UN Confirms Kenscoff Toll Rises to 47 Killed, 50+ Kidnapped as Gang Leader Threatens Hostages

The United Nations confirmed on August 26, 2026 that the death toll from the August 23 Kenscoff massacre had risen to at least 47 people killed — including at least 5 children — with more than 50 others kidnapped, making it one of Haiti's largest mass-kidnapping incidents in recent years. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack, saying it "underscore[s] the alarming security situation in Haiti" and called for intensified national and international efforts to combat the gangs. The UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) said 22 of the victims were executed inside the church compound where they had sought shelter. A gang leader posted a video showing nearly 20 hostages, including children, threatening to kill them if security forces harmed any gang members and warning National Police Director Vladimir Paraison against continued use of drones against gangs in the area. Haiti's prime minister's office vowed that "the government's authority will be restored, without weakness and without delay," and police said additional specialized units were being deployed, but Kenscoff residents demanded the local police chief resign, saying officers had failed to protect people killed a short distance from the police station.