Haiti's National Police are facing intense criticism following a recent gang attack that killed 47 people and resulted in the kidnapping of more than 50 others. The assault targeted Kenscoff, a farming community located near the capital, Port-au-Prince.
At a press conference, police spokesperson Garry Desrosiers was limited in the details he could provide. When asked about plans for the kidnapped individuals, Desrosiers stated he could not publicly discuss any operational strategies. He offered condolences to those affected by the violence, which began late Sunday. The U.N. International Organization for Migration reported that over 2,600 people were displaced by the attack, fueling growing anger and frustration.
Desrosiers confirmed that authorities have been working to gather intelligence but could not confirm if any was collected prior to the attack. He also acknowledged that police are aware of threats from a gang leader to attack Tabarre, a neighborhood in Port-au-Prince that houses the U.S. embassy.
Vladimir Paraison, head of Haiti’s National Police, defended security measures previously in place in Kenscoff and stated an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances of the attack, citing potential complicity or negligence. According to the nonprofit Armed Conflict Location & Event Data, security operations had previously reduced violence in Kenscoff by 66% between January and August of the current year.
The attack occurs as Haiti prepares for its first general election in over a decade. Experts have warned that insecurity remains a significant challenge, with armed gangs estimated to control approximately 70% of Port-au-Prince and other areas of the country. U.N. statistics indicate that gang violence has displaced nearly 1.5 million people nationwide, and over 3,050 people were reported killed between January and June.