Today’s January 28 News: Kenscoff Massacre, Police Fatalities, and U.S. Aid Freeze covers major events affecting Haiti. A deadly attack in Kenscoff has left over 20 people dead, including community leaders and clergy.
Meanwhile, the Haitian National Police (PNH) is mourning the loss of an officer killed in combat. The U.S. government’s decision to halt foreign aid is also raising serious concerns, particularly for Haiti’s police training programs.
Additionally, key government officials have been appointed, and Haiti’s transitional president has traveled to France for diplomatic talks.
Kenscoff Massacre: Armed Attackers Kill Over 20 People
Armed gangs launched a brutal attack in Kenscoff, a mountainous commune near Port-au-Prince. The attack began on January 27 and continued into the early hours of January 28.
- Casualties: At least 20 people were killed, including three pastors, a preacher, and the mother of former Kenscoff mayor George Joseph.
- Destruction: Several homes were burned down, forcing many residents to flee.
- Church Seized: Gangs used the Kikwo Baptist Church as their base before setting fire to homes in the area.
- Police Response: The Haitian National Police (PNH) reported multiple gang members were killed in a shootout. Weapons and communication radios were seized.
Despite police intervention, fear remains high in Kenscoff. Businesses are shut down, schools remain closed, and normal activities are at a standstill.
To restore order, municipal authorities have reinforced a 10 PM curfew and banned motorcycle movement after 9 PM. All residents must carry identification, and public cultural events are suspended indefinitely.
Police Union Condemns Killing of Officer in Port-au-Prince
On January 27, police officer Harold Théodore was killed in a violent confrontation with gangs in Sant Ville, Port-au-Prince.
The National Police Union (SPNH-17) strongly condemned the officer’s death. The union is calling on the Presidential Transition Council and PNH leadership to take decisive action against criminal gangs.
- SPNH-17 Demands:
- A strategic and coordinated security plan.
- Increased support for officers in high-risk areas.
- Immediate retaliation against armed groups.
Gang violence continues to threaten Haiti’s stability, and police fatalities have become a common occurrence.
U.S. Aid Freeze Hits Haiti’s Security Programs
The Biden administration’s support for Haiti’s police force suffered a major setback after the U.S. State Department announced a suspension of foreign aid.
- Who is affected?
- The Haitian National Police (PNH), which relies on U.S. assistance for training and equipment.
- The new SWAT unit, which was being developed with U.S. expert training.
- Anti-drug trafficking operations funded through USAID and the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.
According to the Miami Herald, several U.S. security advisors stationed in Haiti received emails on January 27 informing them of the aid suspension. The decision is expected to weaken law enforcement efforts in Haiti at a time when gang violence is escalating.
New Leadership at Haiti’s Citizen Protection Office
Haiti’s Office of Citizen Protection (OPC) has appointed a new Director General, Jude Jean-Pierre. He replaces Yolande Moyard Joseph, who held the position since September 2020.
- Jean-Pierre’s Background:
- Former Director of Promotion at OPC.
- Former Chief of Staff at OPC.
- Served on the National Commission for Human Rights and Democratic Development (CN-DDHR).
In another major appointment, Jean Hervé Alcé has been named the new Technical Secretary of the Supreme Judicial Council (CSPJ). He replaces Jean Robert Constant.
Both officials were sworn in during a ceremony at the Magistrates’ School, marking a shift in leadership within Haiti’s legal and human rights institutions.
Haitian Transition President Visits France for Diplomatic Talks
Haiti’s Presidential Transition Council leader, Leslie Voltaire, arrived in France on January 27 for a two-day visit.
He is accompanied by Haitian Foreign Minister Jean Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste. The visit is part of Haiti’s effort to strengthen international ties and seek foreign support amid ongoing crises.
- Key Meeting: Voltaire will hold discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron.
- Expected Topics:
- Haiti’s security challenges.
- Potential international aid and investment.
- The humanitarian crisis caused by gang violence.
France remains a key diplomatic ally, and Haiti is hoping for increased bilateral cooperation to address its ongoing political and economic turmoil.
Conclusion
The January 28 News: Kenscoff Massacre, Police Fatalities, and U.S. Aid Freeze highlights Haiti’s ongoing struggles with violence, security, and diplomacy.
The Kenscoff massacre has left a community in mourning, while gang violence continues to claim the lives of police officers.
The U.S. aid freeze raises new concerns for Haiti’s security forces, and leadership changes in key government institutions signal political shifts.
Looking ahead, all eyes are on Leslie Voltaire’s meeting with President Macron, which could play a role in shaping Haiti’s next diplomatic moves.
