Story perspectives

Viv Ansanm Attacks Kenscoff, Kills 47 and Kidnaps 50+

8/25/2026

Summary

Viv Ansanm Attack

Viv Ansanm gang coalition attacked Kenscoff, killing at least 47 and kidnapping over 50.
Mayor Jean Massillon said two government employees, including his cousin, died.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack, noting 22 victims were executed in a church.
UN Integrated Office in Haiti reported at least five children among the 47 fatalities.
Haitian government pledged reinforcements, saying Kenscoff will not be abandoned as elections near.

Summary

Bishop Maxime Shelters

An August 24 attack destroyed the church building and disrupted its 14 rural congregations.
Bishop Renelus Maxime leads the church, sheltering displaced families.
The church serves 535 members and partners with Chances for Children on aid.
The UN-backed Gang Suppression Force plans to deploy over 5,500 troops to protect the church.
Local residents accused the police chief of negligence and demanded his resignation after the massacre.

History

Historical Context

UN Resolution 867 created UNMIH, which sent over 1,200 peacekeepers to Haiti in 1994 after the 1991 coup that removed Aristide. A decade later, the 2004 rebellion that forced Aristide into exile led to MINUSTAH, authorized for up to 6,700 troops—the largest security deployment since the early 1990s. The Viv Ansanm assault on Kenscoff, killing dozens, mirrors these recurring crises that have repeatedly drawn expansive UN-backed forces.

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Viv Ansanm Attack

Viv Ansanm gang coalition attacked Kenscoff, killing at least 47 and kidnapping over 50.
Mayor Jean Massillon said two government employees, including his cousin, died.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack, noting 22 victims were executed in a church.
UN Integrated Office in Haiti reported at least five children among the 47 fatalities.
Haitian government pledged reinforcements, saying Kenscoff will not be abandoned as elections near.

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