Willard Vancol, a prominent Haitian community radio director, was found dead nearly three weeks after his abduction. His remains were discovered on Wednesday in a wooded area in Gressier, a community west of Port-au-Prince, an area significantly affected by gang violence. Vancol was reported missing following an armed attack at his radio station’s training facility on August 20, 2026.
Community Response and Calls for Action
Vancol was the director of Ti Boukan FM and the coordinator of the Institute of Technology and Animation (ITECA). In a statement, ITECA expressed deep sorrow over Vancol’s death, describing him as a “dedicated activist and collaborator” committed to the community’s welfare. His body was reportedly taken to a mortuary in Léogâne for a post-mortem examination.
The circumstances surrounding Vancol’s death have alarmed many in Haiti’s media community and beyond. José Zamora, the regional director for the Americas at the Committee to Protect Journalists, called the killing a “horrifying reminder” of the violence and impunity faced by journalists in Haiti. Zamora urged Haitian authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and to implement measures that would protect journalists from the rising gang violence.
ITECA reportedly coordinated efforts with the police in the discovery of Vancol’s remains. His murder adds to a growing concern over the safety of media professionals in Haiti, especially in regions like Gressier, which has been plagued by the violent activities of the 103 Zombies gang and other criminal organizations. Recent gang clashes in Gressier between August 17 and 21 resulted in over 20 fatalities and hundreds of displacements, highlighting the deteriorating security situation in the area.
Following Vancol’s kidnapping, various civil society organizations joined in calls for an investigation, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability in the face of escalating violence against journalists in the country. As the nation continues to grapple with insecurity, the call for a comprehensive approach to safety for media workers becomes increasingly critical.
Why It Matters: The murder of Joseph Willard Vancol underscores the dangerous environment in which Haitian journalists operate, prompting widespread concern over press freedom and the responsibilities of government authorities in protecting media professionals from the threat of violence.
