In a coastal region of Haiti’s capital, tensions have escalated following a gang leader’s quest for retribution, which led to the deaths of over 100 individuals. This wave of violence was reportedly spurred by a gang leader seeking vengeance for his son’s demise.
Witnesses from the community of Cité Soleil say the two-day assault left a significant toll on local residents. Gunmen were seen targeting both the elderly and the young, creating a climate of fear amongst the inhabitants. Mackenson Cangé, whose father was a victim, reports that the area remains under siege, with attackers continuing their pursuit of older individuals.
Cangé spoke to Magik9 radio, expressing frustration over the lack of government action, highlighting the critical need for intervention beyond mere condemnations. He said, “I believe in the justice of my country. But I’m tired of the government (only) condemning these massacres. We need to take action.” Despite the tragedy, images of the incident have not surfaced on social media, pointing to the restricted access in these gang-dominated zones.
Reports vary on the number of casualties. While local groups estimate over 100 deaths, the U.N. high commissioner for human rights, Volker Türk, reports at least 184 fatalities. These disparities reflect the challenges faced in gathering accurate data in these areas, which are hard to reach even for human rights organizations.
The killings were allegedly orchestrated by gang leader Micanor Altès, known as Monel Felix and Wa Mikanò, driven by accusations of witchcraft against Vodou practitioners and the elderly, whom he blamed for his son’s illness and death. The National Human Rights Defense Network, along with the Cooperative for Peace and Development, have confirmed these claims.
In a stark response, Haiti’s Office of Citizen Protection condemned the massacre, stressing that accusations of sorcery do not justify such violence. The office called for immediate legal action to bring the perpetrators to justice, emphasizing the need to protect the elderly, who contribute significantly to society.
Furthermore, the Haitian Bridge Alliance in the United States has urged for an extensive investigation, urging the government to enhance security measures in response to escalating gang-related violence. The executive director, Guerline Jozef, remarked on the severe nature of the situation, labeling it a harbinger of the deepening lawlessness afflicting the nation.
Micanor Altès, the gang leader, is notorious for criminal activities like robbery, extortion, and hijacking in coastal areas. The latest violence, however, unveils a more brutal aspect of his operation compared to other gang figures in Haiti. Despite a governmental promise to apprehend those responsible, the practical steps toward achieving this remain unclear.
Cangé’s personal account highlights the ongoing threat in Wharf Jérémie, where even his father, Marcel Cangé, fell victim. The elder Cangé was reportedly taken from his home by force and subsequently murdered. “I never believed something like that would happen to my father,” Mackenson Cangé reflected, recalling his father’s longstanding presence in the community.
The tragedy of the massacre underscores the challenges faced by the government and international forces in curbing gang influence in Haiti. Over 4,500 deaths have been recorded this year alone, illustrating the severity of the crisis.
The recent massacre in Haiti exemplifies the dire need for concrete measures to restore security and justice. As the nation grapples with the impact of such violence, the calls for comprehensive action and protection of vulnerable communities grow increasingly urgent.
Source: News4jax
