In yet another brutal escalation of violence in Haiti, the Gran Grif gang launched a deadly attack on the town of Pont-Sondé in the Artibonite region, killing at least 70 civilians, including women and infants. The assault occurred early on October 3, 2024, as gang members armed with automatic rifles stormed the town, setting fire to dozens of homes and vehicles, leaving streets littered with bodies.
The gang, known for its ruthlessness, began its rampage around 3 a.m., catching residents off guard. Survivors described scenes of horror as the gang indiscriminately fired at anyone in sight. Many of the victims, including 10 women and three infants, were shot execution-style, while others perished in the fires that engulfed homes across the town. Over 6,000 residents fled the area, further intensifying the humanitarian crisis gripping Haiti.
Members of Haiti's Grand Grif gang attacked a small town in Saint-Marc early Thursday. The number of deaths is yet to be determined, with local media reporting over 50 people have been killed, while a Haitian human rights group putting the figure at 20 or more. pic.twitter.com/xPzHM3G5tQ
— Our World (@MeetOurWorld) October 4, 2024
Haitian officials confirmed the attack was one of the deadliest in recent memory, adding to the growing insecurity in the country, which has been increasingly overrun by gang violence. The Artibonite region, once a vital agricultural hub, has become a battleground as gangs expand their control beyond the capital, Port-au-Prince. Despite some clashes with local police, the Gran Grif gang inflicted widespread destruction before retreating.
The United Nations condemned the massacre, urging international assistance for the ongoing security crisis in Haiti. The U.N. Office of Human Rights called for an immediate investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable, emphasizing the need for justice and reparations for the victims. Additionally, the U.N. highlighted the struggles faced by a newly-formed Kenyan-led international police mission, which has been tasked with curbing gang violence but faces significant challenges due to a lack of funding and personnel.
Members of Haiti's Grand Grif gang attacked a small town in Saint-Marc early Thursday. The number of deaths is yet to be determined, with local media reporting over 50 people have been killed, while a Haitian human rights group putting the figure at 20 or more. pic.twitter.com/xPzHM3G5tQ
— Our World (@MeetOurWorld) October 4, 2024
Haitian Prime Minister Gary Conille expressed outrage over the attack, denouncing it as an act of "cowardice" and vowing that the government would not yield to gang terror. He reaffirmed the administration's commitment to restoring peace, even as many Haitians express frustration with the government's inability to protect its citizens from violent crime.
The recent surge in violence is placing immense pressure on Haitian authorities, who have struggled to contain gang activity and provide basic services amid the ongoing political instability.
The massacre in Pont-Sondé comes amid a broader context of lawlessness that has plagued Haiti since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. Gangs have since filled the power vacuum, controlling large swaths of territory and engaging in kidnappings, extortion, and murder. The international community, while sympathetic to Haiti’s plight, has yet to offer substantial solutions beyond sporadic aid and diplomatic statements.
This latest attack underscores the urgency of addressing Haiti’s growing security challenges. While international efforts have been mounted, including the deployment of anti-gang police units, these actions have so far fallen short of curbing the escalating violence. The Gran Grif gang’s rampage in Pont-Sondé is a stark reminder of the deteriorating situation, leaving residents in constant fear of further attacks as gang warfare continues to spiral out of control..