At least 70 people have been killed and 3,000 forced to flee when armed men belonging to the Gran Grif gang attacked a town in central Haiti. The UN Human Rights Office reported that the attack occurred in Pont-Sonde, located 100km northwest of Port-au-Prince. The gang members used automatic rifles to shoot at the population, resulting in the deaths of 70 individuals, including women and infants. The office also stated that at least 16 people were seriously injured, with gang members setting fire to homes and cars in the area.
The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, condemned the attack along with Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille who described it as an “odious crime” against the people of Haiti. Conille reaffirmed the nation’s resolve to fight for their dignity and freedom, stating that the attackers will not subdue a population that is determined to live in peace and security. Additional security forces, supported by an international policing mission, were deployed to address the attack, but the leader of the Gran Grif gang blamed the government and the victims for not taking action during the incident.
While the motive for the attack remains unclear, similar incidents have occurred in the capital of Haiti, where gang violence is prevalent and often linked to turf wars. Pont-Sonde, however, is considered to be within Gran Grif’s territory, an area known for rice production in Haiti’s Artibonite region. Violence in Artibonite has worsened hunger in a country where half the population faces severe food shortages. The UN Human Rights Office reported that over 3,661 people have been killed in gang violence this year, with at least 700,000 individuals displaced as a result.
The international community, including the UN and various human rights organizations, expressed horror and sadness at the attack in Pont-Sonde. The level of violence and the impact on the civilian population highlight the ongoing crisis in Haiti, where gang activity continues to threaten the safety and security of the people. Efforts to address the root causes of violence, including poverty, food insecurity, and political instability, are crucial in restoring peace and stability to the country.
The Gran Grif gang’s attack in Pont-Sonde is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Haiti, where gang violence and criminal activities have become pervasive. The responsibility falls on the government to protect its citizens and address the underlying issues that fuel these violent acts. The international community must continue to support Haiti in its efforts to combat gangs, provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the violence, and work towards a more secure and stable future for the country. Haiti’s path to recovery and peace will require a concerted and sustained effort from all stakeholders involved.
