At least 47 individuals lost their lives, and 22 others sustained injuries during a violent incursion by a gang 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 the casualty estimates are subject to change. The mayor of Kenscoff, Jean Massillon, described how armed assailants attacked the community, setting homes ablaze and perpetrating fatal assaults on residents.
This hillside community, which overlooks major entry points into the capital, has endured a series of armed gang attacks over the past year, leading to the displacement of thousands of residents. Despite efforts by foreign nations to bolster the country’s under-resourced police force, powerful gangs, united under a broad alliance, have maintained control over Port-au-Prince and expanded their influence to neighboring areas.
Following the tragic incident, where individuals were killed just minutes away from a police station, residents expressed outrage over the lack of protection and called for the resignation of the local police chief. In response, Haiti’s government condemned the “heinous attack” and pledged to enhance security measures, asserting that Kenscoff will not be forsaken and vowing to swiftly restore governmental authority in the area.
The aftermath of the raid was marked by scenes of grief and despair, with survivors discovering the bodies of their loved ones strewn across the streets. Witnesses recounted harrowing experiences of the attack, with one resident, Robert Jean, recalling his frantic efforts to ensure the safety of his family members amidst the chaos. Another resident, Verti Enold-Saint, criticized the government for the lack of adequate security measures, emphasizing the need for a more robust police presence to prevent such tragedies.
The assault, attributed to members of the Viv Ansanm group, designated a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government, targeted various locations, including a church and properties owned by prominent individuals like Dr. Jean (Bill) Pape, a respected doctor running a healthcare-focused non-profit organization in Haiti.
Gang violence, particularly by Viv Ansanm, has plagued Kenscoff and the wider Port-au-Prince area, with an estimated 70% of the capital under gang control. The escalating violence has displaced a record number of citizens in Haiti, with thousands of individuals killed or injured in armed conflicts, according to UN data.
Furthermore, the recent deportation of over 160 individuals back to Haiti by the U.S. government, following the termination of temporary protected status for Haitians, has raised concerns about the country’s stability, especially with national elections scheduled for December. Security experts have cautioned against holding elections in the current volatile environment.