Gunmen have seized control of a bus in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, abducting six nuns from the Sisters of Sainte-Anne congregation along with other passengers, including the driver. The incident occurred on January 19 in broad daylight as the minibus was en route to the university. The capital, grappling with escalating violence that has led to certain neighborhoods being inaccessible, is facing a surge in criminal activities, including kidnappings.

The Haitian Conference of Religious confirmed the kidnapping in a press release, and Bishop Pierre-André Dumas of Anse-à-Veau and Miragoâne strongly condemned the act. The bishop expressed outrage, emphasizing the lack of respect for the dignity of the consecrated women dedicated to educating and supporting the vulnerable in society. Bishop Dumas issued an appeal for the immediate release of the hostages and a cessation of such "odious and barbaric" practices. He called upon the Haitian society to unite in solidarity to secure the safe return of the hostages to their families and communities.

In a bold move, Bishop Dumas declared his willingness to take the place of the hostages, emphasizing the urgent need to end the criminal activities plaguing the region.

The kidnapping adds to the mounting violence in Port-au-Prince, with armed gangs intensifying their activities. Recent clashes in the Solino district resulted in around twenty casualties, as rival gangs, including those from the Bel-Air district, engaged in violent exchanges of gunfire. Other areas, such as Carrefour Péan and Delmas 24, have also witnessed gang attacks, prompting residents to erect barricades for protection.

Kidnappings have been on the rise in the capital and on major roads, with incidents such as the abduction and subsequent release of a doctor and a justice of the peace after the payment of a ransom last week.

Simultaneously, anti-government demonstrations, led by former police chief and politician Guy Philippe, have disrupted the country in recent days. The protesters are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who assumed office after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. They criticize Henry for perceived inaction in addressing the escalating insecurity and economic challenges. The country remains in a state of unrest, with multiple crises converging and exacerbating the difficulties faced by the Haitian people.