Deadly Gang Assault in Haiti Claims 30 Lives Amid Election Preparations

Island nation battles rising violence while preparing for its first election in over ten years.

Published On 24 Aug 202624 Aug 2026

At least 30 people have been killed as a fresh surge of violence sweeps Haiti.

A coordinated gang coalition launched the deadly assault on a farming community in Kenscoff, just south of Port-au-Prince, late Sunday, according to officials. The outbreak of violence coincides with Haiti’s effort to hold its first general election in more than a decade.

Kenscoff’s mayor, Jean Massillon, said the armed men “sowed chaos,” setting homes ablaze and killing residents.

He added that gang fighters struck a church and numerous homes, including that of Jean William Pape, a prominent public‑health specialist.

Massillon attributed the attack to Viv Ansanm, a group the United States designated a foreign terrorist organization last year.

Gangs are estimated to control roughly 70 percent of Port-au-Prince. Viv Ansanm has repeatedly targeted Kenscoff, a locality that overlooks key routes into Pétion‑Ville, where many embassies, luxury hotels and the interim seat of government are situated.

A UN‑backed gang suppression force, tasked with assisting police in combating the groups and restoring order, remains below its target strength of 5,500 personnel.

The United Nations reports that gang‑related violence has displaced 1.5 million Haitians. Despite attempts to curb the bloodshed, more than 3,100 killings and 1,189 injuries were recorded between January and June, as gangs continued their reign of terror in Port-au-Prince, drawing international alarm last year.

On Monday, the prime minister’s office denounced the “heinous attack” and sought to calm the populace, saying security forces are on high alert and reinforcements are being deployed.

“Kenscoff will not be abandoned,” a statement read. “The government’s authority will be restored, without weakness and without delay.”

Although Haitians have begun registering to vote for the January elections, experts warn that the current insecurity makes holding the vote unsafe.

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