At least 47 people were killed and 22 others injured in an overnight gang raid on the hillside community of Kenscoff, overlooking Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, the United Nations confirmed on Monday. The attack, which began around 10:30 p.m. local time on Sunday, targeted displaced persons sheltering in a church, according to local officials.
Government vows to restore order as residents blame police for failing to prevent the violence.
Immediate Response and Casualty Figures
The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti stated that the death toll could rise as search efforts continue. The Haitian rights group RNDDH estimated 30 to 40 deaths and 15 to 20 injuries, noting difficulties in verifying the full scope due to ongoing access and communication challenges. Kenscoff Mayor Massillon Jean reported that the attackers targeted a displaced persons camp inside a church, executing several victims and abducting others.
The Haitian government, through the office of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, condemned the attack as a ‘heinous crime’ and announced the deployment of security reinforcements to the area. A statement from the prime minister’s office declared: ‘Kenscoff will not be abandoned. The government’s authority will be restored, without weakness and without delay.’
Community Under Siege
Kenscoff, a strategic hillside town controlling key routes into Port-au-Prince and Petion-Ville, has faced dozens of gang attacks since early 2025. The UN reported that attacks in February and March 2025 alone killed more than 260 people, destroyed or burned 200 homes, and displaced 3,000 residents. Subsequent raids have involved rape, kidnapping, arson, and livestock theft, according to local accounts.
Residents described chaotic scenes as armed men set fire to homes, including the residence of Jean William Pape, a prominent public health expert. Survivors recounted hearing gunfire before dawn and attempting to wake neighbors to escape. Robert Jean, a local resident, recounted frantically searching for his brother, who was among the dead.
Police Accountability and Security Failures
Residents accused the local police chief of negligence, noting that the violence occurred minutes away from a police station. The Haitian National Police did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The RNDDH reported that several dozen police officers attempted to repel the attackers during the night, with some sustaining injuries.
The attack unfolded as the U.N.-backed Gang Suppression Force prepares to reach full operational capacity of more than 5,500 troops by fall 2025. The force was established to assist Haiti’s under-resourced police in combating gang violence, which has intensified despite international support.
Broader Context: Gang Expansion and State Weakness
Powerful gangs operating under a broad alliance have expanded their control from Port-au-Prince into surrounding areas, including Kenscoff, over the past year. Despite efforts by foreign nations to bolster Haiti’s police force, gangs continue to operate with impunity. The U.N. has documented dozens of attacks in Kenscoff since 2024, forcing thousands to flee their homes.
The latest violence underscores the escalating humanitarian crisis in Haiti, where gang dominance has displaced tens of thousands and crippled basic services. The international community has pledged further support, but the Haitian government’s ability to restore security remains uncertain amid ongoing instability.