Haiti’s Kenscoff neighborhood has become a battleground as heavily armed gangs unleash a reign of terror. The violence has left residents in fear and highlighted the growing power of criminal organizations in Haiti’s capital. How has the 2010 earthquake contributed to the current state of lawlessness in Haiti?
Kenscoff Under Siege: A Community in Crisis
The Kenscoff neighborhood in Haiti, known for its affluent residents and serene atmosphere, has become the latest target of gang violence. Over eight days, heavily armed gangs have unleashed a brutal assault on the community, resulting in at least 40 deaths.
The attack has been indiscriminate, claiming the lives of pastors, teachers, children, and working-class individuals. Mayor Jean Massillon’s grim assessment, “As we speak, they have surrounded the area,” underscores the ongoing threat faced by Kenscoff’s residents.
🇭🇹Massacre in Haiti as 40 people including children are shot dead in their homes by notorious gang.
The Viv Ansanm gang has been going door to door in the affluent Kenscoff neighbourhood in Port-au-Prince, with gunmen going home to home and indiscriminately opening fire on… pic.twitter.com/r3vTu7KJ8C
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) February 4, 2025
Gang Control and Government Struggles
The Viv Ansanm gang coalition, which controls much of Port-au-Prince, is believed to be behind this devastating attack. Their influence extends far beyond Kenscoff, with gangs now controlling an estimated 85% of the capital.
Haiti’s government has struggled to maintain control since the 2010 earthquake, creating a power vacuum that gangs have eagerly exploited. The United Nations has warned that these criminal organizations could soon overrun the entire capital, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Gangs attack neighborhood in Haiti that's home to country's elite https://t.co/39lq9jPp9L
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) February 4, 2025
Humanitarian Crisis and Police Shortcomings
The violence in Kenscoff has not only claimed lives but also displaced over 1,660 people, according to the International Organization for Migration. Jean Bertho Valmo, a displaced resident, laments, “There is not enough water and food for everyone,” illustrating the dire humanitarian situation.
A police union has criticized the lack of equipment and resources, suggesting that the attack could have been prevented with better support. This criticism raises questions about the government’s preparedness and ability to protect its citizens from gang violence.
