Summary
Haiti is currently facing a severe escalation of violence and instability due to the growing influence of armed groups, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince. This surge in gang-related activities has resulted in thousands of deaths, widespread displacement, and an urgent call for international assistance to restore order and security.
The situation has deteriorated significantly since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, which created a power vacuum that gangs have exploited to expand their control. Reports indicate that nearly 80% of Port-au-Prince is now under gang influence, leading to rampant violence, including kidnappings and mass killings. In the first half of 2024 alone, over 3,600 people were killed amid this escalating chaos. The United Nations has responded by extending the mandate of a Kenyan-led multinational police mission aimed at supporting the Haitian National Police, but this initiative has struggled with funding and resource shortages. Only about 400 officers have been deployed, far short of the 2,500 troops initially pledged by various countries.
Humanitarian Crisis
The ongoing violence has triggered a humanitarian crisis, with more than 700,000 people displaced from their homes. Many are living in makeshift shelters or with relatives, while others are crowded into public spaces. The International Organization for Migration has reported that recent gang attacks have exacerbated the already dire conditions, pushing families to flee their communities in search of safety.
Political Response and International Aid
Haiti’s interim Prime Minister, Garry Conille, has embarked on diplomatic missions to seek additional support from countries like Kenya and the United Arab Emirates. Despite the international community’s efforts, including the recent extension of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), challenges remain due to insufficient resources and a lack of a coherent strategy to combat the gangs effectively. Local leaders and civil society have expressed cautious optimism about the police mission, but they emphasize that military intervention alone will not resolve the complex issues plaguing Haiti.
Calls for a Comprehensive Strategy
As violence continues to escalate, experts and Haitian leaders alike stress the need for a comprehensive strategy that includes not only security measures but also political reforms and support for the national police force. The call for transforming the current policing mission into a formal UN peacekeeping operation reflects a growing recognition of the need for a more robust and sustainable approach to restore order and stability in Haiti.
‘They tried to murder everyone’: Haiti reels after deadly gang attack
Oct. 7 / Al Jazeera / Describes the aftermath of a gang attack with vivid survivor accounts, highlighting the human cost of the violence. It captures the emotional toll on communities, making the crisis feel immediate and personal. “ More than 6,200 people are staying with relatives or in makeshift shelters after massacre in central Haiti town. Survivors of a deadly gang attack in central...
Haitian Prime Minister Goes Abroad for Support After Gang Massacre
Oct. 5 / Usnews / Reports on the aftermath of a brutal gang massacre, emphasizing the immediate impact on civilians. It offers a personal perspective through survivor stories, bringing a human element to the ongoing violence. “ By Steven Aristil SAINT-MARC, Haiti (Reuters) - Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille embarked on a trip to the United Arab Emirates and Kenya on Saturday to...
UN Extends Kenya-Led Mission Targeting Gang Violence in Haiti
Sep. 30 / Newsweek / Highlights the UN's unanimous decision to extend the Kenya-led mission, providing crucial context on the power dynamics in Haiti. It effectively encapsulates the urgency of international support amidst escalating violence. “ The (U.N.) Security Council unanimously voted on Monday to extend the mandate of a Kenya-led mission combating escalating gang violence in Haiti. Gang...
Haiti security mission extended for one year amid rising violence and hunger
Sep. 30 / France 24 / Examines the extension of the multinational policing mission amid rising violence and hunger. It touches on funding issues, offering insight into the operational challenges that hinder effective intervention. “ The UN extended a mulinational policing mission in Haiti on Monday amid reports of thousands of deaths due to gang violence this year and rising levels of...
The U.S. wants Kenyan troops' mandate in Haiti to be a formal peacekeeping mission
Sep. 30 / Npr / Covers the slow progress of the Kenyan-led force and the U.S. push for a formal peacekeeping mandate. It succinctly addresses the challenges faced by the mission, providing a critical view of international efforts. “ The UN Security Council has renewed a mandate of a Kenyan-led force in Haiti. But, the mission has had a slow start the U.S. hoped to make it a formal...
UN extends Haiti security mission for another year as violence soars
Sep. 30 / Al Jazeera / Focuses on the UN's extension of the police mission while detailing the dire humanitarian situation. It includes statistics that underscore the severity of gang violence, making it a compelling overview of the crisis. “ Measure extends multinational police mission until early October 2025 as Haiti struggles to stem deadly gang violence. The United Nations Security Council...