ROME – The Haitian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CEH) announced on Monday that Bishop Pierre-André Dumas of Anse-à-Veau and Miragoâne was wounded in an explosion in the capital of Port-au-Prince, in the latest incident of violence in the country.
The statement revealed that Dumas was injured by an explosion that struck the house where he was staying, while he was visiting the capital.
The Mexican bishops conference also expressed solidarity with the Haitian bishops and citizens following news of the attack, acknowledging the difficult situation of violence and insecurity in Haiti.
The Mexican bishops praised the strength and determination of the Haitian church leaders, despite the acts of terror they have endured.
The statement from the Mexican bishops condemned the violence against Dumas and any other terrorist action that attacks life and human dignity, and expressed their commitment to continuing to work together for a future of hope.
The recent explosion that injured Dumas is part of a series 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 tenure for one year led to widespread upheaval, protests, and, eventually, his assassination, sparking a political crisis and a surge in gang violence.
As a result, approximately three quarters of Port-au-Prince are thought to be under the control of criminal groups and organizations.
According to a report from the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), the violence in Haiti has led to the death, injury, or kidnapping of over 2,300 people, as well as over 8,400 victims of such violence in the past year.
Church personnel have also become frequent targets of violent attacks and kidnappings for ransom.
In their efforts to work for a peaceful future, the Haitian bishops have called on national authorities to put an end to the suffering of the people, following mass protests that turned violent, resulting in five deaths.
The protests were a response to a political agreement forged in 2022, which demonstrators sought to enforce by demanding the resignation of Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
The bishops urged Haiti to unite and commit to a path that will lead to a new, violence-free future.
They condemned the violence and urged the people to avoid falling into the trap of violence and fratricidal fights that disregard their dignity as a nation.
Following the protests, Henry refused to step down, citing the need to ensure safe conditions for holding an election before he could relinquish power.
At present, there is no further update on Dumas’s condition or when he is expected to resume his duties.
Overall, the situation in Haiti remains complex and challenging, with ongoing violence, political instability, and citizens’ desire for a better future.