Haiti's Prime Minister’s office accused gang leader Micanor “Mikanò” Altès and associates of carrying out the attacks.

According to local reports as quoted by UN website, the elderly victims were massacred under the orders of a gang leader in the area who consulted a voodoo priest after his son fell ill and died, who pinned the blame for the mystery illness on elders using witchcraft.

Haiti PM's office said in a statement: "The government condemns with absolute indignation the inhuman atrocity perpetrated at Wharf Jérémie, which cost the lives of approximately 180 defenseless compatriots, orchestrated by gang leader Micanor. A red line has been crossed, and the State will mobilize all its forces to track down and annihilate these criminals. Justice will strike with exemplary rigor. The government extends its sympathies to the families of the victims."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the incident.

“The Secretary-General strongly condemns the continued gang violence and loss of life in Haiti,” said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, conveying Guterres’s “deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of victims of this horrific act”.

The Secretary-General also urged Haitian authorities to “conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that perpetrators of these and all the other human rights abuses and violations are brought to justice”.