PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — In a courageous act to drive out gang members from their community, a large group of parishioners, led by a pastor, armed with machetes, marched through a neighborhood in Canaan, a makeshift town in the outskirts of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Unfortunately, the group was ambushed and attacked by a powerful gang, resulting in several fatalities and injuries. The entire incident was captured in real time by journalists present at the scene, and Marie Yolène Gilles, director of human rights group Fondasyon Je Klere, provided this information to The Associated Press.
During the live stream, hundreds of people from a local church could be seen marching through Canaan. This town was established by survivors who lost their homes in the devastating 2010 earthquake. The exact number of casualties from the attack is still unknown.
Gang violence has been on the rise since the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, with gangs estimated to control up to 80% of Port-au-Prince. Canaan, specifically, is under the control of a gang led by an individual known as “Jeff,” who is believed to be connected to the “5 Seconds” gang.
Gédéon Jean, director of Haiti’s Center for Analysis and Research in Human Rights, expressed his intention to request an investigation from the Ministry of Justice, holding the pastor responsible for putting people in this dangerous situation. He criticized the lack of intervention from the police, stating that they should have prevented the group from marching.
The escalating gang violence has prompted Haitians to take matters into their own hands. In April, they initiated a violent movement, known as “bwa kale,” targeting suspected gang members. According to the United Nations, over 350 people have been killed since the movement began.
In an effort to combat gang violence, the Haitian government has requested the immediate deployment of a foreign armed force. Kenya has offered to lead a multinational force and recently sent a delegation to Haiti for a reconnaissance mission. Additionally, the United States has announced plans to introduce a U.N. Security Council resolution authorizing Kenya to take action.
It is disheartening to witness the ongoing violence in Haiti, as more than 2,400 people have been reported killed, over 950 kidnapped, and 902 injured from January 1 to August 15, according to recent United Nations statistics.
As the situation unfolds, it is important for international organizations and governments to come together and find a sustainable solution to restore peace and security in Haiti.
Associated Press reporter Dánica Coto in San Juan, Puerto Rico, contributed to this article.
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