At least 150 people have been killed in a wave of violence that erupted in a small farming town north of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, shortly after it was freed from gang control by Kenyan and Haitian police forces.
In October, the joint security forces reclaimed the town in a rare victory against gang domination in the region. Their arrival was met with jubilation as residents celebrated the end of two years of relentless gang violence, including land grabbing, theft, and intimidation. However, the relief was tragically short-lived.
Soon after the police gained control, armed members of the Savien Gran Grief and Palmis gangs launched brutal attacks on the community. In response, a local self-defense group, armed with machetes and knives, retaliated against individuals suspected of being gang collaborators.
The resulting violence, which spanned three days, left devastating consequences. A community leader described the aftermath, with homes set ablaze, streets stained with blood, and bodies, many dismembered, floating in a nearby river. Innocent residents became casualties, either caught in the crossfire or falsely accused of aiding gangs.
Observers have likened the situation to a civil conflict, with vigilantes taking advantage of the security forces’ presence to carry out extrajudicial killings. Many victims, accused of gang ties, were dragged from their homes or seized off the streets and killed, regardless of whether they had been forced to cooperate with gang members.
On 12 December 2024, Multinational Security Support Mission Commander Godfrey Otunge denied reports of discord between Kenyan peacekeepers and the Haitian National Police. Speaking at Jamhuri Day celebrations in Haiti, he dismissed the claims as baseless propaganda meant to disrupt the mission.
Otunge reaffirmed the strong collaboration between the two forces, emphasizing their shared commitment to restoring security in Haiti and supporting citizens as the country prepares for upcoming elections. Despite challenges and complaints from some officers, he highlighted the mission’s dedication to combating gang violence and creating a safer environment.
By Newsmedia