UN chief condemns Haiti gang attack that killed dozens

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned the latest gang attack in Kenscoff, Haiti, which left more than 30 people dead. The violence, which occurred Sunday night in the hillside community overlooking the capital, Port-au-Prince, is attributed to a coalition of criminal gangs led by Viv Ansanm. Reports indicate that at least 47 people were killed, with 22 reportedly executed inside a church compound where they had sought refuge. The UN stated that these relentless attacks and the resulting loss of life underscore the dire security conditions in Haiti. Guterres reiterated his call for Haitian authorities to ensure accountability for those responsible, emphasizing the role of specialized judicial units, recently established with international support, to investigate mass crimes. Kenscoff's mayor, Jean Massillon, described the event as "a night of terror." Social media videos appear to show members of the Ansanm coalition attacking the town center and engaging in a killing spree, including targeting a church filled with fleeing residents and setting fire to homes and vehicles. UN humanitarian teams are on the ground verifying information and assessing the needs of the affected population. Data from the UN Integrated Office in Haiti reveals that during the second quarter of 2026, violence across the country resulted in at least 1,408 deaths and 656 injuries, with gang attacks accounting for over half of these incidents. The UN report stresses the importance of keeping Haiti on the international agenda and accelerating the deployment of the Gang Suppression Force, while also calling for progress on investigations into mass crimes and adherence to international human rights law in all use of force.

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The secretary-general reiterates his call for Haitian authorities to ensure that those responsible for the attacks are held to account, including through the specialised judicial units, recently created with international support to investigate mass crimes.