Jean Massillon, the mayor of Kenscoff who repeatedly called attention to armed gang attacks on the mountainous commune, died Friday, October 9, Haiti’s government announced. He was reportedly experiencing a medical emergency. His age and the precise cause of death were not immediately released.
Massillon had spoken publicly about the worsening security situation as Kenscoff came under repeated attack. On Wednesday, he welcomed Haitian National Police operations that had retaken several areas previously held by armed groups.
In a statement, the office of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé offered condolences to Massillon’s family and the community he served. It praised his decision to remain in Kenscoff and advocate for residents despite the dangers.
Kenscoff, located in the mountains above Port-au-Prince, became a target of major gang assaults after the Viv Ansanm coalition launched an offensive there on January 27, 2025. Massillon became one of the officials most publicly associated with warning about the attacks and seeking help for residents.
William O’Neill, the United Nations’ independent expert on human rights in Haiti, described Massillon as a courageous public servant who put community needs ahead of personal power or financial gain. O’Neill said his death was a significant loss for Haiti.
Kenscoff’s strategic location
The commune’s position overlooking the capital gives it importance for security and transportation. Kenscoff supplies agricultural goods to Port-au-Prince and lies along a route connecting the capital region with southern Haiti. It also overlooks Pétion-Ville, where businesses, government institutions, United Nations offices and foreign embassies are located.
A telecommunications installation in the area was briefly seized by Viv Ansanm in August 2025, disrupting internet service and systems connected to air traffic, according to the account provided. A recent report by a U.N. panel of experts said armed groups continue operating in rural parts of Kenscoff, despite intensified security operations.
The panel identified communities including Nouvelle-Touraine, Bongars, Grand Fond, Belle Fontaine, Belot, Furcy, Kafou Bèt and Sourçailles as areas where gang presence persists. It said groups can use secondary routes to move back into areas where security forces do not maintain a permanent presence. The report also alleged that former Kenscoff legislator Alfrédo Junior Antoine supplied weapons and support to young people while working with Viv Ansanm to destabilize the commune. Antoine has denied the allegations.
In late August, gangs attacked the area again. The U.N. said at least 47 people were killed, including five children, and 22 were injured. More than 50 people, among them women and children, were reportedly abducted.
Conflicting accounts about medical care
After Massillon’s death, reports circulated that he had been refused treatment at local medical facilities. His wife said he went to two clinics and was turned away because of an outstanding balance related to care for victims of the Kenscoff massacre. The Haitian Tribune has not independently verified that account.
Fermathe Hospital denied refusing to admit the mayor. In a statement, the facility said information available to it indicated that Massillon had been taken to another hospital, where he was pronounced dead hours before arriving at Fermathe. The hospital said its staff conducted examinations and procedures upon his arrival and confirmed the same finding.
The hospital also expressed condolences to Massillon’s family and the people of Kenscoff, while disputing claims that it had denied him care.
Throughout the crisis, Massillon alerted journalists to deteriorating conditions and called for support for residents. The prime minister’s office said his presence in the community and public appeals reflected a commitment to service under difficult circumstances.
His death leaves Kenscoff mourning a local leader who remained publicly engaged as armed violence repeatedly threatened the commune.
By the Haitian Tribune Newsroom
