A new report has revealed that 5.41 million people in Haiti are currently facing high levels of acute food insecurity, with almost 48 percent of the population experiencing acute food shortages. Gang wars and inflation are identified as the primary drivers of the crisis, with violence in Port-au-Prince and its surrounding areas causing serious difficulties in supplying basic foodstuffs to the regions. This has led to high inflation, with food now consuming up to 70 percent of households’ expenses.
The ongoing armed gang violence in Haiti has been exacerbated by years of unrest and attacks on prisons and state institutions by powerful armed groups with ties to the country’s political and business leaders. Despite international efforts to address the situation and the appointment of a new government, the rule of law remains scarce and violence persists. At least 3,661 people were killed in the first half of the year due to gang violence, creating a senseless and alarming situation that has engulfed the country.
The report highlights that gangs now control about 80 percent of Port-au-Prince and key roads leading to northern and southern Haiti, severely disrupting the delivery of goods and humanitarian aid. Over the past few years, gang activity has left more than 700,000 people homeless, with ongoing security challenges making it difficult to provide adequate assistance and relief to those in need. A UN-backed mission led by Kenya has been working to liberate some communities from gang control, but significant challenges remain in addressing the crisis.
The impact of “climate shocks” such as Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and the 2021 earthquake have also exacerbated the hunger crisis in Haiti, adding to the challenges faced by those already struggling to access food in the midst of ongoing violence and insecurity. The IPC warns that the situation is not expected to improve in the coming months, as humanitarian food assistance is unlikely to meet the needs of the population. Violence is expected to continue to intensify, affecting the supply chain and leading to further population displacement.
Overall, the humanitarian crisis in Haiti continues to worsen, with alarming rates of armed gang violence disrupting daily life and forcing more people to flee their homes. The lack of rule of law, high levels of acute food insecurity, and ongoing security challenges are creating a dire situation for millions of people in the Caribbean nation. International efforts to address the crisis have been insufficient, with significant challenges remaining in providing vital assistance to those in need and improving the overall security and stability of the country.
