Understanding Haiti Gang Violence and the Urgent Call for Change

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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KEY TAKEAWAYS
A recent gang massacre in Cite Soleil, Haiti, resulted in at least 207 deaths.
The massacre victims included many elderly residents accused of witchcraft.
Political instability and lack of security measures have fueled gang violence in Haiti.
The international community has faced criticism for failing to provide adequate support to Haiti.
Haiti’s ongoing humanitarian crisis affects thousands, leaving many displaced.
Systemic racism is a factor in the international response to Haiti’s violence.

The Brutal Reality of Gang Violence in Haiti

In a chilling act of cruelty, a gang massacre in Haiti’s Cite Soleil has shocked people worldwide. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights described the horror in a recent report. At least 207 people were killed in this terrible violence. The victims included 134 men and 73 women. Many were elderly accused of practicing witchcraft. The ruthless Wharf Jeremie gang took their phones, burned bodies, and, later, threw them into the sea.

Unfortunately, this massacre is not an isolated event but one of many acts of violence in Haiti. For over 15 years, the Wharf Jeremie gang has controlled a strategic area in Cite Soleil. The gang’s leader, Monel “Mikano” Felix, reportedly ordered these attacks because he thought locals used Vodou to make his child sick.

(VOA News)

The Root Causes of Haiti’s Security Crisis

Haiti’s persistent violence is not just about crime. It shows deep-rooted problems, like political instability and poor security. Haiti requested a UN-backed security mission in 2022 but didn’t receive peacekeepers. This absence left Haiti open to such violence.

The lack of security enabled gangs like Wharf Jeremie to terrorize communities freely. The global community’s weak response shows a lack of care for struggling nations. (VOA News)

The Humanitarian Crisis: A Nation in Peril

Gang violence has caused a dire humanitarian crisis in Haiti. Thousands have died, and many more have lost their homes. The Cite Soleil massacre is one terrible part of this tragedy.

In 2022, another gang, Gran Grif, admitted to killing at least 115 people in Pont-Sonde, Haiti. These numbers represent lives lost, communities destroyed, and a nation struggling under relentless violence.

Understanding Cité Soleil and the Wharf Jeremie Gang

To grasp the depth of Haiti’s crisis, it’s essential to understand Cité Soleil. This area, one of the poorest in Haiti, has faced severe challenges for decades. Lacking basic services like health care and clean water, residents struggle daily. Over time, gangs have filled the void left by absent authorities, controlling resources and imposing their rule (European Parliament).

The Wharf Jeremie gang, led by Micanor Altès, is notorious in Cité Soleil. Their control extends over many aspects of life, often through brutal means. Recent atrocities, like the massacre of elderly residents accused of witchcraft, highlight their unchecked power. This gang, among others, thrives due to the lack of state authority and widespread poverty (Voice of America).

The Role of Vodou and Cultural Misconceptions

Vodou, often misunderstood, is a key part of Haitian culture. It’s a religion that blends African, French, and indigenous beliefs. While some associate it with violence, Vodou itself promotes harmony and community. The Wharf Jeremie gang’s use of witchcraft accusations shows how cultural beliefs can be twisted for violent ends. This manipulation deepens mistrust and fuels further conflict (Voice of America).

The Legacy of Colonialism and Economic Exploitation

Haiti’s struggles are deeply rooted in its colonial past. As a French colony, it faced extreme exploitation, with resources extracted and little invested back. After gaining independence, Haiti was forced to pay a massive debt to France, crippling its economy. This historical injustice set the stage for ongoing poverty and instability (European Parliament).

Economic exploitation didn’t end with colonialism. Foreign interference and unfair trade practices have continued to drain Haiti’s wealth. Moreover, the lack of investment in essential services like education and infrastructure has left communities vulnerable. Consequently, gangs have seized power, filling gaps left by the state and perpetuating cycles of violence.

The International Response and the Power of Gangs

The international community’s actions have fallen short of what’s needed. While there have been proposals to deploy UN peacekeepers, these efforts lack the necessary resources and political will. Some argue that without “peace to keep,” traditional peacekeeping missions are ineffective. Yet, many believe that strong international support is crucial to stabilize Haiti (PassBlue).

Gangs have capitalized on this inaction. Their power has grown as they control resources and territories. They often provide services in areas where the government is absent, making them seem like the only authority available. This situation makes it even harder to dislodge them without significant support and a coordinated approach.

The International Community’s Failed Response

The international response to Haiti’s suffering has been ineffective. Even with a 2022 UN-backed security mission, the effort fell short. This failure allowed gangs to strengthen and increased civilian suffering.

Calls for more support, like sending peacekeepers, grew after the Cite Soleil massacre. Yet, words alone are not enough against such severe violence.

Challenging Systemic Racism in International Response

The weak global reaction to Haiti’s crisis raises critical questions about racism in world affairs. Would there be such indifference if the violence were in a mostly white Western nation?

This lack of urgency in tackling Haiti’s crisis reflects a pattern of neglect toward non-white countries. The world needs to address these racist attitudes that devalue Black and Brown lives.

Beyond Reform: Dismantling the Structures of Oppression

Haiti’s situation needs more than short-term fixes. It requires rethinking global power structures that allow inequality and violence in places like Haiti.

Justice means addressing the impact of colonialism, exploitation, and political interference that destabilized Haiti. This includes challenging the global systems that favor wealthy countries over nations like Haiti.

A Call to Action: Speaking Truth to Power

The Cite Soleil massacre reminds us of Haiti’s urgent need for help. It also prompts us to tackle the root causes of such violence.

We must demand more than peacekeepers and aid. We need an overhaul of the system that failed Haiti and similar nations.

We must challenge the structures that devalue Black lives and seek justice not only for the Cite Soleil victims but also for all impacted by systemic oppression. The time for change is now.

FAQ

Q: What happened in the recent gang massacre in Haiti?
A: At least 207 individuals were killed in a gang massacre in Cite Soleil, with victims including men, women, and elderly residents, many accused of witchcraft.

Q: Which gang was responsible for the massacre?
A: The Wharf Jeremie gang carried out the attacks, led by Monel “Mikano” Felix, who allegedly ordered the violence after accusing local residents of causing his child’s illness.

Q: What are the root causes of the violence in Haiti?
A: The violence is a result of deep-rooted systemic issues, including political instability and a lack of effective security measures, exacerbated by the inadequate response of the international community.

Q: How has the international community responded to Haiti’s crisis?
A: The international response has been deemed woefully inadequate, with a UN-backed security mission remaining under-resourced and ineffective despite calls for increased support.

Q: What does the situation in Haiti reveal about systemic racism?
A: The tepid international response raises questions about systemic racism, suggesting that nations of color receive less urgency and action from the global community compared to predominantly white nations.

Q: What is needed for a sustainable solution to Haiti’s crisis?
A: A fundamental reevaluation of global power structures, addressing the legacy of colonialism and economic exploitation, is required to create lasting change and prevent future violence.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been 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. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.