Gang Attack in Central Haiti Claims Lives of At Least 70 People, Reports UN Human Rights Office

The United Nations human rights office reported on Friday that the death toll from a violent gang attack in central Haiti has reached at least 70. The assault occurred in Pont-Sondé, located in the Artibonite region. Many victims were found with gunshot wounds to the head, according to Bertide Harace, a spokesperson for the Commission for Dialogue, Reconciliation and Awareness to Save the Artibonite.

Initial reports estimated 20 fatalities, but as activists and officials gained access to more areas, they discovered additional bodies. Among those killed were a young mother, her newborn, and a midwife. "We are horrified by Thursday's gang attacks," stated the U.N. Human Rights Office of the Commissioner. The attack left 10 women and three infants dead, and at least 16 others seriously injured, including two gang members involved in a shootout with police.

Gang Violence Escalates

The gang reportedly set fire to 45 homes and 34 cars during their rampage. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack, which displaced around 3,000 people. He called for increased support for the Haitian National Police and a Kenya-led multinational force working to combat gang violence. Guterres emphasised the need for additional funding to bolster these efforts.

The motive behind this massacre remains unclear. Such attacks are common in Port-au-Prince, where gangs control 80% of the city and often engage in turf wars. However, Pont-Sondé is part of Gran Grif's territory, making this incident unusual. The gang was formed nearly a decade ago when former legislator Prophane Victor armed young men to secure his election and control over Artibonite.

Government Response

Following the attack, Haiti's government deployed an elite police unit from Port-au-Prince to Pont-Sondé and sent medical supplies to aid the overwhelmed local hospital. Prime Minister Garry Conille condemned the crime as an attack on the entire Haitian nation. "This heinous crime, perpetrated against defenseless women, men, and children, is not only an attack on these victims but on the entire Haitian nation," he stated.

Gang violence has been rising across Artibonite, a key agricultural region in Haiti. In January 2023, Gran Grif was accused of attacking a police station in nearby Liancourt, killing six officers. The violence also led to the closure of a hospital serving over 700,000 people in February 2023.

Herace noted that despite some reports suggesting otherwise, police did attempt to resist the gang's advance during Thursday's attack. "The gang had total control of the area," she said. Both Victor and Gran Grif leader Luckson Elan faced U.S. sanctions last month due to their involvement with the gang.

The situation highlights ongoing challenges in addressing gang violence in Haiti. As attacks spread beyond Port-au-Prince into other regions like Artibonite, international support becomes increasingly crucial for restoring peace and stability.