For the past month, Nun Neethoudjif Méléance’s daily routine has been marred by anguish. She anxiously checks her phone each day, desperately seeking reassurance that her family members are still alive amidst the chaos engulfing their homeland. The 22-year-old teacher resides in Cap-Haitien with her brother, but her father and other relatives, totaling 10 members, remain trapped in Port-au-Prince, where violent gangs reign over roughly 80% of the capital.

Her family, constrained by the perilous situation, lives in what feels like an open-air prison, unable to venture far from safety. Despite owning a food shop, they struggle to procure supplies for their business due to the hazardous conditions prevailing in the city. The United Nations paints a dire picture of Haiti, describing it as a nation teetering on the brink of collapse, grappling with a power vacuum exacerbated by the pervasive presence of armed gangs and a flood of illicit weapons.

In a heart-wrenching moment, Nun opens her messaging app to discover a voice note from her father recounting a shooting near their vicinity. While they are physically unharmed, the emotional toll weighs heavily on him. Over 30,000 individuals have fled Port-au-Prince in search of safety, undertaking perilous journeys along gang-controlled routes to reach havens like Cap-Haitien. Despite Nun’s fervent wishes for her family to join her, they remain reluctant to abandon their home and livelihood, illustrating the challenges of embracing change in the face of adversity.

Her personal experiences reflect the intersecting crises plaguing Haiti. Bereaved by the loss of her mother in the 2010 earthquake and witnessing the fatal consequences of gang violence, Nun’s life embodies the harsh realities endured by many Haitian youths. She recounts stories of promising individuals falling prey to gang recruitment, highlighting the insidious grip of violence on vulnerable communities.

As the country grapples with escalating gang violence, more than 1,500 lives have been claimed in the first three months of the year, according to a UN report. Gangs exploit and coerce young boys and girls, perpetuating a cycle of violence and despair. Faced with this grim reality, Nun reflects on the choices confronting Haitians: to stay and resist or seek refuge elsewhere in pursuit of peace.

Amidst the exodus, Cap-Haitien’s airport witnessed a surge of departures as residents sought sanctuary abroad. Baptiste Moudeché, departing for Florida with his sister, voices his frustration with the prevailing insecurity and his aspirations for a Haiti governed by stability and respect for human rights. However, achieving such a vision hinges on addressing the root causes of the crisis and garnering trust from disillusioned Haitians.

As Haiti stands at a pivotal juncture, a newly formed Presidential Transitional Council promises to restore order and democracy. Yet, skepticism looms large among the populace, wary of international interventions and apprehensive of embracing solutions imposed from abroad. Amidst political uncertainties, powerful gang leaders like Jimmy ‘Barbecue’ Chérizier assert their influence, challenging the legitimacy of external interventions and advocating for dialogue on their terms.

Yvrose Pierre, Cap-Haitien’s first elected female mayor, denounces the brutal tactics employed by gangs, emphasizing the urgent need to confront the crisis head-on. With millions teetering on the brink of famine and essential services crumbling, Haiti’s survival hangs in the balance. Yet, amidst the turmoil, a glimmer of hope emerges as communities gather to observe Easter, finding solace in faith amidst adversity.

For many Haitians, Easter serves as a poignant reminder of resilience and renewal amidst adversity. While the specter of violence looms large, the spirit of hope endures, offering a beacon of light in Haiti’s darkest hour.