossfire without access to movement or supplies. “We are caught between both sides,” one resident said.
In Sarthe, although direct fighting is less intense, panic remains widespread. On Sunday, gangs set fire to several houses near Brasserie La Couronne, triggering fear across the neighborhood. Population movements were observed as residents attempted to flee. Images circulating on social media show civilians escaping near Foyer Divin school.
The economic impact is immediate: public transport, local businesses, and industrial activities are paralyzed. Employees of Brasserie La Couronne were unable to reach their workplace, while Rhum Barbancourt suffered fires in its sugarcane plantations over the weekend.
According to locals, the violence is driven by territorial expansion strategies. Chen Mechan, Taliban, and 400 Mawozo are seeking to expand into areas controlled by Pierre 6 and Terre Noire. In response, leaders Ti Katèl and Alcindor have reportedly received reinforcements in weapons and manpower, signaling they will not give up territory.
