More than 6,200 people are currently displaced in Haiti after a deadly gang attack in the town of Pont-Sonde. Survivors of the massacre have described waking up to gunfire and fleeing for safety as the attackers, armed with knives and assault rifles, targeted infants, women, the elderly, and entire families. The violence has left residents with nowhere to go, with many seeking refuge with relatives and friends in nearby communities. Some have sought shelter in a church, school, and public plaza in the coastal city of Saint-Marc.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reported that at least 6,270 people were displaced in the attack on Pont-Sonde. The mayor of Saint-Marc, Myriam Fievre, expressed shock at the unimaginable deaths that occurred during the massacre. The attack was in retaliation for self-defense groups attempting to thwart the gang from establishing a toll on a nearby road. This tragic incident highlights the ongoing violence and instability in Haiti, with armed groups carrying out attacks and kidnappings in the capital and other parts of the country.
Haiti has been grappling with a surge in deadly gang violence, with at least 3,661 people killed in the first half of 2024. The recent massacre in Pont-Sonde was the largest in central Haiti in recent years, underlining the grave situation facing the nation. Interim Prime Minister Garry Conille has vowed that the country will not be broken by terror and reasserted the people’s right to live in peace, security, and justice. Despite the defiant rhetoric, Conille has admitted that Haiti is far from winning the battle against the gangs.
The UN Security Council has extended the mandate of a Kenya-led policing mission aimed at restoring security in Haiti, but the force has struggled to curb the violence. The Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) has faced challenges due to funding shortages and lack of resources. Conille has made efforts to secure additional support by traveling to Kenya and the United Arab Emirates. The situation in Haiti remains dire, with displaced residents in need of assistance and protection as the country continues to grapple with severe insecurity caused by armed groups.
The survivors of the Pont-Sonde attack, who have lost their homes and loved ones, face an uncertain future as they try to rebuild their lives amidst the ongoing violence plaguing Haiti. The massacre has left a lasting impact on the community, with many residents traumatized by the horrific events that unfolded. While the international community has expressed shock and condemnation over the violence, concrete action is needed to address the root causes of the conflict and provide support to those affected by the crisis. Haiti remains in a state of emergency, with urgent humanitarian assistance required to ensure the safety and well-being of the displaced population.
