A brutal wave of violence has gripped the Wharf Jérémie area of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where gang members targeted elderly residents in a series of brutal killings.

According to BBC, at least 110 elderly individuals were murdered by gang members after their leader blamed local residents for practicing witchcraft that allegedly caused his son's death.

The National Human Rights Defence Network (RNDDH) reported that the massacre occurred over two days, with 60 people killed on Friday and another 50 murdered on Saturday. Gang members, acting under orders from their leader Monel Felix, known as Mikano, specifically targeted residents over 60 years old after consulting a voodoo priest about his son's mysterious illness and subsequent death.

Gang Violence Expands Beyond Traditional Territories

The massacre represents a disturbing escalation in Haiti's ongoing gang crisis, which has intensified since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. United Nations human rights chief Volker Türk revealed that the death toll from gang violence in Haiti this year has reached a staggering 5,000 people. Recent months have witnessed particularly bloody incidents as gangs attempt to expand their control beyond their traditional strongholds.

Gang members executed the killings with extreme brutality, using knives and machetes to attack their victims. Residents reported witnessing mutilated bodies being burned in the streets of Cité Soleil. Some younger residents who attempted to protect the elderly were also killed during the rampage, according to local rights groups.

The Wharf Jérémie area, controlled by Mikano's gang, is a strategic location within the port of the capital. Security expert Romain Le Cour Grandmaison of the Global Initiative against Transnational Crime (GI-TOC) describes it as a small but heavily fortified area that poses significant challenges for security forces to penetrate.

International Response Falls Short of Crisis

The Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission, deployed to Haiti in June, has struggled to contain the violence. Lacking proper funding and equipment, the international police force has been unable to effectively challenge the heavily armed gangs that now control approximately 85% of Port-au-Prince and expanding territories in the countryside.

The situation has created a massive humanitarian crisis, with the International Organization for Migration reporting that more than 700,000 people have been internally displaced across Haiti.

Half of these displaced individuals are children, highlighting the devastating impact on the country's most vulnerable populations. rights organizations have documented the use of sexual violence as a terror tactic by gang members.

Human Rights Watch researcher Nathalye Cotrino recently highlighted the complete breakdown of law and order, noting that gang members commit sexual violence with impunity.

Political Instability Compounds Security Crisis

Haiti's political situation remains precarious, with the Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) showing little progress in establishing democratic order. The recent replacement of the interim prime minister has added to the political turmoil, further complicating efforts to organize elections and restore stability.

The October massacre in Pont-Sondé, where 115 locals were killed by the Gran Grif gang, demonstrates the expanding reach of gang violence beyond the capital. This incident occurred after residents attempted to resist the gang's extortion efforts by forming a vigilante group.

Local media reported that Mikano's gang prevented residents from leaving Wharf Jérémie during the weekend massacre, which delayed the spread of information about the killings. The gang is part of the powerful Viv Ansanm alliance, which maintains significant control over the Haitian capital.

Why This Story Matters

Understanding the depths of this tragedy is crucial for comprehending the broader socio-political landscape in Haiti. The systemic issues that allow such violence to persist are deeply embedded in the country's current governance structure. Addressing these issues is imperative for the safety and stability not only of Haiti but of the entire Caribbean region.

The persistent violence and humanitarian crises affecting thousands of Haitians underscore a dire need for concerted, global efforts to restore peace and order. As Haiti struggles with gang violence, international attention and aid are more critical than ever.

Lessons to Learn from This Tragedy

1. Awareness and Education: Residents and the international community need to understand the dynamics of gang control and the vulnerabilities of certain populations, such as the elderly.

2. Community Cohesion: Strengthening community ties can help protect vulnerable groups and foster a collective response against threats.

3. International Support: Enhanced international cooperation is needed to support law enforcement and humanitarian aid in Haiti.

While taking precautions can mitigate risks, it is crucial to recognize that the responsibility for crime lies with the perpetrators, not the victims.

In conclusion, the horrific events in Port-au-Prince serve as a grim reminder of the challenges Haiti faces from gang domination and superstition-driven violence. The international community must intensify its focus on Haiti, not only to bring relief but to help build a framework for sustained peace and security.