PORT-AU-PRINCE — A report released on September 16 by the National Human Rights Defense Network (RNDDH) indicates that two recent gang attacks in the Kenscoff region of Haiti resulted in the deaths of at least 164 individuals and injuries to 23 more. The attacks, which occurred in July and August, have raised significant concerns about security in the area.
The Impact of Gang Violence in Kenscoff
The RNDDH report details that 71 individuals were kidnapped during the assaults, with incidents of sexual violence reported among victims, which included women and children. Additionally, numerous homes and vehicles were set ablaze by the attackers, forcing hundreds of families to flee their residences and seek refuge with relatives or in shelters.
The report describes the initial attack in early July as lacking conclusive evidence of advanced planning. However, it characterized the August 23-24 attack as well-prepared, allegedly orchestrated by groups associated with the Viv Ansanm coalition. The RNDDH noted that various demographic groups, including individuals with disabilities, were among those targeted during the violence.
Criticism in the report is directed towards the Haitian authorities, particularly the Superior Council of the National Police (CSPN), for failing to protect the residents of Kenscoff despite ongoing threats. The RNDDH highlighted a significant reduction in police presence in the area, noting that specialized units responsible for monitoring the commune had been withdrawn over the course of 2026, diminishing their effectiveness against gang incursions.
Prior to the August attack, Kenscoff’s police station requested additional resources, including armored vehicles, which were not adequately addressed by the authorities. The report mentions that law enforcement had raised concerns about a potential attack, claiming that local police were aware of the escalating threats.
Details from the report indicated that the August attack was meticulously planned, with armed groups allegedly using surveillance methods to track police movements in the days leading up to the incident. Witnesses reported a broad range of violence, including multiple killings, kidnappings, and property destruction.
Subsequent to the attacks, several hostages were freed on August 28, but many remain unaccounted for, according to the RNDDH. The organization noted that the threat of gang violence in Kenscoff is ongoing, with a notable attack occurring in the region on September 13-14, underscoring the precarious situation residents continue to face.
In its concluding remarks, the RNDDH urged national authorities to take immediate action to protect the local population in Kenscoff and across Haiti, advocating for investigations into the attacks.
Why It Matters
The recent surge in violence in Kenscoff illustrates a critical security crisis in Haiti, where armed groups are expanding their influence and attacking civilian populations. The inability of authorities to provide protection exacerbates the humanitarian situation, increasing calls for effective governance and urgent action to ensure residents’ safety.
