At least 47 individuals lost their lives, and another 22 sustained injuries during a gang assault in a neighborhood overlooking Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, as reported by the United Nations on Monday. The UN Integrated Office in Haiti mentioned that these numbers are subject to change.
The Mayor of Kenscoff, Jean Massillon, disclosed that armed assailants attacked the community late on Sunday, setting ablaze residences and taking the lives of inhabitants. This neighborhood has witnessed a series of assaults by armed gangs over the past year, resulting in the displacement of thousands of residents.
Despite efforts by foreign nations to bolster the country’s under-equipped police force, powerful gangs operating under a broad coalition have maintained a stronghold over Haiti’s capital and expanded their influence to neighboring areas. Following the recent attack, the government of Haiti condemned the “heinous act” and pledged to enhance security measures. However, local residents expressed dissatisfaction, calling for the resignation of the police chief, citing a failure to safeguard the community, where the violence occurred just minutes away from the police station.
The Prime Minister’s office assured the public through social media that Kenscoff would not be abandoned, emphasizing a swift restoration of government authority without compromise. The aftermath of the raid left survivors in anguish, mourning the loss of their loved ones scattered on the streets of Kenscoff. Witnesses recounted the chaos and devastation, with one resident blaming the government for the tragic events and highlighting the need for a stronger police presence to prevent such occurrences.
The attack, attributed to members of Viv Ansanm, a group designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government, targeted various locations, including a church and properties owned by prominent figures like Dr. Jean (Bill) Pape, a renowned doctor running a healthcare NGO in Haiti.
Gang-related violence has plagued Port-au-Prince, with Viv Ansanm repeatedly targeting Kenscoff, leading to the displacement of a significant portion of the population. The dire situation has resulted in a record 1.5 million people being displaced across Haiti, with over 3,100 reported fatalities and 1,189 injuries in the first half of the year, according to UN data.
The recent assault coincided with the deportation of over 160 individuals to Haiti by the U.S. government, following a legal battle to terminate temporary protected status for Haitians. Amidst these challenges, Haiti is gearing up for general elections in December, although concerns have been raised about the feasibility of conducting safe and fair elections in the current volatile environment.
