A UN report reveals links between politicians and armed gangs

Political violence in Kenscoff

The commune of Kenscoff was the scene of deadly attacks that left 61 people dead and caused 5,800 people to flee in early July 2026. UN experts link this violence to political motivations, citing former deputy Alfrédo Junior Antoine and former senator Nenel Cassy. Alfrédo Junior Antoine is accused of having armed young people as early as 2016 to increase his influence, of collaborating with the Viv Ansanm coalition, Vitelhomme Innocent, and Magalie Habitant, and of having ordered an attack in January 2025. Although he rejects these accusations, the experts maintain their findings. For his part, Nenel Cassy is suspected of having maintained ties with gangs such as Kraze Baryè and of having participated in the creation of the Fantome 509 group to protect his interests.

Territorial control in the Artibonite and the South

In the Artibonite, assaults led by the Gran Grif, Kokorat San Ras, and Canaan groups left at least 95 people dead and caused the displacement of 9,000 people in the spring of 2026. The report mentions the historical relationships of former senator Youri Latortue and former deputy Prophane Victor with these armed gangs. However, the experts specify that the accusations against Youri Latortue come from gang leader Bendjy and do not constitute an independent conclusion. Further south, in the Grande-Anse, former leader Guy Philippe allegedly met several times with Jean Misnord, alias "Fado," a member of the Simon Pelé gang who was arrested in January 2026.

Complicity within the police

The UN document also denounces the complicity of certain police officers who provide weapons, share confidential information, or facilitate the movement of gangs. Investigations opened in February 2026 revealed connections between six officers of the Haitian National Police and Ralph Woodmyr Louissant, known as "Chalè," the leader of the Tokyo gang.