UN: 47 Dead in Haiti Massacre, Including 22 Executed in Church

At least 47 people were killed in a brutal massacre perpetrated by armed gangs in Kenscoff, a commune east of the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince. The United Nations confirmed the grim toll, adding that 22 of the victims were allegedly executed within the confines of a church where they had sought refuge.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the relentless attacks, highlighting the alarming security situation in Haiti. He stressed the urgent necessity for both Haitian and international security forces to intensify their efforts against the gangs. Guterres also called on Haitian authorities to ensure that those responsible for the massacre are brought to justice, referencing recently established specialized judicial units supported by international partners to investigate mass crimes.

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The incessant attacks of gangs against communities and the loss of lives highlight the alarming security situation in Haiti and reinforce the urgent need to intensify Haitian and international security efforts to combat gangs.

The violence has ignited protests, with hundreds of Kenscoff residents gathering outside the local police station to denounce the pervasive insecurity. Demonstrators have criticized the government's handling of the crisis and demanded concrete measures to curb the violence that has gripped the commune for more than 20 months. The gangs, part of the Viv Ansanm armed coalition, are reportedly consolidating their presence in Kenscoff, a strategically important area due to its proximity to the Southeast department and the city of Jacmel.

According to UN data, violence in Haiti has resulted in at least 3,050 deaths and 1,401 injuries in the first six months of the year. The escalating crisis has also led to widespread displacement, with 1.4 million people displaced last year, and severe food insecurity affecting approximately 52% of the population. Gangs often retreat to border areas with limited state presence after launching attacks, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

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The Secretary-General called on the Haitian authorities to ensure that those responsible for these attacks are brought to justice, including through the specialized judicial units recently established with international support to investigate mass crimes.