Haiti is currently facing a dire situation as criminal gangs exert “near-total control” over its capital, Port-au-Prince. According to U.N. officials, approximately 90% of the city is dominated by these gangs, with violence escalating and encroaching into areas that were once considered safe. Ghada Fathy Waly, the executive director of the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime, emphasized the alarming shift, noting that southern Haiti, which had been relatively insulated from gang violence, has recently seen a spike in related incidents. Moreover, gangs are capitalizing on strategic land routes in the east, leading to a rise in attacks on law enforcement officials. The U.N.’s Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca warned that the ongoing gang encirclement of the capital is pushing the nation toward a total breakdown of governance.
The outbreak of violence and gang control can be traced back to the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, which left a power vacuum in Haiti. Since then, the gangs have increased their influence, previously controlling about 85% of the capital. This ongoing turmoil is compounded by Haiti’s lack of a sitting president, which further destabilizes the country’s governance. A recent U.N. report covering specifics from October to February reveals that the gangs have taken advantage of the political chaos and a disorganized security response. Allegations of corruption and competing political ambitions have derailed any coherent action from transitional governing bodies, thus enabling gangs to thrive.
U.N. experts emphasized that the territorial expansion of gangs not only provides them with new sources of revenue but also enhances their bargaining power. The criminal activities are allegedly being supported by individuals who aim to destabilize the political transition for their own interests. This complex interplay between criminal organizations and political machinations adds layers of difficulty to restoring order and governance in Haiti. The country’s situation has become a humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by the lack of effective law enforcement and political will to address these pressing issues.
In light of the escalating violence, the U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory in September 2024, cautioning Americans against visiting Haiti due to high rates of kidnapping, crime, and civil unrest, along with inadequate healthcare facilities. The U.S. government has taken steps to designate two prominent gang networks, Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif, as foreign terrorist organizations, marking their activities as significant threats to international security. This designation reflects a growing recognition of the implications these gangs pose not only to Haiti but also to neighboring countries and the broader region.
The situation underscores the urgent need for increased international intervention to prevent a complete collapse of state authority in Port-au-Prince and beyond. U.N. officials have called for immediate and effective action from the global community to stem the tide of violence and restore governance. Without external support and intervention, the scenario of a failed state in Haiti appears increasingly plausible, further complicating humanitarian efforts aimed at alleviating suffering among the populace.
Efforts to stabilize Haiti must also address the root causes of gang proliferation, including widespread poverty, lack of education, and systemic corruption. Achieving long-term peace in Haiti will require a multifaceted approach that combines immediate security measures with initiatives focused on revamping political structures and economic opportunities for the youth. The international community must prioritize collaboration with local authorities to build a sustainable framework for governance while acknowledging the complex realities of crime and politics in Haiti.
