UN chief condemns Haiti gang attack that killed over 40 people

Photo:WAM

A wave of violence shook Haiti once again as armed gangs carried out a brutal attack in the Cabaret commune of the country’s West Department on the night of 11 September. The assault left at least 40 people dead, including women, children, and elderly residents who had no way to escape the bloodshed.

The shocking incident drew strong condemnation from the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres. In a heartfelt statement, he extended deep condolences to the families who lost loved ones and to the people of Haiti, who have been living under the shadow of fear for years due to worsening gang violence.

According to his spokesperson, the Secretary-General is extremely disturbed by the growing level of lawlessness and brutality across Haiti. He urged Haitian authorities to take urgent steps to bring those responsible for this massacre, as well as other crimes, to justice. The call for accountability reflects a broader concern that impunity has fueled repeated attacks, leaving communities defenseless.

The Secretary-General also appealed directly to world governments. He stressed that the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission—set up to help Haiti’s police combat armed gangs—urgently needs more logistical resources, trained personnel, and financial backing. Without this assistance, Haiti’s security forces remain too weak to challenge the heavily armed groups that have taken over entire towns and neighborhoods.

The killings in Cabaret highlight the devastating impact of unchecked violence in Haiti. Families continue to lose loved ones, thousands have been forced from their homes, and children are growing up in an environment where daily survival is uncertain. The collapse of basic services, lack of food and medicine, and the fear of sudden attacks have turned daily life into a struggle.

Observers say this latest tragedy is not an isolated incident but part of a wider crisis. Over the past two years, gang activity has expanded dramatically, with groups controlling major roads, ports, and key urban areas. Ordinary people often have to pay “tolls” to gangs just to travel or transport goods. Women and children are especially vulnerable, facing the risk of violence, abduction, and exploitation.

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International voices have repeatedly warned that Haiti is at a breaking point. Without a united global effort, the country risks descending further into chaos. The United Nations has been pressing countries to provide helicopters, armored vehicles, communication systems, and trained units to strengthen the MSS mission. But progress has been slow, and the Haitian people continue to pay the price.

This call by the UN Secretary-General comes at a critical moment. With 40 innocent lives lost in Cabaret, the world is once again reminded that behind every statistic are families torn apart and communities destroyed. For Haiti, the road to peace remains uncertain, but global solidarity, coupled with decisive local action, may still offer a chance to break the cycle of violence.