PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – A brutal gang attacked by the infamous 400 Mawozo gang in Ganthier resulted in at least two deaths and multiple people reported missing. Led by Wilson “Lanmò San Jou” Joseph, the armed gang set several properties on fire, including the town police station, customs center, and numerous homes, forcing residents and local police to flee the area. The attack began in the Tremblay locality within the Croix-des-Bouquets district and spread to Ganthier, about 19 miles east of Port-au-Prince.
Mayor Jean Vilonaire Victor expressed hope for peace and security despite the dire situation, emphasizing the city’s resilience against armed bandits. Despite the efforts of the Haitian police and armed forces to contain the gang’s advance, clashes persisted throughout Sunday night.
Violence has been attributed to the “Viv Ansanm” gang coalition, of which 400 Mawozo is a part. The attack in Ganthier followed similar incidents in Gressier and Carrefour, where lives were lost. Gang leader Lanmò San Jou even boasted about their acquisition of new weapons and ammunition in a social media video prior to the attack in Ganthier.
The Haitian National Police Union (SPNH-17) issued an alert indicating the Ganthier police station as a potential target before the attack. Union officials criticized the authorities’ inaction, which they believed contributed to the loss of the police station and loss of lives in Ganthier.
As the country grapples with escalating gang violence, Haitians await major anti-gang operations, particularly in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince. The government declared a state of security emergency for one month in several parts of the country, aiming to restore order and reclaim territories held by gangs. Prime Minister Garry Conille expressed optimism in the government’s ability to combat insecurity and restore peace in the country.
The ongoing violence and kidnappings in Haiti underscore the urgent need for decisive action to address the escalating gang activity and insecurity plaguing the nation. Residents continue to face threats and displacement, highlighting the challenges in maintaining peace and stability in the region.