Heavily Armed Gangs Attack Elite Neighborhood in Haiti, Leaving Dozens Dead and thousands Homeless
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — In a brazen escalation of violence, heavily armed gangs have launched a devastating attack on Kenscoff, a neighborhood long considered a safe haven for Haiti’s elite. The assault, which began on January 27, has left at least 40 people dead, including pastors, teachers, and children, with the death toll expected to rise as authorities struggle to access certain areas.
Mayor Jean Massillon described the situation as dire, stating, “It’s been eight days since Kenscoff has been under attack.” He attributed the violence to the Viv Ansanm gang coalition, whose members have been indiscriminately opening fire on homes. “As we speak, they have surrounded the area,” Massillon said, urgently calling for reinforcements.
Kenscoff, nestled in the foothills of a mountain range, is home to many of Haiti’s politicians and business leaders. Though, the majority of the victims are working-class individuals who tend crops on the neighborhood’s outskirts. Jean Bertho Valmo,a 45-year-old farmer who fled the area,recounted the harrowing experience of waking to gunfire before dawn. “There is not enough water and food for everyone,” he said, mourning the loss of his cabbage, carrots, and broccoli crops. “I invested everything I had in them. The police, the government need to put a stop to this.”
The attack has displaced more than 1,660 people, according to the International Association for Migration. This is part of a broader crisis, as gang violence has left over 1 million people homeless across haiti in recent years.The assault on Kenscoff comes amid warnings from the government and police about imminent attacks in the capital. Gangs already control 85% of Port-au-Prince, and the United Nations secretary-general warned last month that they could overrun the capital.
Police unions have criticized the lack of resources, stating that the attack “could have been avoided if police had good equipment,” including a helicopter and an all-terrain vehicle, as well as funds for intelligence gathering. “Despite these bad conditions, our policemen are making tireless sacrifices, but we cannot tolerate the negligence of the authorities on what must be done to protect their lives and the safety of the population,” the SPNH-17 union said in a statement.
Key Facts at a Glance
Table of Contents
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Location | Kenscoff, Haiti |
| Attack Start Date | January 27, 2025 |
| Casualties | At least 40 dead, including pastors, teachers, and children |
| Displaced Persons | Over 1,660 people |
| Gang Coalition | Viv Ansanm |
| Police Criticism | Lack of equipment and intelligence funding |
The violence in Kenscoff underscores the deepening crisis in Haiti, where gangs continue to wield unchecked power, leaving communities in despair and calling for urgent international attention.
Escalating Gang Violence in Haiti: A Deep Dive into the Kenscoff Crisis with Expert Maria Dubois
The recent brazen attack on Kenscoff, a onc-safe haven for Haiti’s elite, has shocked the nation and the world. Heavily armed gangs descended on the neighborhood, leaving dozens dead, thousands displaced, and an entire community in despair. To better understand the roots of this crisis, its implications, and potential solutions, we sat down with Maria Dubois, a leading expert on Haitian politics and gang-related violence. Here’s what she had to say.
The root Causes of Violence in Kenscoff
Senior Editor: maria, the attack on Kenscoff seems to mark a notable escalation in gang violence in Haiti. what factors have contributed to this surge?
Maria Dubois: The situation in Kenscoff is a culmination of years of systemic issues. Poverty, political instability, and the lack of effective law enforcement have created a vacuum that gangs like Viv Ansanm have exploited. These groups operate with near impunity, using violence to control territory and resources. Kenscoff, being a relatively affluent area, became a target because it symbolized wealth and influence in a country where moast people struggle to survive.
Senior Editor: How has the government’s response been so far?
Maria Dubois: The government’s response has been woefully inadequate. Police lack the resources, equipment, and intelligence-gathering capabilities needed to counter these heavily armed gangs. As the United Nations has warned, if this continues, gangs could overrun the capital entirely. There’s an urgent need for international intervention alongside local efforts to restore order.
The Humanitarian crisis and Displacement
Senior Editor: The attack has displaced over 1,660 people, according to the International Association for Migration. What does this mean for Haiti’s already fragile infrastructure?
Maria Dubois: This is a catastrophe on multiple levels. Manny of the displaced are working-class individuals who relied on jobs in Kenscoff, such as farming. With their livelihoods destroyed, they’re now forced into overcrowded shelters with limited access to food, water, and healthcare. this exacerbates Haiti’s existing humanitarian crisis, where over 1 million people are already homeless due to gang violence. The ripple effects will be felt across the country, straining resources and deepening poverty.
Senior Editor: How can the international community help address this displacement?
Maria Dubois: Immediate humanitarian aid is critical.Organizations must provide food, water, and medical supplies to the displaced. Long-term solutions require investment in infrastructure, job creation, and community rebuilding. Additionally, international bodies need to work with Haitian authorities to dismantle these gangs and restore security.
The Role of Gangs in Haiti’s Power Struggle
Senior Editor: Gangs now control 85% of Port-au-Prince. how did this happen, and what does it mean for haiti’s future?
Maria Dubois: The rise of gangs is a direct result of haiti’s political and economic collapse. These groups have filled the power vacuum, becoming de facto rulers in many areas. They fund their operations through extortion,kidnappings,and illegal trade. If left unchecked, they could destabilize the entire country, making it nearly impossible to govern. This is why a coordinated effort involving local and international forces is essential to reclaim control.
Senior Editor: Are there any specific gangs that stand out in this crisis?
Maria Dubois: The Viv Ansanm coalition is especially notorious. they’re heavily armed,well-organized,and ruthless. Their attack on Kenscoff was a calculated move to demonstrate their power and instill fear. They’re not just a criminal group—they’re a paramilitary force that poses a significant threat to national security.
Urgent Calls for Action
Senior Editor: What immediate steps should the haitian government and the international community take to address this crisis?
Maria Dubois: First and foremost, the Haitian government must prioritize the safety of its citizens. This means equipping the police with the necessary tools—such as helicopters, all-terrain vehicles, and intelligence funding—to counter these gangs. Internationally,countries need to provide not only humanitarian aid but also logistical and tactical support. The United nations should consider deploying a peacekeeping mission to help stabilize the country and restore order.
Senior Editor: Do you see any hope for long-term stability in Haiti?
Maria Dubois: It’s a difficult road ahead, but there is hope. Haiti has a resilient population that has endured countless hardships. With the right support—both locally and internationally—it’s possible to rebuild and create a safer, more stable future. But it will require sustained effort,collaboration,and a commitment to tackling the root causes of this crisis.
Conclusion
The crisis in Kenscoff is a stark reminder of the challenges haiti faces. Gangs wield immense power, displacing thousands and leaving communities in ruins. However, as Maria Dubois highlights, coordinated local and international efforts can pave the way for meaningful change. The road to stability is long, but with urgency and determination, there is hope for Haiti’s future.