In a startling escalation of violence, heavily armed gangs launched an attack on Kenscoff, a prestigious neighborhood in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Renowned for housing many of the country's elite, this area had thus far remained largely untouched by criminal activities. However, recent events have shattered that tranquility, with reports of at least 40 fatalities and a plea for immediate international assistance.
Mayor Jean Massillon of Kenscoff provided insights into the ongoing crisis, attributing the violent assault to the notorious Viv Ansanm gang coalition. It's been eight days since Kenscoff has been under attack, he remarked, emphasizing the indiscriminate nature of the violence, which saw gunmen moving from house to house. They have surrounded the area, he added, calling for urgent reinforcements.
The fatalities encompass a wide spectrum of society, including pastors, teachers, and children. Unfortunately, actual numbers might be significantly higher, as access to parts of the besieged neighborhood remains blocked. Many of the victims belong to the working class, dedicated to farming on the peripheries of this mountainous region—an area previously considered safe for politicians and business leaders.
The growing influence of gangs in Haiti is an alarming development, with an estimated 85% of Port-au-Prince under their control. This prompted a warning from the United Nations Secretary-General about the potential for gangs to completely overrun the capital.
The assault on Kenscoff coincided with governmental and police alerts about imminent threats in the capital, though specific locations were not disclosed. Various locals, including Jean Bertho Valmo, a farmer whose family suffered casualties, shared harrowing accounts of the violence. I woke up to another round of gunfire early Monday, Valmo recounted, detailing how he and his family, among dozens of others, sought refuge at the mayor's office. There is not enough water and food for everyone, he lamented, pointing to the devastation of his crops such as cabbage, carrots, and broccoli. The police, the government need to put a stop to this, he urged.
According to the International Organization for Migration, the terror unleashed on January 27 has left over 1,660 people homeless. This distressing episode forms part of a broader narrative of escalating gang violence that has displaced more than a million Haitians in recent years.
Onlookers argue that the tragic assault on Kenscoff might have been preventable with adequate police resources. A statement by SPNH-17, a local police union, critiqued the current situation, highlighting a dire need for improved equipment and intelligence capabilities. Despite these bad conditions, our policemen are making tireless sacrifices, but we cannot tolerate the negligence of the authorities on what must be done to protect their lives and the safety of the population, the union stated.
This unfolding situation underscores a critical need for international attention and support to stabilize Haiti and protect its citizens from escalating violence.
