Mass Kidnapping and Killings Challenge Haiti’s Security

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — A brutal gang attack on the Kenscoff neighborhood near Haiti’s capital resulted in at least 47 deaths and over 50 kidnappings, according to a United Nations report. The attack has been described as one of the largest mass kidnappings in recent years, adding pressure to the already tense security situation in the area.

The gang’s leader has threatened to kill the hostages if authorities harm any gang members. This poses a significant challenge for the government and police, as discussed by Romain Le Cour of the Haiti Observatory at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. He states that not taking action would be seen as failing to protect the hostages, but taking action could jeopardize their lives, leading to potential blame on the state.

“This is a major political and security test for the government, for the police, and for the international mission,” said Le Cour.

Marc Paul, a Kenscoff resident, recounted the horrifying ordeal where his brother, stepmother, stepfather, cousins, and niece were kidnapped. His niece managed to escape after being abducted and raped. Paul lost his home in a previous attack in January 2025 and expressed fear for his brother’s life due to a threatening video posted by the gangs.

A gang video featured a leader named as Izo 2 threatening Vladimir Paraison, director of Haiti’s National Police, promising harm to all hostages should the gang members be hurt. The attack reflects ongoing instability as Haiti approaches general elections slated for December 13, the first in more than ten years.

Additional gang attacks in Kenscoff have increased after the initial major attack in January 2025. Five of the victims, part of the recent incident, were children. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attacks, highlighting the dire security conditions.

Gangs burned 25 homes, killing two government employees, including a cousin of Kenscoff’s Mayor, Jean Massillon. Despite the devastation, Massillon remains hopeful that ongoing efforts will bring peace to the community.

The control of Kenscoff is strategic, allowing gangs to exert influence over upscale communities and routes connecting the capital to southern regions. María Fernanda Arocha noted that previous security operations had reduced violence by 66% before the latest incident.

Despite claims of reduced violence, survivors criticized the lack of adequate protection. Haiti’s National Police disputed these claims but acknowledged the need to investigate the attack’s circumstances.

Armed gangs control a significant portion of Haiti, contributing to massive displacements and violence. Recent UN statistics show 3,050 reported deaths and 800 rapes from January to June, with kidnappings on the rise. Many families opt not to report kidnappings, fearing retaliation and preferring direct negotiations.