At least 47 individuals lost their lives while 22 others sustained injuries during a violent assault by a gang overnight in a neighborhood overlooking the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, according to the United Nations on Monday. The UN Integrated Office in Haiti cautioned that the casualty figures are subject to potential revisions.
Mayor Jean Massillon of Kenscoff detailed how armed assailants launched an attack on the community late Sunday, leading to property destruction and fatalities among residents. This hillside community, situated strategically overlooking the capital’s access routes, has faced a series of assaults by armed groups over the past year, compelling numerous residents to flee their homes.
Despite efforts by foreign nations to bolster Haiti’s under-equipped police force, powerful gangs have solidified their control over the capital and extended their reach to neighboring areas. The government of Haiti condemned the “heinous attack” and promised to enhance security measures. However, outraged residents demanded the resignation of the local police chief, citing a failure in protecting those who lost their lives mere minutes away from the police station.
The Prime Minister’s office pledged on social media that Kenscoff would not be deserted and vowed to swiftly reinstate government control without any compromise. The aftermath of the attack left survivors in anguish, grieving over the loss of loved ones as they discovered bodies scattered on the streets. Witnesses recounted the chaos and devastation, with one resident blaming the government for inadequate security measures that could have prevented the tragedy.
The assault was attributed to members of Viv Ansanm, designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government in the previous year. Gangs, particularly Viv Ansanm, are known to exert significant control over approximately 70% of Port-au-Prince, with Kenscoff being a frequent target of their violent activities.
The alarming levels of gang violence in Haiti have resulted in the displacement of a staggering 1.5 million individuals, with over 3,100 reported fatalities and 1,189 injuries in the first half of the year, as per UN data. The recent attack occurred shortly after the U.S. repatriated over 160 individuals to Haiti, following the termination of temporary protected status for hundreds of thousands of Haitians.
General elections are scheduled to take place in Haiti on December 13, marking the first such event in over a decade. However, concerns have been raised by experts regarding the safety conditions that currently pose a significant obstacle to holding these elections.