U.N. and Haitian Government Condemn Deadly Gang Attack Near Capital

The United Nations secretary-general, Antonio Guterres, and Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille have strongly condemned a horrific gang attack that took place overnight on the outskirts of Haiti’s capital, leaving at least 70 people dead. Among the victims were ten women and three infants, highlighting the brutality of the massacre.

Gang Violence Escalates

Haiti’s transitional government confirmed that members of the notorious Gran Grif gang were responsible for the attack in the town of Pont-Sonde, located in the Artibonite department. The gang allegedly targeted the town in an extortion attempt, demanding money from the local population. When the residents resisted, the gang retaliated with a violent onslaught, killing dozens in retribution.

The U.N. Human Rights office reported that the attackers, armed with automatic rifles, set fire to at least 45 homes and 34 vehicles, further devastating the community. Over 3,000 residents were displaced as they fled the violence.

Injuries and Response

At least 16 people, including two gang members, were seriously injured during the attack, and many of the wounded are receiving treatment at the Saint-Nicolas public hospital in Saint-Marc. The Haitian government has deployed agents from the National Police Anti-Gang Unit to reinforce local security forces in Artibonite, with additional support from specialized police units backed by a multinational security mission.

Multinational Security Mission’s Role

In June, a multinational security support mission (MSS) began deploying police officers from Kenya, Jamaica, and Belize to assist Haiti’s embattled National Police. The mission, which has faced delays due to financial and equipment shortages, aims to curb the rising tide of gang violence spreading from the capital to other regions.

Despite these challenges, the MSS has had some success in parts of the capital, and the U.N. is urging continued international support for these efforts. Guterres’ spokesperson emphasized the importance of reinforcing the joint efforts of Haitian police and international forces to restore order.

Ongoing Crisis in Haiti

Haiti’s political and humanitarian crisis has worsened since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise. A transitional government now leads the country, tasked with organizing free and fair elections, though no polls have been held since 2016.

As violence continues to destabilize the nation, Haiti also faces a deepening humanitarian disaster. On Monday, international food monitors reported that more than half of Haiti’s population — approximately 5.4 million people — are struggling with hunger. Displaced persons in shelters, particularly in the capital, are facing catastrophic levels of food insecurity, with 6,000 people on the brink of famine.

The Haitian government and the international community are grappling with how to address these overlapping crises as the situation grows increasingly dire for millions of Haitians.