PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Bishop Pierre-André Dumas of Anse-à-Veau-Miragoâne, and vice-president of the Haitian Bishops Conference, sustained injuries in an explosion while visiting the nation’s capital. The Bishops Conference announced that he is in stable condition following the incident.
The explosion occurred on Sunday at the house where Bishop Dumas was staying in Port-au-Prince. The news comes amid ongoing violence in Haiti, with the security situation showing no signs of improvement in the western part of the country.
In the most recent violent episode, an armed group attacked a minibus traveling between Port-au-Prince and Mirebalais, resulting in at least 10 casualties. Reports suggest that members of the criminal gang “400 Mawozo” may have been involved in the attack.
Haiti has long been plagued by violence due to various gangs vying for control of the territory. The United Nations reported that January 2024 was the bloodiest month in over two years, with at least 1,108 people killed, injured, or kidnapped.
Recent unrest in major Haitian cities has been attributed to opposition-led protests demanding the resignation of interim Prime Minister Ariel Henry. The situation remains tense as the country grapples with political instability and continued violence.
Moreover, the Haitian justice system has recently indicted around fifty people, including former first lady Martine Moïse, former Prime Minister Claude Joseph, and former head of the Haitian National Police Léon Charles, for their alleged involvement in the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. The president was killed in his residence in Port-au-Prince in July 2021 by a group of Colombian mercenaries.
The attack on Bishop Dumas underscores the pervasive violence and security challenges facing Haiti. The situation continues to be a point of concern both domestically and internationally, with urgent efforts needed to address the deep-rooted issues causing instability and harm in the country.