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Written by Darius Spearman (africanelements)
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KEY TAKEAWAYS |
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The Grand Grif gang attacked Pont-Sondé on October 4, 2024, killing at least 20 people. |
Over 50 people were injured, leading to mass evacuation. |
The gang is known for brutality and operates in the central Artibonite region. |
The government deployed police to restore order and warned of more attacks. |
International support includes police from Kenya and funding from the United States. |
Gang violence is rising in Haiti, affecting areas beyond Port-au-Prince and creating a humanitarian crisis. |
Haiti Gang Violence: A Deadly Raid Reveals Systemic Problems
The Grand Grif gang terrorized the small town of Pont-Sondé in central Haiti, leaving death and destruction behind. This attack, which happened on October 4, 2024, reminds us of the increasing gang violence in Haiti and the government’s struggle to maintain order.
The Attack and Its Immediate Consequences
The raid on Pont-Sondé was a massacre. At least 20 people, including children, died, and the death toll has since risen, exposing the extent of the violence.
Haiti Gang Attack: By the Numbers
- 70+ people killed
- ~3,000 people forced to flee
- 16+ people severely injured
- 45+ homes set on fire
- 34+ vehicles burned
At least 50 people suffered injuries, and they rushed to a hospital in Saint Marc. The gang torched homes and vehicles, leaving the town in ruins and the residents terrified (Africanews).
The brutality becomes even clearer when looking at who the victims were. Among those who died were around 10 women and three infants. A young mother, her newborn, and a midwife lost their lives in the violence (AP News).
After the attack, hundreds fled from Pont-Sondé amid rumors that the gang was moving toward Saint Marc. This added to Haiti’s humanitarian crisis, straining resources and worsening social instability.
The Perpetrators: Grand Grif Gang
The Grand Grif gang, responsible for this atrocity, operates in central Artibonite. Experts call them one of Haiti’s most ruthless gangs, notorious for brutality (Africanews).
The gang’s actions have spread violence beyond Port-au-Prince, showing their growing reach. Their attack on Pont-Sondé reflects a larger trend of rising violence in Haiti.
Government and International Response
The Haitian government deployed police after the attack. Government prosecutor Venson François said they had control but warned of possible further attacks (Africanews).
The international community also noticed Haiti’s crisis. Kenya sent more police to help, while the United States provided funding to support anti-gang efforts. But these actions alone seem inadequate against the scale of violence.
Gang Violence Expands Beyond Port-au-Prince
The Pont-Sondé attack reflects a bigger problem in Haiti. Gang violence, once centered in Port-au-Prince, now spreads to other regions, including Artibonite.
Haiti Gang Violence: 2024 Statistics
Gang violence has devastated Haiti in recent years. This year alone, over 3,661 lives have been lost, according to the UN. In Port-au-Prince, gangs control nearly 80% of the city (Al Jazeera).
The spread of violence to Artibonite affects Haiti’s food production. Violence there has worsened hunger in a country where half the population already faces food shortages (Al Jazeera). This creates a cycle where violence leads to hunger, which in turn causes more violence.
A Call for Systemic Change
The attack on Pont-Sondé is not just a tragedy; it’s a wake-up call. It reveals deep problems in Haiti, from poor governance to poverty and lack of opportunities that push people toward gangs.
While international support helps in the short term, it’s not enough. Haiti needs a strategy that addresses the root causes of violence, like poverty, lack of education, and poor economic opportunities.
The international community must work with Haitian civil society to build strong institutions that provide security, justice, and opportunities. Only then can Haiti hope for peace and stability.
Let us use this tragedy as a catalyst for change. Haitians deserve efforts to dismantle systems that perpetuate violence and build a peaceful society.
FAQ
Q: What happened in Pont-Sondé, Haiti?
A: On October 4, 2024, the Grand Grif gang attacked Pont-Sondé, killing over 70 people, including children, and injuring many others.
Q: How many people were affected by the attack?
A: The attack forced over 3,000 people to flee, with at least 50 people injured and needing hospital care.
Q: Who is the Grand Grif gang?
A: The Grand Grif gang is one of Haiti’s most ruthless gangs, operating mainly in the Artibonite region, known for their brutal tactics.
Q: What is the current situation with gang violence in Haiti?
A: Gang violence has surged in Haiti, with over 3,661 deaths reported in 2024 and gangs controlling about 80% of Port-au-Prince.
Q: What actions are being taken to address the crisis?
A: The Haitian government has deployed police, and Kenya has increased its police presence to help, but these measures are still insufficient to solve the root issues.
Q: What long-term solutions are needed for Haiti?
A: Long-term solutions need to address poverty, lack of education, and lack of opportunities to reduce violence and bring stability.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. Visit Darius online at africanelements.org.