zReportage.com Issue #1035 Story of the Week: Published: TUESDAY April 7, 2026: ‘BREAKING THE CYCLE: Glimmer Of Hope For Haiti’ Photography and Story by ZUMA Press photographer David Allignon: Life has grown increasingly difficult in Haiti after years of political turmoil and gang terror. Dozens of armed groups run rampant in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas, extorting businesses, kidnapping and driving farmers off their land. Gang leaders have historically used Vodou to solidify their power and manipulate communities through fear. Over 1.4 million people are now homeless, and deadly gang raids have left homes, schools and medical facilities in ashes. Plagued by systemic corruption and widespread gang violence, Haiti faces a deepening crisis that severely hinders economic development and stability. This situation is favorable to the gangs, who have gained power and autonomy. Now a UN-backed Gang Suppression Force (GSF) a more aggressive mission arrived in Haiti in April 2026, with 5,500 troops it aims to dismantle gangs and restore law and order. However fears of high casualties remain as escalations by gangs and the aggressive nature of the new force’s mandate begins. Welcome to ‘BREAKING THE CYCLE: Glimmer Of Hope For Haiti’ 
February 23, 2026, Port-Au-Prince, Haiti: MARIE-EDITH HENRI-JEAN-BAPTISTE explains that she must ‘ride’ with the spirits. ‘It’s not always me who decides. Sometimes it’s them. They fill me, and I have to let them out.’ Silently and meticulously, Marie-Edith prepares the ritual. Voodou (or Vodun) remains a cornerstone of spiritual, social, and cultural life. Far from being a ”relic,” it has seen a notable resurgence as a system of resistance and survival amidst the country’s ongoing humanitarian crises. (Credit Image: © David Allignon/ZUMA Press Wire) 
February 23, 2026, Port-Au-Prince, Haiti: Winzor Jean-Philippe a resident of the working-class neighborhood of Pieton-Ville In Port-au-Prince, receives a visit from his mother-in-law, MARIE-EDITH HENRI-JEAN-BAPTISTE. The next morning, she explains that she must ‘ride’ with the spirits. ‘It’s not always me who decides. Sometimes it’s them. They fill me, and I have to let them out.’ Silently and meticulously, Marie-Edith prepares the ritual. Wood is anxious. It’s the first time he has participated in a Voodoo rite. (Credit Image: © David Allignon/ZUMA Press Wire) 
February 18, 2026, Port-Au-Prince, Haiti: In the capital, Port-au-Prince, police officers patrol day and night to ensure the safety of residents and prevent criminals from carrying out violent acts (theft, kidnapping, happen almost daily here.). The threat is serious, and clashes are frequent. The police lack the resources to be truly effective, as evidenced by the state of the vehicle. However a UN-backed Gang Suppression Force (GSF), a more aggressive mission arrived in Haiti in April 2026, with 5,500 troops it aims to dismantle gangs and restore law and order. (Credit Image: © David Allignon/ZUMA Press Wire) 
February 21, 2026, Port-Au-Prince, Haiti: Young boy walks past a mural painted in memory of George Floyd on the wall of the College Saint Louis de Bourdon in the capital city Port-au-Prince. Despite the danger, families live in the territory controlled by armed criminals. (Credit Image: © David Allignon/ZUMA Press Wire) 
February 21, 2026, Port-Au-Prince, Haiti: The La Confiance Mixed Institution is the only school still accepting children in the La Saline neighborhood. Part of the building was reportedly destroyed in early January after a drone fired by the security forces exploded, according to gangs. Nevertheless, and despite the danger and daily exchanges of gunfire, the headmaster, Gerard-Pierre Metellis, continues to teach about twenty children and teenagers aged 5 to 14, all wearing their uniforms. (Credit Image: © David Allignon/ZUMA Press Wire)
Scott Mc Kiernan Presents zReportage.com Issue #1035 Story of the Week: Published: TUESDAY April 7, 2026: ‘BREAKING THE CYCLE: Glimmer Of Hope For Haiti’ Photography and Story by ZUMA Press photographer David Allignon: Life has grown increasingly difficult in Haiti after years of political turmoil and gang terror. Dozens of armed groups run rampant in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas, extorting businesses, kidnapping and driving farmers off their land. Gang leaders have historically used Vodou to solidify their power and manipulate communities through fear. Over 1.4 million people are now homeless, and deadly gang raids have left homes, schools and medical facilities in ashes. Plagued by systemic corruption and widespread gang violence, Haiti faces a deepening crisis that severely hinders economic development and stability. This situation is favorable to the gangs, who have gained power and autonomy. Now a UN-backed Gang Suppression Force (GSF) a more aggressive mission arrived in Haiti in April 2026, with 5,500 troops it aims to dismantle gangs and restore law and order. However fears of high casualties remain as escalations by gangs and the aggressive nature of the new force’s mandate begins. Welcome to ‘BREAKING THE CYCLE: Glimmer Of Hope For Haiti’
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Scott Mc Kiernan, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, ZUMA Press
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