Haiti’s government has condemned the country’s escalating gang violence after a brutal massacre in Port-au-Prince left over 180 people dead on December 6 and 7. The killings, attributed to gang leader Micanor “Mikanò” Altès and his associates, were reportedly fueled by suspicions of witchcraft related to his child’s illness, according to CNN.
Massacre Details
The attack occurred in the Wharf Jérémie area of the Cité Soleil neighborhood. The Haitian National Human Rights Defense Network (RNDDH) reported that Altès consulted a Voudou priest, who blamed elderly residents for causing his child’s sickness through witchcraft. Acting on this belief, Altès allegedly ordered the killing of elderly residents.
According to RNDDH, at least 60 elderly individuals were killed on December 6, with another 50 murdered on December 7 using machetes and knives. Despite these heinous acts, Altès’ child ultimately passed away.
The United Nations reported at least 184 fatalities, including approximately 127 elderly victims. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk described the massacre as part of a deepening crisis in Haiti, where gang-related violence has claimed over 5,000 lives this year.
A Community Under Siege
RNDDH described Wharf Jérémie as being under an “informal siege,” with ongoing attacks targeting elderly residents and Voudou practitioners. The Committee for Peace and Development (CPD) noted that victims were left mutilated, with attackers focusing on those they suspected of casting harmful spells.
Government Response
Haiti’s transitional government has vowed to bring those responsible to justice. However, gang violence continues to spiral in Port-au-Prince, where the powerful Viv Ansamn gang coalition has targeted key state institutions, including prisons, police stations, and the international airport.
The violence has displaced hundreds of thousands of residents, leaving many homeless and in dire need of humanitarian aid.
International Efforts
Earlier this year, a multinational policing force was deployed to Haiti in response to the growing insecurity. However, the force has struggled to control the situation, leaving many communities trapped in a cycle of violence and fear.
As Haiti grapples with its worsening security crisis, global organizations and local leaders continue to call for urgent action to restore stability and protect vulnerable populations.
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