PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Armed gangs have launched a brutal assault on Kenscoff, a neighborhood historically home to Haiti’s elite, leaving at least 40 dead and displacing over 1,600 residents. The assault, which began on January 27, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing gang violence that has plagued Haiti for years, with the attackers reportedly coming from the Viv Ansanm gang coalition.
Kenscoff, located in the foothills of a mountain range, is an area that has largely been spared from such attacks in the past. The neighborhood is home to many politicians, business leaders, and wealthy families, making this recent assault particularly shocking. The gunmen moved through the area, going from house to house, indiscriminately opening fire. Many of the dead are believed to include local workers, including pastors, teachers, and children. However, the toll could be higher, as authorities have yet to reach all parts of the neighborhood.
Jean Massillon, the mayor of Kenscoff, confirmed that the gang members had surrounded the area, and calls for reinforcements have been made. The International Organization for Migration reported that more than 1,660 individuals have been forced to flee their homes due to the violence.
Gang violence has long been a serious issue in Haiti, with criminal groups now controlling an alarming 85% of the capital, Port-au-Prince. This attack in Kenscoff occurred shortly after government officials and the police warned of potential assaults in the capital. Despite these warnings, the specific targets remained unclear, leaving residents vulnerable.
Among those displaced is Jean Bertho Valmo, a 45-year-old farmer who fled the area with his family. He described waking up to gunfire early on Monday morning and seeking refuge in the yard of the mayor’s office. He lamented the loss of his crops, which included cabbage, carrots, and broccoli, and called on the government to act.
The ongoing violence has contributed to a massive displacement crisis, with more than 1 million people now homeless across Haiti due to gang activity in recent years. This situation has prompted widespread criticism of the country’s law enforcement, with one police union arguing that the attack could have been prevented if the police had better resources, including helicopters and all-terrain vehicles, to combat the gangs.
Despite these challenges, Haiti’s police force continues to make efforts to combat the gangs, but they remain under-equipped and unsupported. As violence continues to ravage the country, the international community has been urged to provide assistance in stabilizing the situation. The escalating conflict calls for urgent action from both national and international authorities to restore peace and security in Haiti.
For more on the ongoing crisis in Haiti and global efforts to address gang violence, visit Human Rights Watch.
