Gang leader “Krisla” and his men took control Thursday of the Électricité d’Haïti (EDH) power plant 2 located in Thorland, in the commune of Carrefour. A spectacular operation that, while causing no casualties among employees, casts a direct threat over the electricity supply to a large part of the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area. The attackers are reportedly demanding eight hours of continuous electricity per day for Carrefour, notably during the 2026 World Cup.
According to converging local sources, “Krisla” and his men entered the premises of the EDH power plant 2 in the Thorland area of Carrefour in the middle of the day. The attackers immediately demanded the evacuation of all employees present. An internal EDH source cited by the media outlet “VantbefInfo” stated that no employee was physically assaulted, and no major material damage was immediately reported.
However, the takeover of such a strategic infrastructure is extremely concerning. This plant contributes to the electricity supply of a large part of the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area. Any shutdown or prolonged malfunction could plunge several sectors of the capital into darkness, paralyzing essential services, businesses, and hospitals.
The demand: eight hours of electricity per day for Carrefour
Beyond the show of force, the demands of the “Krisla” gang are clear. The attackers are demanding that the commune of Carrefour benefit from a continuous electricity supply of eight hours per day, with particular attention to the period of the 2026 World Cup – a strong symbol intended to show that gangs now dictate their law even in the management of public services.
This demand, as unrealistic as it may be technically and financially in the current Haitian context, reveals a deliberate strategy: energy as a tool of pressure and territorial domination.
Carrefour, more than two years under gang sway
The takeover of the Thorland plant does not surprise those who are familiar with the evolution of the commune of Carrefour. For nearly two years, this commune on the southern periphery of Port-au-Prince has become a territory under the absolute control of armed groups.
Entire areas such as Fontamara, Mariani, and the neighboring commune of Gressier no longer answer to the laws of the Republic. In these neighborhoods, police presence is nonexistent. The inhabitants, abandoned to their fate, coexist with the criminals for lack of choice.
A failing state, glaring powerlessness
The assault on the EDH Thorland plant is more than just a criminal news item. It constitutes a wake-up call regarding the collapse of the Haitian state’s authority.
The authorities, whether the National Police of Haiti (PNH) or the central government, seem incapable of curbing the expansion of armed gangs. Despite repeated announcements, the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) – supposed to be operational to conduct large-scale offensives – is still slow to deploy on the ground.
Citizens, for their part, are asking ever louder questions:
What is the PNH waiting for to react to this hostage-taking of a vital infrastructure?
Why is the GSF still unable to regain control of lost areas?
How much longer will we have to wait for concrete actions to dismantle gangs and reopen national roads?
A Metropolitan region under permanent threat
If the Thorland plant were to be damaged or deliberately disconnected, a large part of Port-au-Prince and its surroundings would risk plunging into darkness.
For the moment, EDH and the authorities have not officially communicated on possible negotiations or a plan to retake the site.
The population waits for actions, not promises
While bandits impose their law in Carrefour, the exasperated Haitian population continues to wait for concrete actions from the authorities: dismantling of gangs, retaking of controlled zones, securing of national roads, and above all, restoration of state authority.
The takeover of the EDH Thorland plant is not a simple thug operation. It is an act of war against the state, committed in broad daylight, without anyone being able – or daring – to intervene.
It remains to be seen whether this new affront will serve as a trigger for firm measures, or whether it will simply add another line to the long inventory of national powerlessness.
