PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti (CMC) — The recent attack in Pont-Sondé underscores the grave challenges the Haitian government faces in tackling gang violence. Despite Prime Minister Garry Conille’s pledge to address this issue, the Gran Grif gang’s rampage led to the deaths of at least 20 people, including children, and left more than 50 injured. Eyewitness accounts and video footage reveal scenes of chaos, with residents fleeing the violence on foot and motorbikes.
Bertide Harace, a spokeswoman for a local reconciliation commission, reported that gang members not only killed but also set fire to homes and vehicles, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Government prosecutor Venson François condemned the attack as a “massacre,” highlighting the urgent need for effective intervention and support for the affected communities. This incident illustrates the ongoing instability in Haiti and the critical need for comprehensive solutions to enhance security and social well-being.
Despite the presence of the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, the criminal gangs, which have taken control of a vast majority of the capital, continue to instill fear in the country that has been without an elected government and head of state since President Jovenel Moise was assassinated on July 7, 2021 at his private residence.
The authorities have not said how many people were killed during Thursday’s massacre, with local media reporting that more than 50 and a Haitian human rights group putting the figure at 20 or more.
Media reports describe Gran Grif as one of the most violent of Haiti’s gangs.
In January last year, members were accused of attacking a police station near Port-Sondé and killing six officers. It is also blamed for forcing the closure of a hospital serving more than 700,000 people.
The gang has about 100 members and has been accused of crimes including murder, rape, robberies and kidnappings.
According to a United Nations report, Prophane Victor, a former legislator, who represented the Artibonite department, began arming young men who eventually formed the Gran Grif gang to secure his election and control over the area.
Last month, the United States imposed sanctions on Victor.
