Kenscoff Mayor Massillon Jean dies after a health episode

The Haitian government paid tribute to Massillon Jean, praising his courage and determination in the face of violence from armed groups. In a statement released Friday evening, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and to the entire population of Kenscoff.

Since January 2025, Kenscoff has faced a series of criminal attacks attributed mainly to the group Viv Ansanm. The commune was particularly affected by the deadly attacks on August 23 last year, which killed several dozen people and burned down houses.

Massillon Jean, appointed in July 2020 under the administration of Jovenel Moïse, had repeatedly sounded the alarm about the decline in security in his municipality. He encouraged security forces to continue their operations to retake areas controlled by armed groups.

The mayor's death comes as Kenscoff continues to face persistent insecurity and challenges related to the safe return of displaced persons. The Haitian government says it intends to continue its efforts to ensure the safety of citizens.