Haiti’s Bloodshed Escalating, Bishops Urge Prime Minister’s Resignation

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

PORT-AU-PRINCE (Worthy News) – Haiti’s Catholic bishops have appealed for an end to escalating violence in their troubled Caribbean nation and urged the prime minister to resign.

Their appeal came after a United Nations report said more than 1000 people were killed, injured, or kidnapped in Haiti in January, including Christians, making it the bloodiest month for the Caribbean nation in almost two years.

“Just last week, six religious brothers and a priest were kidnapped in the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince. In January, six religious sisters were kidnapped and subsequently released. “We’ve had enough!’,” the Vatican News service said.

Last week, Bishop Pierre-André Dumas of Anse-à-Veau and Miragoâne was wounded in an explosion in the country’s capital, marking the latest act of violence plaguing Haiti for years.

The Conference of Catholic Bishops of Haiti (CEH) said Dumas had been injured “by an explosion which reached the house where he was staying” while he was visiting Port-au-Prince.

“For the moment, Dumas’ health is stable. We entrust him to your fervent prayers for a speedy recovery,” the bishops said.

However, “Enough blood and tears have been shed by murders, kidnappings, and rapes committed over the past three years,” the bishops wrote in separate remarks adding, “We’ve had enough!”

INCREASED VIOLENCE

Increased violence in recent months has been linked to Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s decision to remain in power despite an earlier agreement to hold elections in February 2024.

In their statement, the bishops urged Henry to step down “for the good of the entire nation.”

Henry became prime minister in 2021 amid the political crisis following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. He pledged to hold elections on February 7, 2024, but later decided to continue with a national unity government.

The bishops asked Henry to make “a wise decision” by stepping aside “for the good of the entire nation,” which, they said, “is seriously threatened to its very foundations.”

Several people reportedly died in violence and protests in recent days. The bishop urged Haitians not to “fall into the trap of violence and fratricidal struggles that trample on our dignity”

As violence escalated, Pope Francis on Wednesday also called for prayers for the people of Haiti, “where crimes and kidnappings by armed gangs continue.”

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