In Pétion-Ville on Tuesday, May 2, five alleged bandits were killed by machetes before being burned by members of the population. Scenes like these have been surreal and widespread for over a week, with civilians armed with machetes, sticks, pikes, etc., and in some cases, accompanied by agents of the National Police of Haiti (PNH), launching a real hunt for armed bandits and their allies or presumed ones.

The movement is called "Bwa kale." It was triggered on April 24th when members of the population killed and then burned around 15 alleged bandits who had been intercepted by the police in Canapé-Vert in a minibus during a police check. The movement aims to put an end to armed gangs that are waging a low-intensity war against communities.