Haiti Gang Opens Fire on Church Protest, Killing 7+ as Community Fights for Territory
At least seven individuals were tragically killed in Haiti when a powerful gang controlling a northern suburb of Port-au-Prince initiated a violent attack on a peaceful protest organized by a Christian church leader. The protest aimed to rid the area of gang members, but it quickly turned deadly as the gang members opened fire using machine guns.
The director of Haitian rights group CARDH, Gedeon Jean, stated that the number of fatalities is expected to rise. Several people were also wounded, and it was reported that some churchgoers were kidnapped during the incident, which unfolded on Saturday. Local media reported that at least 10 participants lost their lives during the attack.
Videos circulating on social media platforms depicted around 100 individuals, many wearing yellow shirts associated with a religious group led by Pastor Marco, marching in the suburb of Canaan. Some of them carried sticks and machetes as they bravely rallied together against the gang presence in their community.
Canaan is currently under the control of a gang led by an individual known as Jeff, who is believed to have ties with the notorious 5 Seconds gang. Since the assassination of Haiti’s president, Jovenel Moïse, in July 2021, gangs have grown in power and are estimated to control up to 80% of Port-au-Prince.
Gedeon Jean, the director of Haiti’s Center for Analysis and Research in Human Rights, expressed his intention to request an investigation by the Ministry of Justice. He criticized the church leader, holding him accountable for the tragic incident, stating that he had irresponsibly engaged a group of people and put their lives at risk.
Unfortunately, the parishioners, armed only with machetes and driven by their cries for a free Canaan, were no match for the gang members armed with deadly assault rifles. Gedeon Jean stressed the importance of police intervention, emphasizing that they should have prevented the protesters from proceeding, deeming it extremely horrible for the state to allow such violence to occur.
There has been no response from Haiti’s national police regarding the incident.
The situation in Haiti has been extremely precarious, with over 2,400 reported killings, 950 kidnappings, and 902 injuries from January 1 to August 15, according to the United Nations. In response to the escalating gang violence, Haitians organized a movement in April, called bwa kale, which aims to counter suspected gang members with force. More than 350 individuals have tragically lost their lives since the movement began, as reported by the UN.
In October, the government of Haiti urgently requested the deployment of a foreign armed force to combat the ongoing gang violence. Kenya has stepped forward to lead a multinational force, and a delegation of high-ranking officials recently visited Haiti as part of a reconnaissance mission.
The United States has announced its preparedness to propose a United Nations Security Council resolution granting authorization for Kenya to take action in Haiti.
The situation in Haiti remains critical, with innocent lives continually being lost to gang violence. The government and international community must work together to find effective solutions and restore peace and security to the nation.
