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In a fresh wave of violence, armed men launched attacks on the Haitian town of Arcahaie, local media reported on Wednesday. This came as grieving families in a nearby town mourned the growing number of victims from a massacre just days earlier. The massacre took place in Pont-Sondé, an agricultural town about 60 kilometers (37 miles) north of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
Arcahaie, historically known as the birthplace of the Haitian flag, has become a target of increasing gang activity. Residents have been pleading for security reinforcements, as members of the notorious Canaan gang, led by Jeff Larose, continue to spread terror in the region. Larose’s gang has gained control of key areas along the highway connecting the capital to northern Haiti. The group’s history of brutality is well-known; last year, they opened fire on Protestant parishioners during an anti-violence protest and later circulated footage of their kidnapped victims being tortured.
Despite the urgency of the situation, there was no immediate comment from local police on the Arcahaie attacks. The security situation across Haiti has rapidly deteriorated as gangs gain more control, exacerbating an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Food and medical shortages have worsened, and over 700,000 people have fled their homes due to the escalating violence. More than five million Haitians, nearly half the population, are currently facing hunger.
Haiti’s battle with gang violence has drawn international attention, but global interventions have been slow to materialize. Last year, the United Nations approved the deployment of a security force to support Haitian police efforts in restoring order. However, the response has been inadequate, with only a small fraction of the promised forces deployed and just $85 million of the pledged funds paid into the support fund. Meanwhile, gangs have continued to expand their territories unchecked.
The recent massacre in Pont-Sondé, carried out by members of the Gran Grif gang, sent shockwaves across the nation. In the early hours of Thursday morning, the gang stormed the town, going door to door and shooting residents. At least 115 people were killed in the attack, which left many homes and vehicles burned. Local officials expressed frustration at the lack of police intervention, with some reports indicating that officers stationed nearby arrived hours later, likely fearful of confronting the heavily armed gang.
In response to the growing unrest, the police have replaced the regional chief in an attempt to regain control. Yet, many Haitians remain skeptical of the government’s ability to curb the escalating violence.
Adding to the tension, the Haitian Prime Minister, Garry Conille, is currently on a four-day state visit to Kenya. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, along with other Kenyan officials, welcomed Conille upon his arrival at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Thursday. The visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries, with a particular focus on security cooperation and fostering regional stability.
“This visit marks a significant moment in the deepening of diplomatic ties between Kenya and Haiti. Both nations are keen to explore new avenues for collaboration, particularly in the areas of economic development and security,” said Mudavadi during a press briefing. Prime Minister Conille is expected to meet with Kenyan President William Ruto for high-level discussions on how both countries can support each other in overcoming their respective security challenges.
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