Haiti is confronting renewed international concern over its worsening security crisis following a deadly gang attack in Kenscoff that left dozens dead and more than 50 people reportedly kidnapped.
The attack occurred earlier this week, when armed gangs descended on the community near Port-au-Prince, killing residents, abducting others and setting homes ablaze.
Reports indicate that at least 47 people were killed, including children, while more than 50 others were kidnapped.
Among the victims were people who had sought refuge inside a church. Reports said 22 people were killed in or around the church as residents attempted to escape the violence.
Several children and women were later released following interventions involving community leaders and UNICEF.
The latest violence is another indication of the enormous challenge facing Haiti’s authorities as gangs continue to expand their control over territory around the capital.
The United Nations has reported that thousands of people have been killed in Haiti this year and that roughly 1.5 million people have been displaced by gang violence.
The violence is also occurring against the backdrop of efforts to establish a functioning political system and prepare for elections.
An international security effort has been proposed to help Haitian authorities confront armed gangs, but the deployment of the planned multinational force has faced delays.
The latest attack therefore comes at a critical time for Haiti, where the government is under pressure to restore security while international partners attempt to strengthen the country’s police and security institutions.
For residents of Kenscoff, however, the immediate concerns are more basic — finding missing relatives, securing shelter and recovering from the destruction.
The attack has again demonstrated how quickly communities outside the traditional centres of gang control can become targets.
With armed groups continuing to challenge state authority, Haiti enters another weekend facing questions about whether its security forces and international partners can prevent further attacks and protect civilians.
