Massacre in Haiti: At Least 200 Dead in Cite Soleil and Artibonite
Haitian police forces, Photo: @TheSocialNewsSJ
December 15, 2024 Hour: 3:09 pm
At least 200 people have been killed in Haiti since the past weekend, with a significant number of victims in Cite Soleil, one of the poorest and most violent areas of Port-au-Prince.
The office of the Prime Minister of Haiti reported that the attacks, attributed to the gang led by Monel “Mikano” Félix, were unleashed following the illness and subsequent death of his son, whom Félix blamed for witchcraft practiced by elderly members of the community.
Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé stated this Thursday that “all those responsible for the massacres will be arrested” and emphasized that the victims deserve justice, reparation, and security. During a press conference, Fils-Aimé indicated that the government is intensifying its efforts to combat insecurity, noting that he, along with his cabinet and leaders of the National Police, are developing strategies to increase the safety of the Haitian population.
“No one should live under these conditions, fearing to go out on the street. The government’s fight is for everyone’s safety,” he emphasized.
Fils-Aimé underscored the importance of holding criminals accountable for their actions and called for unity among citizens to advance this cause. “If we unite, we can build the country we desire,” he stated.
To strengthen the response to violence, the Prime Minister announced that the government will provide comprehensive support to the police and armed forces, especially in technical and financial areas. In this regard, he revealed that starting in December, police salaries will be doubled, referring to them as “national heroes.”
The recent wave of violence has been particularly alarming; in addition to deaths in Cite Soleil, another 20 civilians were killed while sleeping in attacks in the Artibonite department. Fils-Aimé described as “unacceptable” the treatment that armed gangs give to “defenseless populations,” preventing their right to live in peace.
The National Network for Human Rights Defense (RNDDH) reported at least 110 elderly people killed during attacks in Cite Soleil and warned that the total number could be higher. Witnesses recounted that mutilated bodies were burned in the streets. The tragedy began on Thursday and culminated on Saturday afternoon with the child’s death.
Monel “Mikano” Félix is one of Haiti’s most prominent gang leaders and shares criminal leadership with former police officer Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier. It is estimated that his organization has approximately 300 members and has expanded its activities to other areas of Port-au-Prince.
Despite the presence of a police force backed by the UN known as the Multinational Security Support Mission—primarily composed of Kenyan agents—the violence continues to escalate. Last month, three American commercial planes were hit by gunfire while operating at Port-au-Prince International Airport.
In response to this growing crisis, the United States requested that the UN convert its security mission into an official peacekeeping operation to ensure financial resources and permanent personnel. However, this proposal faces resistance from Russia and China in the Security Council.
So far, only 400 troops have been sent to address a situation requiring at least 2,000 troops to effectively respond to armed gangs. Additionally, Dominican President Luis Abinader highlighted that a lack of financial resources compromises the full functioning of the mission.
Previous international interventions have been criticized for failing to address structural issues such as corruption and institutional fragility. Past missions like MINUSTAH did not adequately strengthen Haiti’s National Police enough to ensure public safety.
The current mission recently announced an operational expansion with a new base to deploy international police in more areas. In its statement, it committed to protecting key infrastructures and creating safe conditions for national elections.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) called on Monday for a UN mission focused on human rights to be authorized quickly in order to restore security amid rising violence caused by gangs since early this year. HRW noted that while there is hope regarding the Multinational Mission backed by the UN led by Kenya, governments have failed to provide sufficient resources for its effective operation.
Fils-Aimé concluded his speech reiterating: “Our commitment is what guides us every day: security, respect for the Constitution, and fair elections.”
Autor: OSG
Fuente: France24-EFE
