December 9, 2024

Contact: Paige Censale, pcensale@haitianbridge.org

San Diego, California. — The Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA) vehemently condemns the  brutal massacre  that occurred on December 6-7, 2024, in the Cité Soleil neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Reports indicate that over 180 individuals, predominantly elderly and practitioners of Vodou, were mercilessly killed  by the Wharf Jérémie gang under the command of leader Monel “Mikano” Felix.

This atrocity was reportedly instigated by unfounded accusations of witchcraft following the illness of Felix’s son, leading to a horrific act of retribution against innocent community members. The victims, many over 60 years old, were subjected to unimaginable violence, including mutilation and burning.

This massacre is a profound tragedy that underscores the escalating crisis of gang violence and lawlessness in Haiti,” said Guerline Jozef, Executive Director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance. “The deliberate targeting of the elderly and religious practitioners is a reprehensible act that demands immediate and decisive action from both Haitian authorities and the international community.”

The unfortunate reality is that this is not the first massacre the people of Haiti have endured. The systemic violence and neglect they face have created a tragic pattern of suffering and impunity. One harrowing example is the La Saline Massacre in November 2018, where over 71 Haitians were brutally killed by armed gangs .

The violence extended beyond murder; gangs also inflicted unspeakable brutality on women and children, committing sexual violence and other horrific acts. Entire communities were decimated as more than 400 homes were destroyed, leaving survivors homeless and traumatized. Despite the undeniable evidence of these atrocities and the complicity of the Haitian government, the victims and their families continue to be denied the full measure of justice they deserve.

HBA calls for the following actions:

1. Immediate Investigation and Accountability: Urgent and thorough investigations must be conducted to bring the perpetrators to justice. The Haitian government, with support from international human rights organizations, must ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their crimes.
2. Enhanced Security Measures: The Haitian government, in collaboration with international partners, must implement effective security strategies to protect vulnerable communities from gang violence and restore the rule of law.
3. Support for Victims and Communities: Provide comprehensive support to the victims’ families and affected communities, including medical assistance, housing, psychological counseling, and humanitarian aid to address the immediate needs arising from this tragedy.
4. Promotion of Religious Tolerance: Initiate educational and community programs to promote understanding and tolerance of diverse religious practices, thereby preventing future violence rooted in superstition and misinformation.

The Haitian Bridge Alliance stands in solidarity with the victims and their families during this devastating time. We reaffirm our commitment to advocating for peace, justice, and human rights in Haiti and call upon the global community to join us in these efforts.