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Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille expressed his deep indignation on Friday following a violent attack in Pont-Sondé that left at least 54 people dead. The massacre, carried out by armed gangs on Thursday, took place in the Artibonite region, located between Saint-Marc and l’Estère, approximately 100 kilometers north of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
In an official statement, Conille denounced the brutal attack, describing it as an “indescribable tragedy” targeting innocent civilians. “This unacceptable act of violence, which claimed many lives and injured an undetermined number of people, demands an urgent, rigorous, and coordinated response from the state,” he said. The attack was attributed to the “Gran Grif” gang from Savien, a group known for its violent actions in the region.
The Prime Minister offered condolences to the grieving families and expressed the government’s unwavering support for both the victims and their loved ones during this difficult time. “This heinous crime, committed against defenseless women, men, and children, is not only an attack on them but on the entire Haitian nation,” he declared.
Conille also addressed those responsible for the violence, vowing that their actions would not break the country’s resolve. He emphasized the strength and resilience of the Haitian people, urging unity and solidarity in the face of ongoing insecurity. “We are a strong people, a people who know how to come together. Together, we will build a future where such barbaric acts are a thing of the past,” he stated.
Escalating violence and response measures
The Pont-Sondé community, located along National Route 1, experienced a night of terror from October 2 to 3, as gang members unleashed a deadly assault. Local residents, including men, women, and children, were left trapped and helpless as the gang attacked, with many forced to flee their homes. The attack followed an audio warning from the gang’s leader, signaling the impending violence, according to local reports.
Thousands of survivors fled to nearby Saint-Marc, where they gathered in public spaces, expressing their anger toward the government’s inability to ensure their safety. The incident has deeply shaken the Artibonite department, a region that has seen increasing gang activity in recent months.
In response to the massacre, the Haitian government has launched a large-scale operation to combat the gang presence in the area. Authorities have strengthened the medical capacities of the Saint-Nicolas Hospital in Saint-Marc to treat the wounded, while deploying additional police forces to secure the region. The Haitian National Police (PNH), supported by international partners, intensified efforts to locate and dismantle the “Gran Grif” gang.
Specialized units from the PNH, backed by the Multinational Security Mission (MSS), were dispatched from Port-au-Prince to reinforce local operations. Helicopters have been mobilized to provide further support as the government seeks to restore security in Artibonite.
