Jean Massillon, the mayor of Kenscoff, Haiti, passed away on Friday. His death was confirmed by Deputy Mayor Jean Max Duvivier, who stated it was health-related. Kenscoff, once a peaceful agricultural community, has been grappling with violence from armed gangs.
Massillon was recognized for his efforts to protect the citizens of Kenscoff, frequently advocating for their safety in conversations with local media. He urged the national government to provide security and support amid rising insecurity.
Haiti’s government lauded Massillon’s commitment to his responsibilities, stating, “Jean Massillon was a man who never shied away from his responsibilities… to make his voice heard so that Kenscoff would never be abandoned.”
His tenure came during a tumultuous period for Kenscoff, which recently experienced two brutal massacres, resulting in the deaths of at least 164 individuals, alongside more than 70 kidnappings and numerous missing persons.
A human rights organization recently released a report indicating that enhanced security measures could have helped to prevent or mitigate these tragic events. The violence in July and August displaced approximately 10,000 people from their homes.
Just days before his death, Massillon had urged those displaced by the unrest to remain patient as their communities needed stabilization before they could safely return. He reported that several areas had regained government control and commended the Haitian police for their bravery and determination in restoring order.
The Haitian government expressed that Massillon’s death “leaves a deep void within his family and the community he served with such dedication.” Located in the hills above Port-au-Prince, Kenscoff remains a focal point of recent violence in Haiti.
