Renewed Gang Violence in Haiti Claims Lives and Displaces Thousands

On March 30, 2026, human rights activists reported that at least 30 people were dead and dozens more missing following a renewed attack by the Gran Grif gang on the town of Petite-Rivière de l’Artibonite in central Haiti. The assault began early Sunday, with the gang burning homes and leaving bodies on the streets. The violence continued into Monday, as the gang maintained control over the Jean-Denis neighborhood, establishing roadblocks to prevent police access. Bertide Horace, spokesperson for the Commission for Dialogue, Reconciliation and Awareness to Save the Artibonite, stated, “The area is completely deserted. Only the gangs have control.”

Activists in Haiti say at least 30 people are dead after a gang attacks a town againUsNews and World ReportThe Guardian

Estimates of casualties vary significantly. While local activists reported at least 70 fatalities, Haiti's National Police confirmed only 16 deaths and 10 injuries. The Collective Defending Human Rights group indicated that the death toll could be as high as 70, citing the chaotic aftermath of the attack and the challenges in communication and access to the area. The United Nations human rights office previously noted that over 5,500 people were killed in Haiti from March 1, 2025, to January 15, 2026, highlighting the escalating violence attributed to gang control.

Activists in Haiti say at least 30 people are dead after a gang attacks a town again

Gran Grif, the largest gang operating in the Artibonite region, was formed by Prophane Victor, a former member of Parliament. The gang has been implicated in numerous violent incidents, including a massacre in Pont-Sondé in October 2024, where over 70 people were killed. The gang's influence has grown significantly, controlling an estimated 90% of Port-au-Prince and expanding its reach into central Haiti.

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The recent attack has led to the displacement of nearly 6,000 residents, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. The Collective Defending Human Rights criticized the lack of a security response, stating that the authorities have effectively abandoned the Artibonite region to armed groups. The violence has intensified food insecurity, with over a million people displaced by ongoing gang conflicts since 2021.

The Guardian

A spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General condemned the gang attack, emphasizing the urgent need for a thorough investigation into the violence. The U.S. government has also taken action, offering a reward of up to $3 million for information on the financial activities of Gran Grif and other gangs, which have been designated as terrorist organizations.

The Guardian

The situation in Haiti remains dire, with gang violence continuing to escalate and significantly impacting civilian life. The recent attack in Petite-Rivière de l’Artibonite underscores the urgent need for effective security measures and humanitarian assistance to address the growing crisis.

The Guardian