SW News: A Cameroonian missionary priest who was kidnapped in Haiti by an armed gang has managed to escape after 10 days in captivity. Fr Antoine Macaire Christian Noah, who was kidnapped on Feb. 7 while he was traveling to his community in Kazal, is now safe and secure in neighboring Dominican Republic.

The superior of the Claretian Missionaries of the Antilles Fr Fausto Cruz Rosa  CMF confirmed that the priest managed to run away from his captors on Feb. 17. He was then sent to the Dominican Republic to recuperate. In a communique, the superior said, “Fr Antoine is well and we managed to transfer him to the Dominican Republic.”

"We are grateful to all for joining us in prayer and for the solidarity you have shown us at this time of violence and uncertainty that the Haitian people are experiencing. For our part, we will continue our commitment to service," added the superior. Camillian missionary Fr Antonio Menegon bemoaned the fact that this year, there have been no natural calamities so far. But there has been an unparalleled rise in the number of violent incidents, including kidnappings, as armed gangs roam free.

The spurt in the incidents of violence has sown fear, and insecurity and has caused an acute shortage of essential items. To make matters worse, a cholera epidemic has also struck the population. The disease has claimed the lives of many children and the internecine feuds between rival gangs are making relief efforts difficult. "Although no media is talking about it, it is a humanitarian catastrophe," said the priest.

Fr Menegon added that the gangs are becoming aggressive and they control vast swathes of territory. Prices of essential commodities have gone through the roof and they include food, fuel and medicines. The scarcity of goods has led to youths vandalizing and looting supermarkets, Caritas food outlets and churches. The unavailability of fuel, electricity, food and medicines has forced one hospital to close down.

"Our hospital, Foyer Saint Camille in Port au Prince is still active but we don't know how long it will be able to resist; several times armed young men have entered and, up to now, they have not taken anything away but the fear is great. In this situation, it is difficult to work and ensure assistance to the sick,"
said the Camillian missionary.

The gangs have threatened hospital staff that if they leave the facility to fetch supplies or return home, they would be killed. "In addition to the 100 disabled children at the Foyer Bethléem and the sick at the Foyer Saint Camille, we no longer know where to house the pregnant women who are due to give birth and the babies who are born. We must provide for everyone's needs and also for the medical and nursing staff. More than 300 people live in the hospital and we must guarantee everyone meals, care and medicine,” said Fr Menegon.