PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti (CMC) — The current assault in Pont-Sondé underscores the grave challenges the Haitian authorities faces in tackling gang violence. Regardless of Prime Minister Garry Conille’s pledge to handle this problem, the Gran Grif gang’s rampage led to the deaths of no less than 20 folks, together with kids, and left greater 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 neighborhood reconciliation fee, reported that gang members not solely killed but additionally set hearth to houses and autos, exacerbating the humanitarian disaster. Authorities prosecutor Venson François condemned the assault as a “bloodbath,” highlighting the pressing want for efficient intervention and help for the affected communities. This incident illustrates the continuing instability in Haiti and the crucial want for complete options to boost safety and social well-being.
Regardless of the presence of the Kenya-led Multinational Safety Assist (MSS) mission, the legal gangs, which have taken management of a overwhelming majority of the capital, proceed to instill worry within the nation that has been with out an elected authorities and head of state since President Jovenel Moise was assassinated on July 7, 2021 at his non-public residence.
The authorities haven’t stated how many individuals have been killed throughout Thursday’s bloodbath, with native media reporting that greater than 50 and a Haitian human rights group placing the determine at 20 or extra.
Media studies describe Gran Grif as one of the vital violent of Haiti’s gangs.
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In January final 12 months, members have been accused of attacking a police station close to Port-Sondé and killing six officers. Additionally it is blamed for forcing the closure of a hospital serving greater than 700,000 folks.
The gang has about 100 members and has been accused of crimes together with homicide, rape, robberies and kidnappings.
In keeping with a United Nations report, Prophane Victor, a former legislator, who represented the Artibonite division, started arming younger males who ultimately fashioned the Gran Grif gang to safe his election and management over the world.
Final month, the US imposed sanctions on Victor.
