At least 40 killed as gangs attack displaced people near Haiti capital

At least 47 individuals lost their lives and an additional 22 sustained injuries in a night-time assault by armed gangs in Kenscoff, a community overlooking Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince. The UN expressed concern that the casualty count might rise. Kenscoff has experienced about a dozen such attacks since last year, compelling thousands of residents to abandon their homes.

Operating under a unified gang alliance, these groups have steadily increased their authority in Port-au-Prince and its surrounding areas, despite foreign nations' attempts to bolster Haiti's undermanned police force.

The Haitian rights group RNDDH estimated the death toll between 30 and 40, with 15 to 20 people wounded. The attack commenced around 10:30 p.m. local time, and establishing the full death toll proved challenging. The Haitian government expressed vehement condemnation, vowing to bolster security. However, residents demanded the resignation of the local police chief, accusing officers of being unable to safeguard individuals killed mere minutes away from the police station.

Prime Minister's office reassured residents that Kenscoff would not be abandoned, vowing to restore government authority "without weakness and without delay".

UN estimates from early 2025 indicate that attacks in Kenscoff claimed over 260 lives and resulted in the destruction or burning of 200 homes, forcing approximately 3,000 people to flee their residences. Subsequent attacks involving rape, kidnapping, arson, and livestock theft have occurred, with local police officers attempting to repel the armed attackers during the night. Some officers reportedly sustained injuries. Residents have not identified any gang members among those killed, according to Reuters.

Several homes, including the residence of Jean William Pape, a reputable public health expert, were set ablaze. Kenscoff overlooks routes leading to Petion-Ville, a region housing several embassies, upscale hotels, and the temporary seat of government. It also overlooks a major road connecting the capital to southern Haiti. The latest violence may further heighten concerns about Haiti's capability to conduct an election in December, the first in ten years, as frequent postponements have been influenced by the expansion of armed gangs' influence.