The United Nations Group of Experts on Haiti accuses a former lawmaker from Kenscoff, Alfredo Junior Antoine, of having maintained ties with armed groups for years and of playing a leading role in a deadly attack on the commune in January 2025, the news site Rezo Nòdwès reported on October 7.

In a report published in September, the experts say Antoine armed and supported youth groups in Kenscoff from at least 2016 to serve his political interests. They describe him as the main instigator of the January 27, 2025, offensive, in which more than 100 people were reported killed and sexual violence, looting and arson were documented.

The experts also allege that he was in contact with gang leaders, including Vitelhomme Innocent, and that he supplied weapons, ammunition and money to the Viv Ansanm gang coalition.

Antoine rejects the accusations. The experts say they reviewed his arguments and maintained their conclusions. He has not been convicted of any crime.

Haitian authorities arrested Antoine on April 4, 2025, on charges that included conspiracy against state security, financing a criminal organization and complicity in murder. He was released on May 9, 2025.

The report arrives two months before national elections. The Organization of American States has urged Haitian authorities to keep candidates with ties to armed groups off the ballot.