The violence in Haiti has reached alarming levels following a gang attack in Petite-Rivière-de-l’Artibonite, which left at least 16 dead, although the UN estimates that the number could rise to 80 victims. This incident, which occurred during the early hours of Sunday, highlights the collapse of state control in the Caribbean nation, where criminal gangs have expanded their territorial dominance.
According to testimonies from human rights organizations, the attackers, identified as members of the Gran Grif gang, set fire to homes with people inside and executed those who tried to flee. The lack of immediate access to the area has complicated the confirmation of the exact number of deceased, and local authorities acknowledge that there may be more victims among the missing and injured.
UN Reaction
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric emphasized the “seriousness of the security situation” in Haiti and called for a thorough investigation. However, the institutional response faces logistical and operational challenges, as prosecutors and law enforcement have difficulties operating in gang-controlled areas.
The crisis of violence in Haiti is not new. A recent report from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights documented more than 5,500 deaths related to gang violence between March 2025 and January 2026, reflecting the magnitude of this crisis.
