Shunned for centuries, Vodou grows powerful as Haitians seek solace from unrelenting gang violence
Shunned for centuries, Vodou grows powerful as Haitians seek solace from unrelenting gang violence
AP (on their own site)
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) The Vodou faithful sing, their voices rising above the gunfire erupting miles away as frantic drumbeats drown out their troubles.
They pause to swig rum out of small brown bottles, twirling in unison as they sing in Haitian Creole: We dont care if they hate us, because they cant bury us.
Shunned publicly by politicians and intellectuals for centuries, Vodou is transforming into a more powerful and accepted religion across Haiti, where its believers were once persecuted. Increasingly, they seek solace and protection from violent gangs that have killed, raped and kidnapped thousands in recent years.
The violence has left more than 360,000 people homeless, largely shut down Haitis biggest seaport and closed the main international airport two months ago. Basic goods including food and life-saving medication are dwindling; nearly 2 million Haitians are on the verge of famine.
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