Haitis Culture Ministry Disciplines Staff Over Deadly Citadelle Stampede

Haiti Announces Arrests and Firing of Government Officials Following Deadly Stampede

At least nine people have been arrested, including police officers and ministry employees, in connection with a deadly stampede at the Citadelle Laferriere in Haiti’s northern region. The incident occurred on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of at least 25 people.

The Ministry of Culture and Communication has announced that two government officials have been fired following the tragedy. One official was accused of “serious negligence,” while the other was criticized for “biased passivity.”

According to a statement from the ministry, the cause of the stampede is believed to be administrative negligence. The government has stated that it will assume full responsibility for the event.

The incident occurred during an event held at the citadel, which was attended by local residents and visitors. Stormy weather conditions exacerbated the situation, with heavy rain causing participants to seek shelter. The event took place in a 19th-century fortress commissioned after Haiti’s enslaved population overthrew French colonial rule.

In addition to the stampede, severe weather conditions have affected other parts of the country, resulting in at least 12 deaths and widespread flooding. Over 900 homes and one hospital have been damaged or destroyed.

The Haitian government has also been dealing with gang violence, particularly since the assassination of former President Jovenel Moise in 2021. The United Nations has reported at least 5,519 gang-related deaths in Haiti since March 2025, with roughly 16,000 people killed and over 1.5 million displaced since 2022.

The government has called for additional aid as the violence continues. In one recent incident, a police station was burned in an overnight gang attack in the Marigot commune, resulting in seven deaths.

Source: Al Jazeera