By Sherwin Bryce-Pease

The town is about 96 kilometers from the capital Port-au-Prince.

Members of the Gran Grif gang are said to have used automatic rifles to shoot at the population, killing dozens including at least 10 women and three babies.

Haiti’s Prime Minister Garry Conille has condemned the brutal attack, calling for national unity and a coordinated government response.

The UN Human Rights Office says that as the attack unfolded, gang members set fire to at least 45 houses and 34 vehicles, forcing residents to flee.

The UN has called for increased international financial and logistical assistance for the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), led by Kenya.

The office also highlighted as crucial the need for authorities to carry out a prompt and thorough investigation into the attack, hold those responsible accountable and guarantee reparations for the victims and their families.

Conille said the Haitian National Police was stepping up its efforts in the area while specialized units supported by the MSS mission would also be deployed.

--SABC--