An attack by gunmen on a police station in the town of Gressier, Haiti, has resulted in the deaths of at least 20 people. This incident is part of a wave of violence that has plagued the area for several months due to gang activity, leading to a serious humanitarian crisis. In response to this escalation, the international community has initiated a security mission, with Kenya sending 400 police officers to the Caribbean island.
The Mayor of Gressier, Jean Vladimir Bertrand, confirmed the death toll following the attack on Sunday, and reported that the situation remains tense. The spiral of violence in Haiti has led to approximately 600,000 internally displaced people, with over half of them being children, according to UNICEF.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell expressed deep concern about the impact of this violence on children, many of whom have been forced to join gangs. The number of displaced children has risen by 60 percent since March, with one child being displaced every minute. Russell emphasized the urgent need for a safe and protective environment for these vulnerable children.
Since Haiti has been without a president since the assassination of the previous leader in July 2021, the country has faced increased political instability. Ariel Henry was appointed as the new Prime Minister in the aftermath of the assassination. However, he resigned in March due to the ongoing violence.
A Haitian Transitional Presidential Council, led by Edgard Leblanc, has been established with the aim of bridging the political vacuum until elections can be held in 2026. This transitional period is crucial for stabilizing the country and ending the violence that has been ravaging the nation.