ROME – As violence in Haiti spirals further out of control, the country’s bishops have urged national authorities to ensure the safety and security of citizens and to provide answers after a recent explosion left a bishop severely burned.
In a recent statement, the Haitian Bishops’ Conference (CEH) referred to the 18 Feb explosion that injured Bishop Pierre-André Dumas of Anse-à-Veau and Miragoâne, saying, “the authorities of the Church of Rome, and other sister churches, the church in Haiti, and all citizens of the country must know what caused this enormous explosion”.
“We await without delay the results of the investigation by the Scientific Police to find out what happened and to make the appropriate decisions,” they said, adding that Dumas “is suffering a lot”.
Dumas was wounded in a massive explosion in the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince on 18 Feb., sustaining severe burns.
He has since been transferred to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, where he is receiving ongoing treatment for burns to his face, arms and legs. He continues to undergo various procedures but is in stable condition and is expected to return to Haiti when his health permits.
The bishops’ statement comes as Haiti has declared a 3-day state of emergency and a night-time curfew after armed gangs stormed two of the country’s largest prisons over the weekend, allowing some 4,000 criminals, including murderers and kidnappers, to be released back onto the streets.
According to local reports, at least nine people died over the weekend, including four police officers, while gangs have targeted other structures such as police stations, the country’s international airport, and the national soccer stadium.
The deadly weekend marked a new low for Haiti, which for years has been plagued by violent unrest and criminal activity, prompting the United States to advise its citizens to leave the country and Canada to temporarily close its embassy.
As the weekend’s violence unfolded, 15,000 people were forced to flee, including those already living in makeshift camps for the displaced, according to the United Nations.
Gangs in Haiti are becoming increasingly bold as the situation continues to spiral out of control, making coordinated attacks on high-profile targets such as the central bank.
There are roughly 9,000 national police officers in Haiti working to provide security for more than 11 million people, according to the UN. They are regularly overwhelmed and outgunned by gangs, which currently control an estimated 80 per cent of the capital.
Much of the violence exploded after the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise, who faced broad political opposition yet made the controversial decision to extend his tenure for one year, leading to mass upheaval and protests.
His assassination sparked a widespread political crisis, followed shortly by the outbreak of gang violence in many parts of the country. In 2022, further mass protests ignited over rising energy prices and an increased cost of living.
In February, a series of protests turned violent, leaving five people dead, with demonstrators seeking the removal of Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry in compliance with a political agreement forged in 2022.
Henry, who took over after Moise’s assassination, has repeatedly postponed plans to hold parliamentary and presidential elections, which have not taken place in Haiti in almost a decade.
In their statement, the Haitian bishops reminded the government that they are the “de facto power that is responsible for the security of the country”.
As such, the government, they said, “must answer for the lives of citizens, because once they accept to be in command, they accept all the privileges, but also all the obligations and all the burdens that come with it”.
“What are we doing to change the situation of the people left to their fate? What are we doing to change the face of Haiti, our beautiful country?” they asked, challenging national authorities.
The bishops asked national police and the Scientific Police investigating the explosion that injured Dumas to publish their findings, saying, “we are awaiting the results of the investigations, and we ask God for peace and justice in Haiti.”
They closed by praying for those “still in the hands of kidnappers,” and voicing solidarity with “all those who have been kidnapped, with all those who have been forced to flee their homes, who have lost family members or property,” telling them: “do not lose hope!”
On 6 March, it was reported that Henry has re-emerged in Puerto Rico after his whereabouts were unknown for days, while his country was plunged into chaos and violent gangs demanded his resignation, notes the Financial Times.
Photo: Haitians walk with their hands over their faces to protect themselves from the stench of decomposing bodies as they pass the National Penitentiary in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, 4 March 2024. At least a dozen people reportedly died as gang members attacked the main prison in Haiti’s capital, triggering a breakout by several thousand inmates. (Photo by CLARENS SIFFROY/AFP via Getty Images.)
Areas of Catholic Herald business are still recovering post-pandemic.
However, we are reaching out to the Catholic community and readership, that has been so loyal to the Catholic Herald. Please join us on our 135 year mission by supporting us.
We are raising £250,000 to safeguard the Herald as a world-leading voice in Catholic journalism and teaching.
We have been a bold and influential voice in the church since 1888, standing up for traditional Catholic culture and values. Please consider donating.