Violence Erupts in Haiti: Over 100 Fatalities Reported in Port-au-Prince
Port-au-Prince, Haiti--The capital has once again been the scene of horrific violence, with reports indicating that more than 100 individuals have lost their lives in a recent gang attack. According to various human rights organizations and local media, this incident is believed to be a retaliatory act orchestrated by a gang leader.
The Committee for Peace and Development (CPD) released a statement on Sunday suggesting that the violence was aimed at followers of the Voodoo religion residing in Wharf Jeremie, a neighborhood within the notorious Cité Soleil area, known for its extreme poverty and gang prevalence.
Witnesses confirmed to media outlets, including the New York Times, that the massacre occurred over the weekend, with many of the victims reportedly being elderly men and women. Disturbing accounts detail how the bodies were mutilated and burned in public view.
The violence appears to be rooted in a personal vendetta. Reports indicate that Monel Felix, alias Micanord, the leader of the gang, lost his son to an undisclosed illness. Following this tragic event, Felix accused the residents of the neighborhood of bewitching his son, leading him to retaliate against those he held responsible, particularly targeting the elderly and practitioners of Voodoo.
Voodoo, which has its origins in West Africa, is recognized as a legitimate religion in Haiti, yet it often faces stigma and violence from those who misunderstand or oppose it.
Haiti, the poorest nation in the Americas, has been grappling with rampant gang violence for years. These gangs exert significant control over the capital, complicating efforts to restore order. Despite the deployment of police from Kenya as part of a multinational force, progress in stabilizing the area has been minimal.
In recent months, the situation in Port-au-Prince has escalated to alarming levels, with reports of direct assaults on commercial aircraft, further illustrating the precarious security environment in the region.
This latest episode of brutality adds to the growing list of violent incidents that have plagued Haiti, raising concerns about the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the urgent need for international assistance.
Authorities and humanitarian organizations are calling for immediate intervention to address the escalating violence and support the affected communities. The need for a comprehensive strategy to tackle gang violence and restore safety in Port-au-Prince has never been more critical.
