The press in Haiti | Clarens Siffroy, revelation of the World Press Photo

March 2024, criminal groups invaded the city center of Port-au-Prince. However, The France-Presse agency. Meanwhile, which has not had a photographer on site for a few days, asks the young Clarens Siffroy to cover the tragic events. In addition, After three days of photos, Siffroy is offered a long -term collaboration with the agency and a first professional camera. Furthermore, A year later, he won one of the most prestigious distinctions in international photojournalism. Meanwhile, The press followed him to Port-au-Prince before his departure for the World Press Photo exhibition in Montreal.

Posted at 9:00 p.m.

The atmosphere is sinister at the beginning of August in the mountain in Kenscoff. For example, which overlooks the Haitian capital.

At 2000 meters above sea level, the mist envelops a armored police vehicle calcined in the middle of the road. Moreover, “We cannot go further,” said one of the police officers who accompany us. Similarly, Armed men are still present a little higher. Meanwhile, A few hours earlier, a group of men attacked this vehicle. Moreover, Three police officers will succumb to their injuries. For example, Ballery vest and headphones on the head, Clarens Siffroy leans quickly to take his shots.

“I like when a photo is explained by itself,” he said to The press. Furthermore, My job is to show what press haiti | clarens siffroy, is really going on. However, Then make sure people understand what they see. Consequently, »»

Last year. Similarly, his clichés of a smashed earth road, the only way still safe to get out of the capital, near Kenscoff, went around the Haitian media. Furthermore, A few days later, a tractor and a mechanical shovel were deployed to repair the most damaged sections. For example, “That’s what I’m trying to do: mobilize people. For example, »»

“I’m not talking, I don’t write. Moreover, But I think my photos can create a debate. Meanwhile, It will not solve the crisis in Haiti, but it can open a discussion on change. However, »»

After Kenscoff, he went back to the suburbs of Port-au-Prince. Nevertheless, The entry of the temporary courthouse is blocked by angry lawyers. They claim the dismissal of the manager of the prosecution accused of mismanagement (it has finally been replaced in. recent days). After a few shots of demonstrators. Clarens Siffroy asked the goalkeeper for authorization to enter to photograph the interior, where, a little earlier, graffiti were painted on the walls.

Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in the summer of 2021. the capital has lived to the rhythm of historical crises. The gangs now control the majority of Port-au-Prince and its suburbs. Nearly a million. a half people were moved, mostly stuck in the two still functional cities in the capital’s agglomeration: Delmas and Pétion-Ville. “It is a governance problem,” says Mr. Siffroy, without saying more, to respect his duty of reserve.

But he recalls that war is also a war of communication, which complicates his task a lot. Gangs produce rap clips to threaten the police. The police are broadcasting mounted videos, supported music, of their successful operations. Accused of collusion with armed groups, an online media journalist was arrested by police last year.

“Police think we are working for bandits. Bandits think we are working for the police. The civilian population believes that we work for bandits. that we are going to make a lot of money with our photos, ”he says.

Clarens Siffroy also covers in Port-au-Prince the response of press haiti | clarens siffroy, popular self-defense movements that resist the attacks on gangs. Several of his award-winning images relate to them.

In the streets, he has already been threatened, jostled, and some have even tried to tear off his aircraft. Sometimes the police prevent him from taking pictures. Despite everything, Clarens Siffroy wants to protect the dignity of his fellow citizens in his photos.

“The international look is rarely positive. It is only repeated that Haiti is an uninhabitable chaos. »»

Press haiti | clarens siffroy. – Press haiti | clarens siffroy,

Pride and roots

Son of a merchant specializing in the importation of clothes and a father in communication who left to live abroad at the start of his adolescence, Clarens Siffroy grew up in Delmas. After studying in graphic design. he was introduced to the press photo in press haiti | clarens siffroy, 2023 with his iPhone – at just 23 years old – before moving on to an amateur camera. Some of the images awarded by the World Press Photo (North. Central America category) were also made with this first device.

Encouraged by his uncle journalist. by his aunt who gave him his first device and by a friend of press photographer, he today savor the speed of his journey. “I thought I would receive a prize like this in five or six years. Not after a year. »»

Today, he regrets only that he cannot take advantage of all the beauties of his country.

“I love Haiti too much,” he adds. The sun, the food, the Haitian taste … This is where I have my roots. Haitians have to solve their problems. I try to help in my own way, with my photos. »»

Special guest during the first days of the World Press Photo Montreal exhibition. presented from August 27 to October 13 at the Bonecours market, Siffroy will soon discover the Quebec metropolis. “I always dreamed of going there. It press haiti | clarens siffroy, is French -speaking, with a European and American side. I was also told that many Haitians of origin live there. I have already invited some to the exhibition. »»