Pont-Sondé, Haiti — A devastating attack by an armed gang in the small town of Pont-Sondé, Haiti, has resulted in the deaths of at least 70 individuals, including children, and left 16 others seriously injured. The onslaught, carried out by members of the notorious Gran Grif gang, occurred approximately 44 miles northwest of the capital, Port-au-Prince, in the central Artibonite region.
Local authorities, overwhelmed by the scale of violence, described the brutal incident as a massacre. Video footage captured terrified residents attempting to escape the chaos by fleeing on motorbikes and by foot, painting a grim picture of the terror inflicted upon this community.
The United Nations has reported that during the rampage, gang members set fire to at least 45 houses and 34 vehicles, magnifying the extent of the destruction. The Gran Grif gang, known for its violent tactics, has increasingly exerted control over significant portions of Haiti, challenging national stability and safety.
This violent gang has previously been in the spotlight for its ruthless activities. In January 2023, they raided a police station near Pont-Sondé, resulting in the death of six officers, and their operations have forced the closure of a crucial hospital that served over 700,000 people.
The gang’s composition is relatively small, with around 100 members, but their impact on the community is substantial. The United Nations has accused Gran Grif members of a range of crimes, including murder, rape, robbery, and kidnapping. Both its founder and current leader have been marked with sanctions by the United States, underscoring the international concern over their actions.
The attack comes on the heels of a recent expansion of a state of emergency declared across Haiti, signifying a deteriorating security situation that Prime Minister Garry Conille has vowed to address. In his commitment to restoring order, Conille has advocated for decisive action against gang factions destabilizing the nation.
In support of these efforts, the United Nations has endorsed a robust policing mission spearheaded by officers from multiple countries, including a significant commitment from Kenya. This initiative, which launched in June, aims to reclaim territories overrun by gangs and restore law and order. Approximately 2,500 international officers are participating, with their mission scheduled for a year-long tenure, subject to a review after nine months.
As the local and international community reels from the shock of Thursday’s events, the focus intensifies on the effectiveness of the ongoing anti-gang initiatives and the broader strategies needed to combat the deep-rooted issues of violence and instability in Haiti. The hope is that with sustained international support and decisive local governance, peace might eventually be restored to the troubled streets of Pont-Sondé and beyond.