At least 16 killed, thousands displaced by gang attack in rural Haiti

Central Haiti’s gang-controlled region has seen at least 16 fatalities following weekend assaults, according to authorities. Local journalists and rights groups suggest the toll may be higher, with estimates ranging from 20 to as many as 70 deaths. Over 6,000 residents have fled their homes, leaving the area in chaos. The Gran Grif gang, one of Haiti’s most feared criminal organizations, is accused of orchestrating the violence, though details remain unclear.

Details of the Attacks

A violent onslaught began in the early hours of Sunday, as reported by residents of Jean-Denis, a rural community near Petite-Rivière de l’Artibonite. Witnesses described gang members emerging from multiple directions, setting houses ablaze and firing at those attempting to escape. The next day, survivors found bodies scattered along roadsides, a grim sign of the assault’s brutality.

“Around 20 dead,” one local journalist stated, highlighting the growing toll. Meanwhile, a human rights organization warned that the actual casualty count could reach 70, underscoring the scale of the crisis.

A second attack occurred on Monday, intensifying the crisis. While 16 bodies have been transported to nearby morgues, many locals remain too afraid to recover the remains due to the presence of armed gang members. The ombudsman’s office noted at least 19 additional victims suffered gunshot wounds, complicating efforts to confirm the full extent of the damage.

Context of the Crisis

Gang violence has plagued Haiti for years, with the multinational police force deployed in 2024 struggling to counter the threat. Their inability to access gang-controlled zones has allowed criminal activity to escalate. Now, with the latest wave of attacks, fears of a fragmented security landscape are rising.

Romain Le Cour Grandmaison, director of the Haiti Observatory at the Global Initiative, told the BBC that the assault appeared highly organized. Roads were reportedly blocked to prevent police intervention, and warnings were issued before the attacks. Critics argue authorities failed to act on these signals, exacerbating the situation.

Leadership Shifts and Future Concerns

The attack is linked to “Ti Kenken,” a former vigilante leader who switched allegiance to Gran Grif. Le Cour Grandmaison expressed concern over his alleged role, noting that vigilante groups are often seen as key allies in maintaining order. However, shifting loyalties may now fuel further conflict.

Le Cour Grandmaison warned that such changes could lead to a cycle of escalating violence, trapping civilians or directly targeting them. He also highlighted the risk of increased fragmentation, with leaders like “Ti Kenken” moving between roles as vigilante, criminal, and police collaborator.

Historical Precedents and US Designation

This is not the first time residents of Artibonite, a primarily agricultural region, have faced gang violence. In October 2024, Gran Grif carried out a deadly rampage in Pont-Sondé, killing over 100 people after accusing locals of supporting rival gangs. The current attacks in Petite-Rivière de l’Artibonite are believed to be part of a similar pattern.

“Gran Grif, along with the Viv Ansanm coalition, are the primary source of instability and violence in Haiti,” said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in May 2023. He described the gangs’ aim as creating “a state controlled by criminal networks where illicit trafficking and other activities operate freely, terrorizing Haitian citizens.”

The underfunded multinational police force (MSS) has often been outgunned and outmanned in its efforts to stabilize the region. A new, larger UN-backed Gang Suppression Force (GSF) is set to replace the MSS, with its first officers arriving in April 2024. This shift is intended to address the ongoing security challenges and prevent further displacement.