The aftermath of a deadly gang attack in central Haiti has left more than 6,200 people displaced and seeking refuge with relatives or in makeshift shelters. The attack, carried out by members of the Gran Grif gang armed with knives and assault rifles, resulted in the deaths of at least 70 people, including infants, women, and the elderly. Survivors have described waking up to gunfire and walking for hours in search of safety following the attack on Pont-Sonde, located about 100km northwest of Port-au-Prince in the Artibonite region.
The massacre has highlighted the rampant violence and instability in Haiti, where armed groups have carried out attacks and kidnappings across the capital and in other parts of the country. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that most of the displaced individuals have sought refuge with friends and relatives in nearby communities, while others have crowded into temporary shelters such as churches, schools, and public plazas. The attack was seen as an act of retribution against self-defence groups attempting to thwart the gang’s efforts to impose tolls on nearby roads.
Haiti’s interim Prime Minister Garry Conille issued a statement condemning the attack and affirming the country’s commitment to living in peace, security, and justice. However, he also acknowledged the challenges in combating the gangs, stating that Haiti was “nowhere near winning” the battle against them. The United Nations Security Council extended the mandate of a Kenya-led policing mission in Haiti, aimed at restoring security in the country. However, the force has faced difficulties in gaining control over the gangs due to insufficient funding and resources.
The violence in Haiti has continued to escalate, with more than 3,600 people reported killed in the country in the first half of 2024. The recent mass killing in Pont-Sonde, described as unimaginable by local officials, has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the region. Survivors of the attack have shared harrowing stories of fleeing for safety and uncertainty about the future, as they grapple with the aftermath of the massacre. Despite the challenges, local authorities and international organizations are working to provide support and assistance to those affected by the violence.
The devastating impact of the attack on Pont-Sonde has left communities in shock and mourning, as they try to come to terms with the loss of loved ones and the destruction wrought by the gang violence. The displacement of thousands of people has strained resources and led to overcrowding in temporary shelters, with many facing an uncertain future. The international community has called for increased support for Haiti to address the root causes of the violence and instability, in order to prevent further atrocities and protect the vulnerable populations affected by the conflict.
