The Haitian Church is mobilizing strongly against kidnappings, which have become endemic in the country. In a statement, the Episcopal Conference of Haiti (CEH) called on Catholic institutions to “Observe a work stoppage” Thursday April 15, in reaction to the kidnapping of ten people, including two French religious, last Sunday.
The CEH particularly supports the closure of “Catholic, priestly and congregational schools” as well as universities « to protest against bad acts in the country ”, she said in her press release published Tuesday, April 13.
→ CONTEXT. Haiti: religious victims of kidnappings, what we know
The institution also asks priests and religious to celebrate offices “In all the churches to ask God for a change for Haiti”, specifying that they will celebrate “With all the bishops on the same day at noon” a mass in Pétion-Ville, in the suburbs of Port-au-Prince, not far from the district of Croix-des-Bouquets, where the ten people were kidnapped on Sunday. Among them are seven religious, two of whom are French. The CEH announced that “All the church bells” will ring Thursday April 15 at noon.
Government resignation
The bishops also deplore the fact that those responsible for these kidnappings have “More power than the state and the police”, acting “In peace”. “Even children are not spared”, they regretted.
The day after the kidnapping, the CEH pointed out « the public authorities who are doing nothing to resolve this crisis ”, denouncing the « complaisances » towards these acts of kidnapping. Haitian President Jovenel Moïse reacted a few hours later, admitting that the state had to do «Mores d’efstrong in the battle against this catastrophe ” and promising not to ” give up “ face au “Scourge” kidnappings that hit the country.
The Haitian government presented its resignation Wednesday, April 14, and a new Prime Minister Claude Joël was appointed. This new government “Will make it possible to address the glaring problem of insecurity and continue discussions with a view to reaching the consensus necessary for the political and institutional stability of our country”, tweeted President Moïse.
“Reassuring news”
Among those captured are Father Michel Briand, head of a school, member of the Society of Priests of Saint-Jacques and missionary in Haiti for nearly 30 years, as well as Sister Agnès, originally from Mayenne, also established in long standing in the country.
→ ANALYSIS. Kidnappings, a recurring evil in Haiti
The Society of Priests of Saint-Jacques is in contact with the kidnappers, who are said to be members of a gang called “400 Magowo”, armed and very active in Haiti. They demanded, Sunday, April 11, a ransom of one million euros. “Negotiations are underway and the news is reassuring, declared, Monday April 12, the Father Sermonfils Auguste, vicar of the diocese of La Rochelle and member of the Society. We remained confident while hoping that they will be released very soon. We continue to pray. “
The country, the poorest on the American continent, is plagued by violence. Kidnappings are commonplace for many armed gangs looking for ransom. If religious are respected in this nation where Christians are in the vast majority, this is not the first time that such a fact has occurred. In January, a Catholic nun was captured for two days. At the beginning of April, a Protestant pastor, along with a group of faithful, was also detained a few days before being released.
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