More than 1,660 people were displaced when highly armed gangs invaded Kenscoff, a neighbourhood that is home to Haiti’s elite, on January 27. At least 40 individuals, including pastors, teachers, and children, were killed in the attack. The attack was started by the Viv Ansanm gang alliance, who stormed houses, opened fire randomly, and set structures on fire. Working-class individuals who farmed on the edges of the region made up a large portion of the victims.
Residents were left defenceless as the administration did little in response to earlier intelligence warnings from the Ministries of Justice and Interior. Later, Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé acknowledged that although authorities knew the attack was coming, they failed to gather troops in time to stop the carnage. Public indignation over this disclosure has brought attention to the government’s failure to stop the rise in gang violence.
Initially overwhelmed, police later deployed specialized units, killing at least 20 gang members in counterattacks. However, law enforcement unions criticized the lack of equipment and resources, arguing that the attack could have been avoided with better preparation. Kenscoff’s strategic location,linking the West and Southeast departments,has made it a key target as gangs tighten their grip on Haiti, already controlling 85% of Port-au-Prince.
Prime Minister Fils-Aimé has vowed to strengthen police forces and dismantle armed groups, declaring, “The state will not back down. We will strike hard and relentlessly.” Despite these promises, many Haitians remain outraged, questioning whether the government can regain control as gang violence continues to devastate the nation.
