During the week of September 5-11, 2025, significant events unfolded across several countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, prominently featuring the struggles faced by individuals in Haiti due to escalating gang violence. In the capital, Port-au-Prince, many Haitians fled their homes amid threats from armed gangs and sought refuge in a converted government building, the Ministry of Public Works, Transport, and Communications. This situation arose as a result of an ongoing ban on U.S. commercial flights, which was extended due to heightened concerns of possible gang attacks on aircraft approaching the capital.
In regional political news, Brazil's former president, Jair Bolsonaro, received a severe sentence from the Supreme Court, which convicted him of attempting a coup to cling to power after his electoral defeat in 2022. Bolsonaro was sentenced to more than 27 years in prison, igniting considerable unrest among his supporters. Across Brazil, his supporters organized vigils and protests, highlighting their frustration and concern regarding the political ramifications of the court's decision. One notable event took place near Bolsonaro's home in Brasilia, where supporters gathered in solidarity as he remained under house arrest.
In the cultural sphere, various events marked the ongoing complexity of Latin America's historical narrative. In Lima, Peru, grieving relatives gathered at the site where bus driver Arturo Ramon was tragically killed, reflecting the ongoing issue of violence in urban areas. Meanwhile, in Santiago, Chile, attendees honored those who disappeared during General Augusto Pinochet's regime, holding a commemoration outside the Justice Palace to remember the victims of state-sponsored violence.
The region also witnessed vibrant cultural displays amidst ongoing challenges. In Cali, Colombia, a man was seen mocking a soldier patrolling the Siloé neighborhood, indicating the complex dynamics of law enforcement and civil society. Additionally, at El Buen Pastor women's prison in Bogotá, inmates participated in an annual beauty pageant, marking the feast of the Virgin of Mercy, revealing the human capacity for resilience and celebration even in challenging circumstances.
Sports events also played a crucial role in fostering national pride. In Maturin, Venezuela, Nahuel Ferraresi was highlighted for his performance during a World Cup 2026 qualifying match against Colombia, encapsulating the fervor and passion for soccer prevalent throughout the region. Such sporting events unite communities and can serve as an escape from the difficulties faced in daily life.
On a more alarming note, incidents of violence persisted in urban centers, including Mexico City, where firefighters responded to a gas tanker explosion under a highway overpass, a direct result of the region's infrastructure challenges and public safety concerns. This incident underscores the ongoing hazards residents face, compounded by the political instability and violence prevalent in various countries.
This gallery of images from the week highlights the juxtaposition of despair and hope in Latin America and the Caribbean, showcasing the resilience of communities facing violence, political upheaval, and societal challenges while also reflecting moments of joy and cultural pride.
