Haiti continues to grapple with an alarming uptick in gang violence, starkly illustrated by the recent gruesome events of December 2024. An armed group known as Gran Griff perpetrated what has been described as one of the deadliest massacres yet, claiming the lives of at least 20 individuals as they slept in their homes during the early hours of December 12. This horrific act of violence took place in Petite Rivière, situated within the Artibonite region, as part of the gang's retaliation against local communities resisting their territorial grip.
According to reports from local sources, including the Dominican Today, the group, led by notorious figure Luckson Elan, has wreaked havoc across Haiti since its emergence in 2018. Supported allegedly by former Member of Parliament Prophane Victor, Gran Griff has been associated with various atrocities, including kidnappings, assaults, and the unlawful disposal of bodies, instilling fear across many neighborhoods.
André Saint-Louis, the general coordinator for the Artibonite Peace Initiative Committee, expressed horror at the brutality of the massacre, emphasizing the chilling images and the community's despair. Residents have urgently called upon the Haitian National Police (PNH) to dismantle the stronghold of Gran Griff, yearning for peace and security by January 2025. This demand reflects the growing sense of vulnerability and helplessness felt by people living under the shadow of gang violence.
While the PNH has made some progress by reclaiming areas once under gang control, such as Carrefour Peille, the relentless violence continues to escalate, undermining hopes for stability. Tragically, this massacre follows other heinous acts attributed to Gran Griff, including the brutal killings of 115 individuals in Pont Sondé just months prior, and 180 people slaughtered only days earlier at the Cité Soleil neighborhood.
This pattern of violence has captured the attention of international human rights organizations. Amnesty International, for example, has condemned these recent killings and stressed the urgent need for action to protect the population. "The people across Haiti deserve to live free from fear and gang-related violence," stated Ana Piquer, the Americas director at Amnesty International. The organization has urged Haitian authorities and the international community to strengthen their commitment to safeguard civilians and hold accountable those responsible for such atrocities.
The desperate situation was underscored by the horrendous events leading to the deaths of more than 180 elderly individuals, marking one of the bloodiest weekends for Haiti this year. A gang leader, allegedly influenced by local superstition, ordered this massacre, blaming the victims for the illness and death of his son, thereby weaving the traditional practice of voodoo rituals with the horrors of gang warfare. United Nations reports now indicate over 5,000 murders attributed to gang violence have occurred within Haiti this year alone.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has become one of the few humanitarian organizations attempting to provide necessary medical assistance to those affected by the spiraling violence amid the broader healthcare crisis. After temporarily suspending services due to threats and violence from armed groups, MSF announced on December 12, 2024, its decision to partially resume medical operations within Port-au-Prince, citing the complex interplay of violence against medical personnel and the pressing need for care.
The humanitarian group has faced numerous challenges and, at times, has been hindered from welcoming new patients due to high risks. “We had to suspend admissions of new patients, fully aware many were unable to access the care they desperately needed,” remarked Jean-Marc Biquet, MSF’s head of mission. Although there have been efforts to engage with authorities for enhanced security, the risks remain disturbingly high, raising concerns about the future of medical aid amid the chaos and violence.
The health crisis is magnified by the poor functioning of the country's biggest public hospital, the Hospital of the State University of Haiti, which remains closed. This precarious situation highlights the lack of adequate healthcare availability as the violence contributes to worsening conditions for many Haitians facing hunger, malnutrition, and homelessness, with over 700,000 individuals displaced due to continued unrest.
Recent statements from Haiti's bishops reflect the pervasive sense of despair. Their Christmas message lamented the “dehumanizing violence” suffocates hope, urging all citizens to strive for peace and unity. They highlighted the struggles of older citizens and the youth, who increasingly live with anxieties about their future amid economic challenges and pervasive violence. Seeking to confront the issues affecting the population, the bishops have appealed to gang members to cease their violent actions and called upon civil authorities to enforce laws against illegal arms trafficking.
Given the gravity of the situation, the international community is urged to honor its commitments to Haiti, ensuring effective solidarity and support to aid Creole visions for restoration from violence and isolation. Amid the chaos orchestrated by gangs, the hope for normalcy remains unquenched, embodied by the peace efforts of local citizens and advocates promoting reform and the rule of law.
For now, the people of Haiti look on with weary eyes, pleading for the violence to end. The visceral need for change and security looms large, as both local and global actors grapple with solutions to alleviate the suffering. The upcoming years hold uncertainty, yet coupled with hope, many express their determination to reclaim peace and stability for themselves and their communities, envisioning the possibility of living secured lives once again.
