Violence has erupted in the affluent Kenscoff neighborhood of Haiti, sparking fear and chaos among residents. A brutal gang assault has claimed the lives of at least 40 people, leaving the community in a state of terror.
Kenscoff in Turmoil
The usually tranquil Kenscoff neighborhood in Port-au-Prince has been under siege for eight frightening days. The perpetrators: heavily armed gangs, reportedly members of the Viv Ansanm coalition known for their dominance over much of the capital. This orchestrated brutality has claimed the lives of at least 40 individuals. Affected parties range from pastors and teachers to children and working-class residents, shedding light on the indiscriminate nature of the killings.
Gangs attack neighborhood in Haiti that's home to country's elite https://t.co/39lq9jPp9L
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) February 4, 2025
The death toll reflects Haiti’s ongoing battle with rampant gang violence. While Kenscoff is a neighborhood known for its affluence, the geographic limitations have not insulated the area from such acts of lawlessness. The International Organization for Migration reported that more than 1,660 people have been made homeless by these attacks. In light of this, Haiti struggles with over a million displaced individuals seeking refuge from gang-led aggression.
Failures in Prevention and Control
Prior warnings from Haiti’s government and police authorities about potential major attacks had little impact in preventing the Kenscoff massacre. No specific locations were identified during these warnings, diminishing their practical utility. A police union’s criticism highlights a lack of necessary resources to combat this violence, asserting that Rwanda-esque vigilance could have reduced casualties.
🇭🇹Massacre in Haiti as 40 people including children are shot dead in their homes by notorious gang.
The Viv Ansanm gang has been going door to door in the affluent Kenscoff neighbourhood in Port-au-Prince, with gunmen going home to home and indiscriminately opening fire on… pic.twitter.com/r3vTu7KJ8C
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) February 4, 2025
“As we speak, they have surrounded the area” – Mayor Jean Massillon.
The vigilance of the armed forces falls short, and sufficient support is absent, leaving communities exposed. Since the 2010 earthquake, holding governance together has been a challenge for Haiti, providing gangs ample opportunity to exploit the situation. Consequently, over 85% of Port-au-Prince is reported to be under gang control, driving a wedge between the authorities’ commitment and actual capacity to ensure public safety.
The Humanitarian Crisis
Beyond the loss of life, the Kenscoff assault highlights Haiti’s deteriorating humanitarian conditions. With communities like Kenscoff facing dire shortages of essentials, the plight of displaced families is apparent. From food to water, the refugee-like conditions strain the limited resources. “There is not enough water and food for everyone,” says Jean Bertho Valmo, illustrating the grim situation.
“I invested everything I had in them” – Jean Bertho Valmo.
The attack in Kenscoff serves as yet another layer of pressure on the international community, calling for vigilant engagements in supporting Haiti against this spiral of violence. Increased support for policing, societal restructuring, and community upliftment programs may contribute to stabilizing this battered landscape, but such endeavors require swift and determined actions from global leaders.
