Nine people, including an Irish missionary and a young child, are currently unaccounted for in Haiti following a mass kidnapping from an orphanage located in Port-au-Prince. The incident occurred on Sunday at the Sainte-Hélène orphanage in Kenscoff, approximately 6.2 miles southeast of the capital.
Gena Heraty, an Irish missionary who has dedicated decades to overseeing this orphanage, is among the kidnapped. Alongside her, a three-year-old child and seven staff members were taken by assailants who reportedly executed a well-planned attack. The mayor of Kenscoff, Massillon Jean, described how the attackers entered through a wall around 3:30 a.m. without discharging any firearms, ultimately leaving with nine hostages.
While no ransom demands have been communicated, Heraty managed to make a call to confirm her kidnapping early that day. Since 1993, she has been a vital figure in assisting the orphanage, which provides care for up to 270 children.
This incident follows a troubling trend of violence in Haiti. The ongoing turmoil, exacerbated by gang activities, has led to fears for the safety of foreign missionaries. Previous kidnappings have involved groups such as the 400 Mawazo gang, which had previously held French priests and other foreign citizens captive. Recently, the Viv Ansanm gang has been active in the Kenscoff region, further destabilizing the area.
The situation in Haiti remains precarious, especially in the aftermath of the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, which has led to rampant violence from armed groups. As the U.S. State Department updates its security alerts and restricts official movements near its embassy in Port-au-Prince due to gunfire, the UN reports a staggering increased toll of over 3,141 lives lost in the first half of the year due to gang-related violence.
In light of these events, it’s crucial to reaffirm the resilience of communities and organizations, such as Gena Heraty’s, who continue to work toward bettering the lives of children despite the overwhelming challenges of violence and instability in Haiti. The commitment of international humanitarian workers remains a beacon of hope during these dark times.