Crisis in Haiti: Kenscoff under the siege of terror and gang violence
The Kenscoff community, located in the mountainous areas near Port-au-Prince, is going through moments of deep desolation after a brutal massacre perpetrated by armed groups between the night of Sunday, August 23, and the early hours of Monday, August 24. The toll of this violent episode has left a trail of mourning, destruction of homes, and an alarming number of kidnapped people.
According to reports from Alofoke Deportes, the United Nations has confirmed the death of at least 47 people, including five minors, and the kidnapping of more than 50 citizens, consolidating this event as one of the most serious collective attacks recorded recently in Haitian territory.
Stories of survival and despair
The human impact of this tragedy is reflected in the testimony of the survivors, who live in uncertainty about the whereabouts of their loved ones. A 19-year-old, who managed to escape the attack, recounted how nine members of his family were kidnapped by the criminals during the raid.
In my family, I am the only one who has been lucky enough to be saved.
Testimony from a survivor of the Kenscoff massacre.In addition to the loss of their relatives, the victims face the total destruction of their material goods and personal documents, which makes it impossible for many young people to resume their studies or prove their identity. The situation is critical, as, so far, the kidnappers have not established contact or made their demands known, keeping families in a state of constant anguish.
An unprecedented escalation of violence
Kenscoff, which had historically remained a refuge of relative peace, has become a primary target for criminal gangs since the beginning of 2025. The most recent attack not only left dozens of homes burned, but also violated civil protection spaces.
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack, highlighting that 22 victims were executed inside a religious compound.
- The mayor of Kenscoff, Jean Massillon, confirmed the burning of at least 25 residences by the gang coalition known as Viv Ansanm.
- The national crisis has caused the internal displacement of approximately 1.5 million people throughout Haiti.
Faced with the advance of armed groups toward the outskirts of the commune, the Haitian National Police have deployed special units to attempt to regain control. However, the community remains mired in fear, awaiting concrete answers that guarantee the release of the kidnapped and the cessation of a violence that continues to expand beyond the capital.
