Haiti: Situation deteriorates with gang violence and killings on the rise

Violence is getting out of hand in Haiti. Agenzia Fides published an interview with Catholic missionary Víctor Auguste on 7 June 2024, in which he describes how the situation particularly in and around Port-au-Prince is one of extreme violence and anarchy causing widespread displacement. The kidnapping for ransom of nuns and civilians has become alarmingly common, with gangs controlling many areas. According to UN News reporting on 2 July 2024, UNICEF states that “instability in Haiti has resulted in the displacement of over 300,000 children, with an estimated one child being displaced every minute since March.”

World Watch Research analyst Rossana Ramirez comments: “The chronic instability in Haiti has profound implications for the local Christian community. The persistence of gang violence and the collapse of basic infrastructure have severely disrupted daily life, including the operation of schools and access to essential services. It is also dangerous: Three missionaries were attacked and killed leaving a church on 23 May 2024 (CNN, 25 May 2024). Although a Kenyan-led, multinational mission comprising 1,500 police officers is being deployed in Haiti in an attempt to help local security forces contain gang violence (BBC News, 26 June 2024), for many residents it is the presence and bravery of missionaries from a variety of denominations who are providing hope, humanitarian aid and a semblance of stability in an otherwise chaotic environment. This highlights the critical role of religious organizations in crisis zones.”