SW News: The malaise of kidnappings is far from over in the Caribbean nation of Haiti, which is reeling from internal security issues. In the latest incident, a Catholic missionary priest was abducted by bandits on Feb. 7. Fr Antoine Macaire Christian Noah, a Claretian priest, was taken by armed bandits early in the morning as he was traveling to his parish in Kazal, which is 34 km north of the capital Port-au-Prince.

Major Superior of the Greater Antilles delegation of the congregation Fr Fausto Cruz Rosa said in a communique that the priest was indeed abducted and his captors have notified the local superior about the ransom to be paid for the safe release of the kidnapped priest, who hails from Cameroon.

For the safe release of the priest, who has been serving as the vicar of the Kazal Catholic community, the Major Superior has sought prayers from believers. “We request everyone to unite in prayer that Pere Antoine be released safe and sound," says the note signed by Fr. Rosa.

Ever since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise on July 7, 2021, the nation has plunged into chaos with armed gangs virtually controlling vast swathes of territory and innocent people getting caught in the clashes between rival gangs. Insecurity has intensified the supply of food, medicines, fuel and other essential items across the country resulting in acute shortages. In such a situation the gangs resort to kidnappings for ransom.

In 2021, a group of Catholic priests and nuns were taken by armed men in Haiti and it sparked a huge public outcry. They were kidnapped on April 11 while they were traveling between the capital and the town of Ganthier.  There were reports that the dreaded 400 Mawozo Gang was behind the kidnapping. On April 30, they were all released. However, it is still not clear if a ransom was paid to the abductors.