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Port-au-Prince, January 28, 2025 — The Haitian National Police (PNH) is mounting a determined effort to prevent the strategic municipality of Kenscoff, located in the hills above Port-au-Prince, from falling into the hands of armed gangs. Recent days have seen intense clashes between police forces and gang members, underscoring the gravity of the escalating violence in the country.
On Sunday, police launched a defense of Kenscoff following coordinated attacks by heavily armed gang members from Carrefour, a southern commune of the capital. The attacks extended to multiple localities within Kenscoff, including Bellot, Goder, and Le Montcel, prompting hundreds of residents to flee as homes were set ablaze. The violence continued into Monday, with the most significant fighting reported near Mache Gode.
In response, PNH has deployed specialized units to Kenscoff and reinforced the local police station to secure the area and neutralize the armed groups. Speaking on the situation, police spokesperson Michel-Ange Louis-Jeune stated, “We have repelled the gangs, and we will continue to push them back until they are completely contained.” Louis-Jeune confirmed that several gang members have been killed in the confrontations, although precise figures remain undisclosed.
The crisis has prompted local civilians to form self-defense groups, armed with machetes and other makeshift weapons, as they pledge to resist gang encroachment. Residents fear that losing control of Kenscoff could enable gangs to dominate the neighboring commune of Pétion-Ville, a critical hub for Port-au-Prince’s logistics.
Authorities in Kenscoff implemented a series of precautionary measures over the weekend, including a curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., a ban on motorcycle circulation, restrictions on business hours, and increased identity checks. The mayor’s office has also suspended outdoor cultural events and urged citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces.
The PNH has called on the public to report any suspicious activity or information that could aid in identifying gang members. “Community collaboration is essential to maintaining security,” the police emphasized in a statement shared on social media.
The unrest in Kenscoff is part of a broader security crisis in Haiti, where gang violence has claimed over 5,600 lives in 2024, according to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). This figure reflects a dramatic increase from the previous year, highlighting the growing influence of criminal groups across the country.
In recent weeks, warnings of imminent attacks have circulated on social media, intensifying fear among communities not yet under gang control. Kenscoff’s strategic location and proximity to Pétion-Ville have made it a target for gangs seeking to expand their territorial reach.
Haiti’s Police Chief, Rameau Normil, has been at the forefront of anti-gang efforts, overseeing the implementation of new strategies and personally leading operations. His visit to Kenscoff underscores the high stakes of the ongoing battle. Just days earlier, Normil coordinated security measures for Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s visit to Jacmel, which concluded without incident.
As the violence continues, the resilience of both law enforcement and local communities will be critical in determining whether Kenscoff can resist falling into gang control. For now, the fight for Kenscoff reflects the broader struggle for stability in Haiti, a nation grappling with immense challenges yet showing extraordinary determination to safeguard its future.
