Haitian gang behind US missionary abduction demands $17m ransom

A Haitian gang behind the kidnapping of US and Canadian missionaries is demanding a million dollars for each hostage.

The abductions took place on Saturday when the 17 missionaries left an orphanage and were headed back to Port-au-Prince. 16 of the Christian missionaries are US citizens, while one is from Canada, they include women and children as well.

The gang behind the act is known for its abductions of international aid workers for large ransoms. It was also behind the abductions of the Catholic clergy back in April, and demanded a million dollars for their release. It is unclear whether the ransom amount was paid or not.

Who are the victims?

Out of the 17 missionaries, 12 are adults with 7 being women. The youngest child abducted on Saturday is reportedly just two years old. Apart from them, four more children are also among those abducted.

The missionaries worked for the Christian Aids Ministries in Ohio. The non-profit missionary organization has been helping Haitians for years.

How is the US responding?

The State Department and FBI are working on getting the innocents released. Haitians are also protesting against the rise in crime and unions announced a strike which led to the closure of businesses in Port-au-Prince and other cities under government control.

Haiti has one of the World’s highest abduction rates. Over 580 abductions were reported in Q1 of 2021 alone. Gangs have gained more ground and opportunities after the Haitian President’s assassination in July.

What’s next for Haiti?

As political uncertainty is growing, Haiti has become a breeding ground for gangs looking to capture more districts and kidnap international aid workers so they could ask for massive ransoms.

As some Haitians arrive at the southern border, many others are asking the US to send in troops into the country.

Haiti’s Prime Minister accused for getting the President assassinated isn’t helping with his actions as he continues to stoke the ever-growing humanitarian crisis with his decisions.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry has fired the chief public prosecutor who had called for him to be charged. He has also removed Haiti’s Justice Minister.

Many experts believe PM Henry’s actions to be unconstitutional, but with the political instability and growing humanitarian crisis, he continues to rule the country.