On Saturday, a gang controlling a northern suburb of the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, unleashed a barrage of gunfire on a peaceful protest organized by a Christian church leader, resulting in the deaths of at least seven people. 

However, local rights group CARDH indicated that the death toll could be even higher, with director Gedeon Jean suggesting that the final count might continue to rise due to the severity of the attack. Several individuals were also wounded during the violent confrontation, and there are reports of churchgoers being kidnapped amidst the chaos.

While initial reports indicated a death toll of ten, CARDH’s information pointed to a graver situation. The incident occurred in the suburb of Canaan, where a Christian congregation led by Pastor Marco had organized a protest against the prevailing insecurity and violence in the area.

Videos shared on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) depicted approximately 100 demonstrators, many donning yellow shirts associated with Pastor Marco’s religious group, marching through the streets. Some protestors were seen carrying rudimentary weapons such as sticks and machetes, presumably for self-defense.

Tragedy struck when the gang controlling the suburb Canaan opened fire on the peaceful protestors with machine guns. Unverified videos circulated on social media showcased the horrifying scenes of people being shot in the streets, lifeless bodies strewn on the ground, and apparent hostages speaking about their unsuspecting participation in the march, believing it was intended as a peaceful demonstration and not a confrontation with the gang.

The incident has raised concerns about the escalating violence and insecurity in Haiti. The nation has seen an increase in the formation of civilian self-defense groups, commonly referred to as “Bwa Kale.” These groups, born out of a desire to protect local communities from the violence perpetuated by criminal gangs, have sparked a mix of hope and apprehension. While they offer a semblance of protection to vulnerable citizens, there are fears that their actions could lead to further violence and retaliation against civilians.

Haiti has been grappling with political instability, economic challenges, and security issues for years. The assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021 exacerbated the situation, leaving a power vacuum and contributing to the rise of criminal organizations that have taken control of certain neighborhoods.  

International organizations and governments have condemned the attack and expressed their condolences to the victims’ families. 

The United Nations has urged Haitian authorities to take swift action to ensure the safety and security of its citizens. Efforts to quell gang violence and provide humanitarian assistance are crucial to stabilizing the situation in Haiti and preventing further loss of life.