A Haitian gang leader, controlling key coastal areas in the capital, is accused of orchestrating a massacre that targeted elderly individuals and Vodou leaders, allegedly in revenge for his son’s death. Over 100 people are reported dead, according to the Haitian government and human rights organizations.
The incident occurred in the Wharf Jérémie neighborhood of Port-au-Prince between December 6-8, where U.N. reports confirm at least 184 people were killed, including 127 elderly men and women. Local Haitian rights groups have independently cited estimates exceeding 100 deaths.
The Haitian government, acknowledging the massacre, called it “unspeakable carnage” and vowed justice for the victims. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has called for a thorough investigation to ensure accountability.
The gang leader, identified as Micanor Altès (also known as Monel Felix or Wa Mikanò), reportedly blamed the elderly and Vodou practitioners in his community for his son’s death. After consulting a Vodou priest regarding his son’s illness, the boy passed away. Micanor allegedly accused community members of witchcraft, claiming they were responsible.
Rights groups report that well-known community leaders were rounded up and executed at the gang leader’s stronghold. Motorbike drivers attempting to rescue victims were also killed. The massacre has left the area under strict control, with reports of an enforced ban on leaving the community as the gang continues targeting suspected individuals.
Micanor Altès controls areas including Wharf Jérémie, La Saline, and Fort Dimanche. Previously described as less brutal than other gang leaders, this incident marks a shift in his violent actions.
Due to the gang’s control and lack of clear evidence such as social media documentation, details of the massacre remain murky. Human rights analysts describe the situation as indicative of the grip gangs have over Haiti’s population.
Haiti faces a worsening humanitarian crisis, with over 4,500 people reportedly killed in gang violence this year alone. The country is struggling with a weakened police force and limited international support, even as criminal groups target civilians and critical infrastructure.
Human Rights Watch recently emphasized the dire situation, calling for an expanded U.N. peacekeeping mission to address the escalating violence and protect the population.
Vodou, a religion rooted in Haiti’s history and revolution, continues to be a significant part of its culture. However, misattribution of tragedies to alleged witchcraft has fueled violence in vulnerable communities.
The massacre highlights the urgency for international intervention and local governance reforms to address the growing influence of gangs in Haiti.
