RismadarVoice Reporters, August 28, 2026
Haiti’s National Police are facing growing criticism over their failure to prevent a recent gang attack in which 47 people were killed, and more than 50 others were kidnapped.
The attack took place in Kenscoff, a farming community in the hills near the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince. The area had previously been regarded as relatively peaceful.
Police spokesperson Garry Desrosiers faced questions from journalists about the authorities’ response and why the attack was not prevented.
At a news conference on Thursday, Desrosiers answered only a limited number of questions as scrutiny increased over the security situation and the police response to the violence.
The attack has further highlighted the challenges facing Haiti’s security forces as armed gangs continue to expand their influence and threaten communities around the capital.
The killings and kidnappings have also renewed concerns over the ability of national authorities to protect civilians in areas vulnerable to armed-group attacks.
Authorities have yet to provide detailed public explanations addressing why security forces were unable to stop the assault before it resulted in the deaths and abductions reported in Kenscoff.
