It all began when the criminals operating in Mirebalais, in the Centre department, took over the community radio station Panik FM 97.5.
The act was led by gang leader Jeff Gwo Lwa, a notorious figure heading the armed group Canaan. The gang replaced the station’s regular programming with their own lineup, broadcasting terrorist messages and music of their choice.
The criminals’ goal is to impose their dominance over the population by spreading fear and intimidation.
According to the digital news outlet Noticias Kominotek, this action constitutes a direct attack on press freedom, and now, through their narrative, these gang members will normalize violence within Haitian society.
The source emphasizes that this propaganda tool illustrates the power of criminal groups in contrast to the state’s authority, whose response remains insufficient.
Taliban FM sets a dangerous precedent, as gangs no longer only control streets and communities—they now also use media to assert their influence.
jrr/abo/mem/joe
jrr/abo/mem/joe
