Story perspectives

Kenscoff attack kills at least 47, kidnappings reported

8/25/2026

Center

Gang Attacks Kenscoff

Armed gang members attacked Kenscoff, a hillside town near Port-au-Prince, on Sunday night, August 23 2026, killing at least 47 people.
The United Nations called the raid a major political and security test for Haiti’s government, police and the UN-backed gang suppression force.
More than 50 people were reported kidnapped during the attack.
The attack raised doubts Haiti can hold the December 13 election, its first in a decade.

Left

Gang Assaults

Armed gang members attacked the hillside town of Kenscoff near Port-au-Prince on Sunday night, August 23 2026, killing at least 47 people.
Residents blamed the government and demanded police chief Vladimir Paraison’s resignation, saying authorities failed to protect the community.
Mayor Jean Massillon said gang members torched homes, a church, and public-health expert Jean William Pape’s house.
RNDDH estimated 30-40 deaths and 15-20 injuries, noting the toll remains hard to verify.

History

Historical Context

February 2004’s coup forced President Jean-Bertrand Aristide to resign, installing interim leader Boniface Alexandre and prompting a UN mission that peaked at about 7,000 troops while the Haitian National Police shrank to a few thousand. On 23 August 2026, gangs like the G9 Freedom Front massacred civilians in Kenscoff, exploiting those same policing gaps and the UN’s withdrawal.

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Gang Attacks Kenscoff

Armed gang members attacked Kenscoff, a hillside town near Port-au-Prince, on Sunday night, August 23 2026, killing at least 47 people.
The United Nations called the raid a major political and security test for Haiti’s government, police and the UN-backed gang suppression force.
More than 50 people were reported kidnapped during the attack.
The attack raised doubts Haiti can hold the December 13 election, its first in a decade.

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