Haiti: OPC slams inaction after Artibonite attack

Petite-Rivière de l’Artibonite, March 30, 2026.  Haiti’s Ombudsman Office (OPC) has voiced strong concern over what it describes as insufficient state action following a deadly attack that struck several communities in Artibonite overnight between March 28 and 29.

Deadly overnight assault

According to information gathered by the institution’s departmental office, armed individuals affiliated with the “Gran Grif” gang launched coordinated attacks around 3:00 a.m. on the areas of Jean-Denis, Descordes and Pont-Benoît, located in the first communal section of Bas-Coussin 1.

Heavy provisional toll

The preliminary toll reports 16 people killed, including one woman, and 19 others wounded by gunfire. The injured are currently receiving treatment in hospitals in Saint-Marc and Gonaïves.

However, unconfirmed sources suggest that the number of victims could be significantly higher.

Restricted access and armed group presence

The OPC stressed that access to the affected zones remains extremely limited due to the continued presence of armed groups, notably “Gran Grif” and “Kokorat San Ras.”

This situation severely hampers both humanitarian assistance and efforts to independently verify the facts on the ground.

The institution also deplored what it called an inadequate response from the authorities, in a context where local populations remain under constant threat from gangs controlling key transport routes.

Call for urgent state action

Given the gravity of the situation, the OPC is urging Haitian authorities to take immediate measures, including:

• activating the Superior Council of the National Police (CSPN) to ensure a coordinated response;
• strengthening security deployments in the Artibonite department;
• mobilizing resources to neutralize armed groups;
• guaranteeing the independence and effectiveness of police and judicial operations.

Humanitarian emergency

The OPC also called on international partners to provide urgent support to victims and displaced populations.

Needs remain acute, particularly in humanitarian aid, psychosocial support and assistance for bereaved families.

The institution reaffirmed its commitment to defending fundamental rights and to continuing its monitoring of the security situation in Artibonite.

Ronald André