Haiti Faces Outrage After Gang Attack Kills 47 in Kenscoff

By David Okafor

A violent gang assault in Kenscoff, a farming community near Port-au-Prince, Haiti, resulted in 47 deaths and over 50 kidnappings on August 23, 2026, according to United Nations figures. The attack has intensified public frustration with the Haitian government's handling of security.

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack, calling for urgent efforts to combat gang violence in the country. Local officials reported that gangs targeted a church and burned homes, including that of public-health expert Jean William Pape.

Residents expressed anger at the government's perceived inaction. Coriolan Kendy, a resident, publicly blamed the government while standing over a relative's body. Another resident, identified as Orisme, criticized the authorities for failing to protect the community.

Police spokesperson Garry Desrosiers stated that the police are working to return displaced residents to their homes but offered no detailed plans. Meanwhile, a gang leader known as "Izo 2" threatened to execute hostages if any gang members were harmed.

Despite a reported 66 percent decline in violence in Kenscoff earlier this year, the attack highlights the ongoing security challenges in Haiti, where gang-controlled areas cover approximately 70 percent of Port-au-Prince, and over 1.5 million people are displaced.