Haiti: UN chief condemns Haiti attack that killed 47

On Tuesday, the United Nations disclosed that armed men in Haiti killed at least 47 individuals, including five children, and kidnapped more than 50 others during an attack on Sunday. The incident occurred in Kenscoff, a suburb of the capital, Port-au-Prince, known for its cooler climate and strategic location near political institutions.

A gang leader posted a video threatening to kill any hostages if the Haitian National Police wounded his men during a rescue attempt. A local resident recounted that his brother, stepmother, stepfather, two cousins, and 16-year-old niece were among those kidnapped; the niece managed to escape. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack, emphasizing the alarming security conditions in Haiti and the urgent need for domestic and international security efforts.

He urged Haitian authorities to hold those responsible accountable, including through specialized judicial units established with international support. Kenscoff, located 10 kilometers south of Port-au-Prince, has seen a surge in attacks, making it a significant political and security challenge for the government and international mission.

In January 2025, the first major attack on Kenscoff took place, followed by sporadic incidents in the surrounding mountains. However, Sunday's attack was the largest, challenging the belief that security in Haiti was improving. Over 3,050 people were killed in Haiti between January and June, and gang violence has displaced an estimated 1.5 million.

The UN also reported nearly 800 rapes and over 80 kidnappings between April and June. These numbers only represent a portion of the total, as victims' relatives often negotiate directly with kidnappers to secure a quicker release and avoid potential reprisals.