At least seven individuals lost their lives in Haiti on Saturday, as per local rights group CARDH. The fatalities resulted from an armed response initiated by a gang controlling a suburb in the capital, Port-au-Prince. The gang opened fire with machine guns on a protest organized by a Christian church leader. Local media sources have reported a death toll of at least ten, while Gedeon Jean, the director of CARDH, stated that the final count is expected to be higher. Jean also mentioned that numerous individuals sustained injuries and several churchgoers were taken hostage.
Videos depicting the events surfaced on X, formerly known as Twitter. These videos document around 100 participants, many of whom were wearing yellow shirts associated with the religious group led by Pastor Marco. The group was marching in the suburb of Canaan, with some individuals carrying sticks and machetes. Unverified clips circulating on social media portray individuals being targeted with gunfire, lifeless bodies on the ground, and hostages claiming they were unaware that the march would result in confrontation with the gang, believing it to be a peaceful demonstration.
Amidst escalating violence, numerous Haitians have joined civilian self-defense factions referred to as “Bwa Kale.” While these groups have brought newfound hope, they have also prompted retaliation against civilians and raised concerns that their actions are fueling further violence.
Reporting on the incident was conducted by Harold Isaac and Ralph Tedy Erol in Port-au-Prince, with Sarah Morland contributing from Mexico City. The article was edited by William Mallard.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
