In the wake of yet another deadly gang attack in Haiti, Amnesty International has sharply criticized the Haitian government for failing to protect its citizens. The attack occurred in the town of Petite-Rivière on March 29 and involved a violent clash between an armed gang and a self-defense group. Sixteen people were initially reported killed, but estimates from the United Nations suggest that the death toll may be as high as 80. This incident has intensified scrutiny of the Haitian government’s inability to maintain security, placing emphasis on the suffering faced by civilians.
Amnesty’s deputy director for research for the Americas, Astrid Valencia, noted that the tragedy starkly underscores the human impact of the authorities’ inability to ensure public safety. The violence was perpetrated by Gran Grif, reputed to be the largest gang in Haiti’s Artibonite department. This group has a history of executing deadly attacks against civilians and state institutions, such as the Haitian National Police and the now-defunct UN Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) according to recent reports.
Despite efforts to stabilize the country, Haiti has seen a continuous rise in gang-related violence since 2021. The escalation has triggered a humanitarian crisis, marked by famine, mass displacement, disease outbreaks, and widespread human rights violations against civilians. In response, a new, militarized mission known as the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) was established to address the growing threat, after the MSS transitioned to this larger body in 2025. The GSF aims to neutralize armed gangs in collaboration with Haitian security forces, a mission complicated by the group’s access to sophisticated weaponry.
Efforts to combat the insecurity are further hampered by the fact that Haiti is becoming a significant location for transshipment and firearm trafficking. These developments exacerbate the already dire situation, as gangs capitalize on their expanding territory as reported by international observers. These groups now wield considerable control over commerce and transport routes, further entrenching the cycle of violence.
The UN had previously called for enhanced international support to help Haitian authorities confront this escalating violence, pointing to the significant role played by cross-border arms flows and criminal networks. Meanwhile, human rights organizations continue to urge the Haitian government to bring those responsible to justice and take decisive actions to reestablish security across the country. The ongoing crisis demands a comprehensive approach and swift, cooperative action from the international community to empower Haitian authorities and restore peace.