At least 47 individuals lost their lives, and 22 others sustained injuries during a brutal gang incursion in a neighborhood overlooking Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, as reported by the United Nations on Monday. The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti mentioned that these figures are subject to change.
Kenscoff Mayor, Jean Massillon, disclosed that armed assailants launched an attack on the community late Sunday, resulting in the destruction of homes and the tragic loss of residents. This hillside community, which overlooks major routes leading into the capital, has experienced twelve armed gang assaults since last year, compelling thousands to abandon their residences.
Despite foreign nations’ efforts to bolster the country’s under-equipped police force, powerful gangs, united under a broad coalition, have maintained their stronghold over Port-au-Prince for years and extended their influence to neighboring areas. Following the recent deadly assault, Haiti’s government condemned the “heinous attack” and vowed to enhance security measures. However, local residents demanded the resignation of the police chief, accusing the officers of failing to safeguard individuals who were killed just minutes away from the police station.
Asserting that Kenscoff will not be deserted, the prime minister’s office affirmed on social media that the government will swiftly reinstate its authority without compromise. The aftermath of the attack in Kenscoff was marked by heart-wrenching scenes as survivors stumbled upon the bodies of their loved ones scattered on the streets early Monday. Residents mourned their losses amidst the chaos, with one woman repeatedly lamenting the death of her son, while another man collapsed in anguish on the roadside.
Robert Jean recounted the harrowing moments of hearing gunshots at dawn and desperately trying to awaken others to flee the impending danger. Amidst the chaos, Mathurin Pierre, a 41-year-old farmer, shared the devastating news of losing 14 family members, with several others still unaccounted for.
The assault on Kenscoff was attributed to members of Viv Ansanm, designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government last year. Mayor Massillon accused the gang of instigating chaos and specifically targeting a church and homes, including those owned by Dr. Jean (Bill) Pape, a renowned doctor running a non-governmental organization in Haiti.
With gang violence controlling an estimated 70% of Port-au-Prince, Viv Ansanm has repeatedly focused its aggression on Kenscoff, leading to the displacement of a record 1.5 million Haitians. The escalating violence has resulted in over 3,100 reported deaths and 1,189 injuries in Haiti from January to June, according to UN data.
The recent assault occurred shortly after the U.S. government deported over 160 individuals to Haiti, following a legal battle that terminated temporary protected status for around 350,000 Haitians. The deportees included individuals with criminal backgrounds, ranging from assault to drug trafficking, as confirmed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Haiti is gearing up for its first general elections in over a decade scheduled for December 13, with voter registration ongoing in Port-au-Prince and surrounding regions. However, concerns have been raised by experts about the safety risks associated with conducting elections in the current volatile environment.