Omanghana
Bishop Pierre-André Dumas has issued a passionate international appeal from his recovery bed in Florida, urging world leaders to confront what he described as the “near total abandonment” of Haiti amid the country’s worsening humanitarian catastrophe.
Speaking to Vatican News, the senior Haitian Catholic leader said Haiti has become “a wound in the side of the world that should shake everyone’s conscience,” warning that the nation’s collapse can no longer be ignored by the international community.
The bishop called for what he described as “concrete fraternity” from wealthy nations, specifically highlighting Haiti’s close proximity to the United States. He criticized global powers for investing enormous financial resources into foreign conflicts while failing to adequately respond to the humanitarian emergency unfolding just hours away from American shores.
As part of his appeal, Bishop Dumas proposed a global day of prayer dedicated to Haiti. He urged families, parishes, churches, and religious communities around the world to unite in solidarity with the Haitian people and support efforts aimed at restoring peace and dignity to the nation.
The bishop also condemned what he called the “extreme fragility” of Haiti’s institutions, pointing to ongoing governmental instability, widespread public corruption, and growing distrust among citizens. According to him, the erosion of state authority has deepened the country’s social and humanitarian crisis.
Haiti continues to face devastating conditions as armed gangs tighten their grip over the capital, Port-au-Prince. Criminal groups are believed to control nearly 80% of the city, leaving many residents trapped in constant fear and insecurity.
The humanitarian situation has also sharply deteriorated, with more than five million people — nearly half of Haiti’s population — now facing severe hunger and the threat of starvation. Healthcare and education systems have nearly collapsed, with reports of hospitals being occupied by gang members and thousands of children unable to attend school due to the violence.
Bishop Dumas’ advocacy has come at a significant personal cost. He is currently recovering in Florida after suffering severe burns during a targeted explosion linked to his high-profile efforts to mediate peace talks between government authorities and armed gang factions.
Despite the threats against his life and his ongoing medical recovery, the bishop continues to push for stronger diplomatic engagement and international intervention. He also welcomed recent discussions between Pope Leo XIV and a Haitian government delegation, expressing hope that a future papal visit to Haiti could help inspire lasting peace and national reconciliation.
The bishop’s appeal comes as international organizations continue to warn that Haiti’s security and humanitarian crisis is rapidly worsening, with millions of civilians caught between escalating gang violence, political instability, and severe economic hardship.
Source: Omanghana
