October 7th 2024.
A devastating attack in central Haiti has left the community in chaos. According to the UN's migration agency, nearly 6300 people have been forced to flee their homes in the aftermath of the violence. This attack, carried out by heavily armed gang members, resulted in the loss of at least 70 lives.
The International Organization for Migration released a report last week stating that almost 90% of those displaced are currently staying with relatives in host families. The remaining 12% have sought refuge in other locations, including a school. The attack in the town of Pont-Sondé occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning, causing many to flee in the middle of the night.
One survivor, 60-year-old Sonise Mirano, shared her harrowing experience of the attack. "They came in shooting, breaking into houses to steal and burn," she said. "I only had enough time to grab my children and run into the darkness." Mirano, along with hundreds of other survivors, is now camping in a park in the nearby coastal city of Saint-Marc.
According to Bertide Harace, the spokesperson for the Commission for Dialogue, Reconciliation and Awareness to Save the Artibonite, bodies were scattered across the streets of Pont-Sondé after the attack. Many of the victims were shot in the head, as reported by Harace to Magik 9 radio station on Friday. Initial estimates put the death toll at 20, but as activists and government officials gained access to the town, they discovered more bodies, including a young mother, her newborn baby, and a midwife.
Prime Minister Garry Conille made a vow to bring the perpetrators to justice during his visit to Saint-Marc on Friday. "It is necessary to arrest them, bring them to justice, and put them in prison," he stated. "They must pay for their actions, and the victims must receive restitution." The UN Human Rights Office and the European Union have also condemned the violence, calling it a horrific attack on the people of Haiti.
In response to the attack, Haiti's government deployed an elite police unit from the capital, Port-au-Prince, to Pont-Sondé. They also sent medical supplies to the area's only hospital, which was overwhelmed and struggling to cope with the influx of injured survivors. Conille assured the community that the police would remain in the area for as long as necessary to ensure their safety, but he also appealed to the population, stating that "the police cannot do it alone."
The Artibonite region, known for its agricultural production and as the country's food source, has seen an increase in gang violence in recent years. This attack is one of the largest massacres to occur in the area. Similar attacks have also taken place in the capital city of Port-au-Prince, which is currently controlled by gangs. These violent outbursts are often linked to turf wars, with gang members targeting civilians in rival-controlled areas. As a result, many neighborhoods are no longer safe, and those affected by the violence are unable to return home, even if their houses were spared.
The violence in Haiti has resulted in more than 700,000 people being internally displaced, with over half of them being children, according to the International Organization for Migration. This number has increased by 22% since June, highlighting the urgent need for support and aid in the country. The agency also reported that a quarter of the displaced population is currently residing in overcrowded and under-resourced sites in Port-au-Prince.
Families who have been forced to flee their homes are now relying on the kindness of strangers, with many being accommodated by host families. However, this has resulted in significant difficulties for both the displaced and the host families, including food shortages, overwhelmed healthcare facilities, and a lack of essential supplies in local markets. The situation is dire, and the people of Haiti are in desperate need of assistance.
As the country continues to struggle with the aftermath of this devastating attack, we can only hope that peace and safety will soon be restored for the people of Haiti. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this tragedy. Stay informed about the latest updates on this and other news stories by following our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithms, and your privacy is guaranteed.
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