Port-au-Prince, Haiti – In a startling admission, Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé revealed that the government was fully aware of preparations for a deadly attack on the commune of Kenskoff before it occurred. The Prime Minister made the revelation during a press conference on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at the headquarters of the Haitian National Police (PNH), casting a harsh light on the state’s failure to address the escalating security crisis gripping the nation.
“The intelligence services of the PNH, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of the Interior were aware of the attack,” Fils-Aimé stated. Despite these warnings, no preventive measures were taken to avert the tragedy. The Prime Minister’s public questioning of why nothing was done to stop the attack has raised serious concerns about the government’s handling of public security.
A Failure to Act
The attack on Kenskoff, which took place on January 27, 2025, was marked by unprecedented brutality. Armed gangs from the coalition known as “Viv Ansanm” killed more than 50 people and burned nearly 60 houses, according to local authorities. Rumors of an imminent offensive had circulated for weeks, and local officials had implemented preventive measures, including a curfew and the suspension of cultural events. However, these efforts proved insufficient in the face of the gangs’ overwhelming force.
Prime Minister Fils-Aimé’s admission that the government was aware of the threat but failed to act has sparked outrage and raised troubling questions about the state’s priorities. “Why, despite the warnings, was nothing done to prevent the attack?” he asked during the press conference. This question, far from rhetorical, has opened the door to deeper scrutiny of Haiti’s leadership and its ability—or willingness—to protect its citizens.
Leadership Crisis and Internal Tensions
The press conference was attended by key figures in Haiti’s security apparatus, including Patrick Pélissier, Minister of Justice; Paul Antoine Bien-Aimé, Minister of the Interior; Mario Andrésol, Secretary of State for Public Security; and Rameau Normil, Director General of the PNH. Their joint presence underscored the gravity of the situation but also highlighted the government’s puzzling inaction in the face of a known threat.
As head of the Supreme Council of the National Police (CSPN), Prime Minister Fils-Aimé appeared to have taken no preventive measures despite the intelligence at his disposal. His statement also seemed to implicitly criticize the crisis management of PNH Director General Rameau Normil, whose leadership has been a subject of controversy. In November 2024, rumors surfaced that the government intended to replace Normil, but the decision was reportedly blocked by some CSPN members.
A Security System in Disarray
The attack on Kenskoff, the birthplace of Rameau Normil, has exposed deep fissures within Haiti’s security apparatus. Despite being informed of the gangs’ intentions, authorities failed to deploy adequate resources to prevent the massacre. It was only after the carnage that police forces were sent to the area, including specialized units such as BOID, SWAT, UTAG, and BLTS.
The PNH reported eliminating around 20 gang members during a post-attack operation supervised by Normil. However, the gangs have already entrenched themselves in hard-to-reach sectors, making any police intervention extremely challenging.
Broader Implications for Haiti
The Kenskoff attack is a grim reminder of the deteriorating security situation in Haiti, where armed gangs have gained significant control over large parts of the country. The government’s failure to act on intelligence warnings has further eroded public trust in its ability to protect citizens.
“This is not just a failure of intelligence—it’s a failure of leadership,” said a local human rights advocate who requested anonymity. “The government knew what was coming, and they did nothing. How can we trust them to keep us safe?”
What’s Next?
As Haiti grapples with the aftermath of the Kenskoff attack, the government faces mounting pressure to address the security crisis and restore public confidence. The Prime Minister’s admission has sparked calls for accountability and a thorough investigation into the decision-making process that led to the inaction.
For now, the people of Kenskoff and other vulnerable communities remain at the mercy of armed gangs, with little hope of immediate relief. The tragedy has underscored the urgent need for a coordinated and effective response to Haiti’s security challenges—one that prioritizes the safety and well-being of its citizens above all else.
