PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – The latest act of violence in Haiti, which has been beset by an enduring spiral of turmoil for years, involved the injury of Bishop Pierre-André Dumas of Anse-à-Veau and Miragoâne in an explosion on his visit to the country’s capital, the Haitian bishops announced on Monday. The attack underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by the Haitian people and the Church.
The statement from the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Haiti (CEH) revealed that the explosion at the house where Dumas was staying left him wounded, but his health is currently stable, as confirmed by the vice permanent secretary of the CEH Father Jean Rodney Brevil. The bishops urged the faithful to pray for Dumas’ swift recovery, as they extended wishes for a fruitful Lenten season.
Amidst the news of the attack, the Mexican bishops conference expressed solidarity with the bishops and citizens of Haiti, acknowledging the difficult situation of violence and insecurity afflicting the country.
The bishops of Mexico commended the strength and steadfastness of the Haitian church in the face of terror, pledging prayers and commitment to continue collaborating for a future of hope.
The recent explosion is yet another addition to the string of violent attacks and kidnappings that have plagued Haiti since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021. The president’s controversial decision to extend his term precipitated widespread upheaval, protests, and ultimately his assassination, causing a political crisis and a surge in gang violence.
The devastating effect of the crisis is reflected in the startling statistics from the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BIUH), which reported 2,327 violent incidents, including killings, injuries, and kidnappings in the last quarter of 2023 alone. Throughout the year, over 8,400 people became victims of such violence, underscoring the severity of the security situation in the country.
The church, too, has been a recurrent target of violent attacks and kidnappings, leading to several tragic incidents including the abduction of Catholic nuns, the hostage-taking of priests, and even the murder of a nun.
These events have prompted an international response, including the approval of a peacekeeping mission to Haiti led by Kenya. However, bureaucratic hurdles have stalled the mission, prolonging the suffering of the Haitian people.
In the face of ongoing protests and political uncertainty, Haiti’s bishops have called for an end to the violence and urged the authorities to heed the desires of the people. They have solemnly appealed for a cessation in bloodshed and the beginning of a new chapter for Haiti, mobilizing all citizens to unite for a peaceful and prosperous future.
Despite the challenges faced by Haiti, the nation remains resilient, with its people and church leaders refusing to be cowed by terror. As Dumas recovers from his injuries, the Church’s unwavering commitment to hope, peace, and justice remains unshaken.
The situation in Haiti continues to unfold, with the fate of Dumas and the future of the nation hanging in the balance.