The aftermath of a deadly gang attack in central Haiti has left more than 6,200 people displaced and seeking refuge with relatives or makeshift shelters. Survivors recounted waking up to gunfire and fleeing for hours in search of safety as armed members of the Gran Grif gang carried out a brutal assault on the town of Pont-Sonde, killing at least 70 people, including infants, women, the elderly, and entire families. The violence and instability gripping Haiti have been underscored by powerful armed groups carrying out attacks and kidnappings across the country.
The International Organization for Migration reported that the majority of the displaced individuals from the Pont-Sonde attack have sought shelter with friends and relatives in nearby communities. Those without a place to go have found refuge in a church, a school, and a public plaza in the coastal city of Saint-Marc. The Mayor of Saint-Marc, Myriam Fievre, expressed shock at the unimaginable deaths that occurred during the massacre. The attack was said to be in retribution for self-defence groups attempting to stop the gang from imposing a toll on a nearby road, marking it as the largest massacre in central Haiti in recent years.
In the wake of the Pont-Sonde attack, which came shortly after a UN report revealed the deaths of thousands due to gang violence in the first half of 2024, Haiti’s interim Prime Minister, Garry Conille, issued a statement condemning the violence and urging resistance against those who seek to terrorize the population. Conille acknowledged the country’s struggles in combating the gangs, with the UN Security Council extending the mandate of a Kenyan-led policing mission meant to restore security in Haiti. However, the mission has faced challenges in gaining control over the gangs, citing issues such as under-resourcing and inadequate funding for the deployment.
The ongoing violence in Haiti has left many residents uncertain about their future, with the massacre in Pont-Sonde serving as a stark reminder of the dangers they face. Survivors spoke of their struggles in finding safety and expressed concerns about their next steps. With thousands displaced and living in makeshift conditions, the need for additional assistance and resources to address the security crisis in Haiti is evident. The international community has been called upon to provide support in addressing the root causes of the violence and ensuring the safety and well-being of the Haitian population.
As the situation in Haiti remains volatile and the threat of gang violence persists, efforts to address the root causes of the conflict and provide assistance to those affected are crucial. The massacre in Pont-Sonde has brought renewed attention to the challenges facing the country, with calls for international support to help restore peace and security. The displaced individuals, many of whom have lost loved ones and homes, continue to grapple with the traumatic aftermath of the attack as they seek to rebuild their lives and communities amidst ongoing instability and violence. Haiti’s resilience and determination to overcome these challenges will be tested in the days and weeks ahead as efforts are made to address the urgent humanitarian needs of those affected by the recent tragedy.
