Massacre in Kenscoff, Haiti: armed gang kills 47 people in displaced persons camp
A criminal gang attacked a displaced persons camp in Kenscoff, Haiti at night, leaving at least 47 dead and 22 wounded. The UN confirmed the events and warned that the figures could increase.
Night-time attack in Kenscoff leaves 47 dead and dozens wounded
An armed gang burst into the mountainous locality of Kenscoff, south-east of Port-au-Prince, during the night of Sunday and massacred displaced families sheltering in a church. According to El Deber, the provisional toll is at least 47 dead and 22 wounded.
The mayor of Kenscoff, Massillon Jean, detailed that "the gangsters burst into a displaced persons camp set up in a church". "They executed several people. There are dead and dozens of wounded. Some people were kidnapped by the criminals," the official stated, adding that "the searches continue" and that "some people remain missing".
The Integrated Office of the United Nations in Haiti confirmed the events and warned that the figures could increase. Witnesses cited by France 24 pointed out that the incursion was partially repelled by police officers, with clashes occurring during the raid.
The Haitian government condemned the attack and committed to reinforcing security in the area. "Kenscoff will not be abandoned," the prime minister's office posted on social media.
The episode occurs within the context of a prolonged political, economic and security crisis in Haiti, which has worsened in recent years. Criminal gangs control large areas of the country and have forced the displacement of around 1.5 million people to localities in the interior, according to the International Organisation for Migration.
An international security force approved by the United Nations operates in the territory, although it has failed to contain the crisis. In this context, Haitians are preparing to hold elections on 13 December 2026.
Source: El Deber