A recent investigative report by the National Human Rights Defense Network (RNDDH), released on October 9, 2025, has unveiled a disturbing surge in violence in Haiti’s Artibonite department. Between January and September 2025, at least 24 armed attacks and massacres were carried out by notorious gangs, including ‘Kokorat San Ras,’ ‘Gran Grif,’ and ‘Taliban/Mawozo.’ These brutal incidents occurred across 25 localities and cities within eight municipalities, with Petite-Rivière being the most heavily targeted area, suffering eight attacks. The Artibonite region, once hailed as Haiti’s agricultural heartland, has now become a focal point of escalating insecurity and lawlessness. The report highlights daily occurrences of armed clashes, extrajudicial executions, rapes, arson, looting, and mass displacement of citizens. Hundreds of homes were looted or burned, nearly 100 people were killed, and numerous vehicles, including police armored cars, were destroyed or stolen. Additionally, at least six state institutions, such as police stations and magistrates’ courts, were vandalized or set ablaze. The full 25-page report, available for download, provides a comprehensive account of the crisis.
FLASH : At least 24 armed attacks in Artibonite in 9 months (investigation report)
