In its latest bulletin, the Crime Observation Unit (COC) of the Center for Analysis and Research in Human Rights (CARDH) recorded 225 kidnappings for the first 3 months of 2022, compared to 142 in 2021 for the same period, an increase of 58.45%.

73 kidnappings in January 2022 compared to 65 in January 2021 (+12.3%); 81 for the month of February compared to 50 in February 2021 (+58.8%); 71 for the month of March 2022 against 27 in March 2021 (+162%), which demonstrates a clear acceleration in the number of kidnappings since the beginning of the year.

Portail Léogâne, Bas Peu de Chose, rue Capois, Champ de mars, Avenue Christophe, Lalue, Avenue Poupelard, Bourdon, Turgeau, Canapé-Vert, Bois Verna... have become red zones where the Grand Ravin gang and their allies kidnap in any impunity, although a more constant presence of the police is noted in these zones specifies the bulletin.

The COC explains "The systematic police interventions in Croix-des-Bouquets have, to some extent, weakened the 400 Mawazo gang which, between July and December 2021, was responsible for an average of 60% of kidnappings. Members of the group are stopped (killed), others on the run arrested... Less than 20% of kidnappings are listed in Croix-des-Bouquets for the first quarter of 2022.

At the same time, the Crime Observation Unit (COC) notes that the allies of 400 Mawozo are strengthening particularly in Tabarre, Torcel and Pétion-ville (to the north). Thus, Pernier has become a focus where the gangs of Martissant are regaining "leadership", on average 45% for the first quarter of 2022. It should be noted that other axes are developing in Port-au-Prince and in the cities of province.

The report underlines "the efforts of the police are appreciable. However, it does not have the means to intervene simultaneously in the main gang hotspots : weapons and accessories, equipment, units adapted to the new configuration of the gangs, technology, financing...

The victims most targeted by kidnapping are the categories "socio-professionals, particularly doctors, lawyers, professors; public administration executives; students ; the police men ; Small traders and retailers; Sons and daughters of the “malere” who live on a daily basis," says the report.

In 2020 and 2021, almost all victims had paid a ransom. Since the beginning of 2022, not only has the amount of ransoms increased, but victims have sometimes paid up to three.

Download the complete bulletin #7 : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/CARDH-Kidnapping-Bulletin-Janvier-Fevrier-Mars-2022.pdf

HL/ HaitiLibre