A devastating attack in central Haiti has left at least 70 people dead and forced 3,000 others to flee, according to the UN Human Rights Office. The attack, carried out by armed men from the Gran Grif gang in the town of Pont-Sonde, resulted in the deaths of 10 women and three infants. The attackers used automatic rifles to target the population, injuring at least 16 people and setting fire to dozens of homes and cars. The UN has condemned the attack, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressing horror at the violence.
Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille also spoke out against the attack, denouncing it as an “odious crime” against innocent men, women, and children. He vowed that the Haitian people would not be intimidated by such acts of terror and reaffirmed their right to live in peace, security, and justice. In response to the attack, additional security forces, supported by an international policing mission, have been deployed to address the situation. However, the leader of the Gran Grif gang, Luckson Elan, shifted blame onto the government and the victims of the attack, accusing them of passivity in the face of violence.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but it is believed to be related to ongoing turf wars and gang violence in the region. The town of Pont-Sonde is located within territory controlled by the Gran Grif gang, which is known for its involvement in criminal activities. The Artibonite region, where the attack took place, is a major rice-producing area that has seen escalating violence in recent years. This violence has exacerbated food shortages in Haiti, where half the population suffers from severe hunger.
The UN Human Rights Office has reported a sharp increase in gang violence in Haiti this year, with over 3,600 people killed in senseless attacks. The conflict has also resulted in the displacement of at least 700,000 people, adding to the humanitarian crisis facing the country. The international community has called for urgent action to address the root causes of violence in Haiti and ensure the safety and security of its citizens. As the country grapples with ongoing instability and insecurity, efforts are being made to protect vulnerable populations and restore peace to the war-torn nation.
