A gang leader controlling key parts of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, has been accused of orchestrating a brutal massacre of over 100 people, including elderly residents and Vodou practitioners, to avenge his son’s death, according to government officials and human rights groups. The killings reportedly took place in the gang-dominated Cité Soleil neighborhood, highlighting the country’s worsening security crisis.
Government and UN Condemnation
Haiti’s government confirmed the massacre in a statement, pledging to hold those responsible accountable. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the violence, citing the deaths of at least 184 people, including 127 elderly individuals, between December 6-8 in the Wharf Jérémie area. The United Nations urged Haitian authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure justice for victims.
The Alleged Motive
The gang leader, identified as Micanor Altès—also known as Monel Felix or Wa Mikanò—reportedly accused community members of practicing witchcraft, which he believed caused his son’s fatal illness. Human rights organizations allege that Micanor ordered the execution of elderly residents and Vodou leaders as part of his retribution. The Cooperative for Peace and Development described the killings as a “silent purge” targeting those perceived as capable of casting harmful spells.
Details of the Massacre
Gunmen loyal to Micanor are said to have rounded up prominent community figures, transporting them to the gang leader’s base for execution. Motorcycle taxi drivers who attempted to intervene were also reportedly killed. A local rights group estimates that at least 20 elderly individuals were among the victims, though community members claim the death toll exceeds 100.
Gang Violence and National Collapse
The massacre underscores Haiti’s escalating gang violence, which has left the national police overwhelmed. The U.N.-backed security mission led by Kenyan forces faces challenges due to limited resources. This attack follows a similar massacre two months ago in the town of Pont-Sondé, where over 70 people were killed in gang-related violence.
According to Human Rights Watch, over 4,500 people have been killed in Haiti this year. The organization warns that criminal groups are intensifying attacks, leaving many Haitians in constant fear while struggling with extreme shortages of food, water, and healthcare.
Historical and Cultural Context
Haitians often consult Vodou priests, known as oungans, for spiritual guidance. The religion, which blends Catholicism with animist traditions, played a significant role in Haiti’s revolution and its emergence as the first free Black republic in 1804. However, its practitioners are increasingly targeted amid the country’s deteriorating social fabric.
International Response
The crisis in Haiti has reached what Human Rights Watch calls “catastrophic levels.” The organization, alongside other international bodies, is advocating for a strengthened U.N. peacekeeping mission to restore order in the country.