Amidst the ongoing violence in Haiti, the Bishop of the Diocese of Anse-à-Veau and Miragoâne sheds light on the plight of thousands of internally displaced people affected by the rampant gang violence.
By Kielce Gussie
In a unanimous decision on October 17 in New York, the UN Security Council imposed a global embargo on all arms and military equipment heading to Haiti, aiming to cut off the supply of weapons to the armed gangs that have seized control of a significant portion of the Caribbean nation.
The escalation of violence in Haiti began in 2021 when the Prime Minister was assassinated before taking office. Since then, gangs have seized control of about 80% of the capital city, leading to a state of lawlessness with no elections, parliament, or elected officials in place.
Bishop Pierre-André Dumas of the Diocese of Anse-à-Veau and Miragoâne, who sustained serious injuries in an explosion in February, shared the current state of affairs in the country as he continues to recuperate in the United States.
International Efforts
A brutal massacre orchestrated by one gang in early October claimed the lives of 115 individuals in Port Sondé, a city situated along the route connecting Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haïtien—the two major cities in the country.
Although Kenya deployed peacekeepers to Haiti earlier in the summer, there has been minimal progress. Bishop Dumas noted, “It is evident that we require this international intervention.”
Despite the presence of a multinational security support mission, the situation remains dire, with ongoing killings, rapes, and abductions, as stated by Bishop Dumas.
“In situations of corruption, it is the most vulnerable who bear the brunt—the hungry who cannot find food, and the children who are deprived of an education,” he added.
More than 700,000 individuals have been displaced due to the violence, with over half of them being minors. Additionally, approximately 100,000 children are unable to resume their studies as their school buildings lay in ruins or remain closed.
Caritas and other humanitarian organizations are on the ground, offering assistance such as food, clean water, and relief to those in need across the country. Parishes and religious communities have opened their doors to shelter those fleeing the violence.
A Call from Rome
During his Angelus prayer on October 13, Pope Francis extended his support to the people of Haiti amidst the ongoing crisis.
“I am closely monitoring the tragic situation in Haiti, where violence persists, forcing many to seek refuge elsewhere, both within and outside the country,” the Pope expressed.
Bishop Dumas acknowledged the Pope’s solidarity with Haiti, stating, “He has continually shown unwavering support through prayer, unity, and decisive actions to assist those in need.”
Turning Towards Hope
The future of Haiti, according to the Haitian bishop, depends on the collaboration between the Haitian diaspora and those who remain in the country. He highlighted that between 4 and 5 billion euros are remitted to families from the diaspora.
Bishop Dumas remains hopeful that the cycle of destitution, anguish, global negligence, and defeat can be broken through this unity and solidarity among Haitians within and outside the nation.
