According too the statement, the bloodbath took place on Friday adn Saturday in Wharf jeremie, part of Cité soleil, the most notorious slum in the capital of the Caribbean country.Most of the victims were women and men over 60 years of age, whose bodies were mutilated and burned in the street.
The gang boss took revenge for the alleged witchcraft
According to the information,the son of the boss of the Monel gang Felix,alias Micanord,died of a mysterious illness. The leader then accused the people in the area of bewitching his son and decided to “punish” all the elderly and voodoo followers. The Voodoo cult, which originated in West Africa, is a recognized religion in Haiti.
Already around 5,000 dead this year
The CPD put the number of victims at more than 100. The United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said on Monday in Geneva that at least 184 people were killed in cité Soleil. “These latest killings bring the death toll in Haiti this year to a whopping 5,000 people. We must stop the flow of arms to Haiti, Sudan and Myanmar,” he said.
haiti, which shares the Caribbean island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic, is the poorest country on the American continent. For years it has suffered from violence by heavily armed gangs, who largely control the capital. Police officers sent from Kenya as part of a multinational defense force have so far achieved little. In November, two US airline passenger planes were shot down in Port-au-Prince.
What factors contribute to the rise of gang violence in cité Soleil,Haiti?
Interview with Dr. Marie St. Pierre: Violence and Voodoo in Haiti’s Cité Soleil
Q: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. St. Pierre. Recent reports have highlighted a horrific wave of violence in Wharf Jeremie, Cité Soleil, where numerous elderly individuals were brutally killed. Can you provide context around this tragedy?
A: Thank you for having me. This tragedy, as you mentioned, is disturbingly linked to gang violence in haiti, specifically perpetrated by the Monel gang lead by Felix, alias Micanord. After the death of the gang leader’s son from a mysterious illness, he accused local elders and presumed voodoo practitioners of witchcraft. This kind of scapegoating is tragically common in areas rife with violence and superstition, where vulnerable populations become easy targets.
Q: The death toll this year in Haiti has reached a staggering 5,000 people. What are the broader implications of such violence on the country’s stability?
A: The implications are dire. With violence escalating, as illustrated by the UN’s report of at least 184 recent killings in Cité Soleil alone, Haiti’s stability is increasingly threatened. This violence exacerbates the already dire humanitarian crisis in the country, which is the poorest in the Americas. The control that heavily armed gangs exercise over the capital significantly undermines law and order, creating an environment where fear prevails, and essential services are severely disrupted.
Q: Many readers might not be familiar with the Voodoo culture in Haiti and its importance. How does it play a role in these circumstances?
A: Voodoo is a recognized religion in Haiti, deeply rooted in West African traditions. It offers community and connection for many people, particularly in a country facing despair. However, it is often misunderstood and demonized. The gang leader’s actions—targeting voodoo practitioners—reveal a chilling intersection of faith, fear, and violence. Such actions can lead to widespread trauma within the community and further entrench negative stereotypes around the practice.
Q: What steps can the international community take to support Haiti in addressing this escalating violence?
A: First and foremost, we must advocate for a complete approach to disarmament and the cessation of arms flow to Haiti and similar conflict zones like Sudan and Myanmar. Moreover, it’s crucial to support local governance and law enforcement to regain control from gangs. Humanitarian aid and community support programs are vital for rebuilding trust within affected communities. Empowering local leaders and fostering dialog among community members can also serve to alleviate fears and reduce violence.
Q: Given the current situation, what practical advice would you give to individuals looking to help those affected by this violence?
A: Individuals can support reputable organizations that are working directly in Haiti to provide relief and support to victims. Educating oneself about the socio-political intricacies of the region can also foster a better understanding of the issues at play. Lastly, advocating for policy changes that address the root causes of violence through social, economic, and human rights frameworks can have a long-term impact on restoring stability in Haiti.
Q: Thank you, Dr. St. Pierre, for your insights. This discussion sheds light on the complexities surrounding violence in Cité soleil and the necessity for collective action to address it.
A: Thank you for the prospect to discuss these critical issues. it’s crucial for us to keep Haiti in our hearts and minds as we work towards sustainable solutions.