More than 40 people were killed as a criminal gang attacked a church sheltering displaced people just outside Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, on Sunday, 23 August.
The attack took place in the town of Kenscoff, six miles to the south-east of the capital city.
Kenscoff’s mayor Massillon Jean referred to execution-style killings on a “night of terror” in a town that has been afflicted by gang violence for more than a year. Local media reported that several houses were set on fire.
Kenscoff’s mayor, Massillon Jean [Image credit: RHINEWS]
“The bandits raided a displaced persons camp located in a church. They executed several people. There are fatalities and dozens of wounded. Some people were abducted by the criminals,” Jean commented.
In addition to the fatalities, 22 were injured and at least 50 were kidnapped.
It is estimated that as violence in Haiti increases, gangs now control around 90% of Port-au-Prince.
Almost 1.5 million Haitians are displaced in a country of about 11 million, and more than five million are experiencing severe food insecurity.
Kenscoff has been targeted as its location provides the gangs with another access route into Petion-Ville, where major hotels are located, and where the transitional government has bought property to relocate ministries from the city centre.
No form of elections has taken place in Haiti since 2016. Its last president, Jovenel Moise, was assassinated in July 2021 and has not been replaced.
A general election is scheduled for December 2026.
How you can pray
Pray for an end to gang violence in Haiti. Pray that those bereaved will know the Saviour’s comfort and those abducted will be released unharmed. Ask God to enable the churches even with such limited resources to provide help to those traumatised by this, and other attacks.
