Self-defence groups continued operations to tackle dire gang violence, regional bloc facilitated talks between acting PM Henry and opposition groups, and international actors boosted support for police.

Civilian efforts to confront gangs continued. Self-defence movement known as Bwa Kale continued anti-gang operations in capital Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas, helping curb criminal activities in some places. In Artibonite department, civilians allied with Jean-Denis gang to oust its rival Gran Grif gang; notably, civilians escorted by group 8 June burned several houses where Gran Grif members were staying. Violence continued elsewhere. Notably, armed men reportedly from Kraze Barye gang carried out several assaults in Tabarre neighbourhood of capital, including 7 June attacking private residence of former senator, 9 June setting fire to another senator’s house and 13 June ransacking Jamaican consulate, leading to suspension of consular services. Kraze Barye gang 13 June abducted journalist in Tabarre, released her hours later before 20 June kidnapping her husband, former head of Haiti’s provisional electoral council; dozens of other kidnappings reported.

Dialogue between govt and opposition resumed without major breakthrough. CARICOM, body of Caribbean nations, 11-13 June convened Haitian politicians and civil society leaders in Jamaica for talks aimed at resolving political crisis; High Transitional Council (HTC) members did not attend. Though rekindling dialogue marked positive step, sides made little progress toward creating more inclusive transitional govt. Most major opposition forces called for presidential council during transitional period; acting PM Henry, however, said he is willing only to add more members to HTC. Henry 14 June said dialogue would continue in Port-au-Prince.

International partners stepped up support to Haitian National Police (HNP). U.S. VP Kamala Harris 8 June announced Washington would set up investigative unit with HNP to facilitate investigation and prosecution of transnational crimes; French police 13 June arrived in Port-au-Prince to train special police units; and Canadian FM Mélanie Joly 15 June announced launch of Ottawa-led “joint security coordination cell” based in Dominican Republic to work with HNP, though Dominican Republic denied agreeing to proposal. Henry’s calls for multinational force continued, reiterated by UN official 28 June following country visit, saying “the survival of an entire nation is at stake”.

Civilian self-defence groups expanded anti-gang operations, lynching suspected gang members and fuelling fears of increasingly brutal retaliatory attacks to quell uprising.

Civilians escalated attacks on suspected gang members. Civilian self-defence movement known as Bwa Kale (“peeled wood”) that emerged late April quickly spread through parts of capital Port-au-Prince and beyond as civilians used improvised weapons to hunt down and kill suspected gang members. Fears of escalating violence grew: acting PM Henry 1 May called on vigilantes to “calm down” and hand over suspected members to police; UN human rights office 9 May reported at least 164 killings of suspected gang members in April; and former police chief and current Representative to Organization of American States Léon Charles 13 May said vigilantes are not viable medium- or long-term solution to gang violence, cautioning against extrajudicial executions. Director of National Police Frantz Elbé, however, same day praised his forces for increased operations against gangs and noted civilians’ important supporting role.

Gangs pressed ahead with operations and retaliatory actions. Despite threat of self-defence groups and stepped-up security operations, gang offensives continued in several areas, including north and east of Port-au-Prince. In Onaville town, Canaan gang 14 May reportedly killed ten people attempting to return home after being displaced in April. Gang operating in Titanyen town 17 May ambushed two armoured police vehicles. Gangs also responded to joint police-Bwa Kale efforts; notably Gran Grif and Kokorat San Ras gangs early May intensified joint operations in Artibonite department (north) following late April police raid, supported by civilians, against Kokorat San Ras.

Talks on international intervention continued without breakthrough. Scepticism among international actors about scaling up security assistance in Haiti persisted. Notably, Canadian congressional committee 5 May urged Ottawa to make clear it would “not participate in direct engagement in military operations”. UN Sec-Gen Guterres and Jamaican PM Holness 15 May called on Haitian political actors to reach agreement in order to ease reluctance of international actors to send security mission, saying Haiti posed threat to region.

Mob killed suspected gang members amid spiralling gang violence and concomitant rise of self-defence groups, govt efforts to organise elections continued, and UN ramped up aid.

Local populations mobilised as gang violence soared. Gangs continued to target police and civilians, expanding their territory in capital Port-au-Prince and Artibonite department. Notably, in Port-au-Prince’s Pétionville commune, Kraze Baryè group 5 April set fire to police station, Ti Makak gang 9 April killed three policemen; in Croix-des-Bouquets commune, 400 Mawozo gang 16 April killed one police officer. Two journalists also killed during month. UN 24 April said insecurity had “reached levels comparable to countries in armed conflict” and reiterated calls for multinational security mission. Following UN report late March about worrying emergence of self-defence groups, Canaan gang 5 April attacked Onaville town, allegedly targeting locals who had formed surveillance brigade; residents in Port-au-Prince 24 April burned to death 13 suspected gang members in what police described as “a lynching”; scores of men 25 April reportedly patrolled capital’s Canape Vert neighbourhood, armed with machetes, saying “we are planning to fight and keep our neighbourhoods clean of [gangs]”.

Govt pushed ahead with election planning. Interim govt moved forward with steps toward organising elections, but continued to forgo talks with political parties that refuse to join coalition, as stipulated in 21 December Accord – agreement between acting PM Henry and several opposition forces. Notably, Henry 12 April asked representatives from various sectors to designate potential candidates for Electoral Council, charged with organising vote; National Association of Haitian Media 24 April declined Henry’s invitation to nominate two candidates for Electoral Council, arguing that organising elections amid so much violence is unrealistic.

In other important developments. UN 13 April presented $720mn annual aid plan for Haiti, largest since 2010 earthquake, amid dire humanitarian situation. Dominican Republic President Abidaner 16 April issued decree preventing entry of 39 Haitians linked to gangs. Meanwhile, several media outlets early April reported that leaked classified U.S. documents indicated Russian paramilitary Wagner Group late Feb planned to assess potential contract with govt to fight gangs; Washington Post 10 April reported that officials denied local authorities had met with Wagner representatives.

Soaring gang violence killed hundreds and displaced 160,000 in capital Port-au-Prince, though international assistance remained limited.

Violent turf wars killed over 200 and displaced 160,000 people. Fighting between rival gangs affiliated with G9 and G-Pèp coalitions, which erupted 28 Feb in downtown neighbourhoods of Port-au-Prince, grew fiercer throughout early March. NGO Doctors Without Borders 8 March announced temporary closure of their Cité Soleil centre due to “intolerable risks” wrought by gang violence, which kept spreading to new areas. UN humanitarian agency 21 March said clashes between gangs in first two weeks of March left at least 208 dead and 101 kidnapped and that, as of mid-March, at least 160,000 people have been displaced. PM Henry 17 March called on Haitian armed forces – which have played limited security support role – to fight gangs alongside Haitian National Police (HNP), arguing that special police units are no longer sufficient to tackle “national security problem”. Around 15 NGOs 27 March urged govt to declare state of emergency in areas most affected by violence.

UN reiterated appeal for multinational security mission. International partners remained reluctant to lead security mission, instead offering to help strengthen HNP. Notably, Canada’s Defence Minister Anita Anand 2 March announced arrival of Navy ships to patrol Haitian waters; Caribbean Community 6 March pledged support for police efforts to address insecurity. Head of UN mission to Haiti 15 March said assistance was insufficient and again appealed for deployment of international force to tackle violence, which UN human rights agency 21 March reiterated. Following meeting between U.S. President Biden and Canadian PM Trudeau, Canada 24 March pledged additional $100mn to assist HNP; Biden said foreign military force “is not off the table” but “is not in play at the moment”. European Union High Representative Josep Borrell 27 March expressed support for “international intervention”.

PM Henry advanced “21 December Accord” agenda. Despite continued opposition to 21 December Accord – political agreement between Henry and some members of opposition forces – Henry pressed ahead with agenda, 7 March installing eight judges to country’s highest court, who will select members of Electoral Council to organise elections. Meanwhile, head of recently inaugurated High Council for Transition, Mirlande Manigat, 7 March said council faced budget constraints.

Security crisis compounded dire humanitarian situation, while international community continued to weigh sending specialised armed force.

Gang violence persisted at high levels, notably hampering medical care provision. Gunmen 4 Feb intercepted two buses in Liancourt commune, taking driver and 50 passengers hostage. Kraze Baryè gang same day kidnapped National Centre of Equipment Director Kineton Louis in Pétionville commune. Kokorat San Ras gang 22 Feb invaded Estère commune, forcing police out of area temporarily. Gang activities restricted provision of medical care. Notably, Gheskio medical centre 9 Feb suspended activities amid kidnapping of several staff members in capital Port-au-Prince. Albert Schweitzer hospital in Deschapelles town 15 Feb suspended operations after police officers, angered by scarce resources for tackling violence, abandoned nearby stations, enabling expanded gang activities in area. Médecins Sans Frontières 24 Feb said violence and threats “are jeopardising the safety of staff and patients… [and] threaten the continuity of our activities”. Meanwhile, police spokesman Garry Desrosiers 15 Feb announced Operation Tornado had led to 369 arrests and 16 deaths of alleged gang members since 27 Jan; National Network for Defence of Human Rights Director Pierre Espérance next day said operation had achieved little.

“21 December Accord” between PM Henry and some opposition forces advanced. Official inauguration of Transitional High Council, charged with assisting PM Henry in 2023 election preparations as per 21 December agreement, 6 Feb took place. Yet internal opposition to agreement, including among members of civil society and political groups, persisted.

Discussions to send multinational security mission yielded few results. UN human rights chief Volker Türk 10 Feb urged international community to consider deploying specialised armed force to country, as did Organization of American States. Foreign partners remained hesitant, however, particularly in absence of broad political consensus within Haiti. Notably, Canada’s Ambassador to UN Bob Rae 16 Feb stressed that Canada “believe[s] very strongly that Haitian institutions themselves have to play the leadership role”. Still, Canada stepped up intelligence activities: Canadian patrol aircraft 4-7 Feb conducted intelligence-gathering flights, while Canadian PM Justin Trudeau 16 Feb said Canada will deploy two vessels to Haitian waters, especially around Port-au-Prince, for surveillance purposes.

Police officers demonstrated against targeted attacks on national police, and authorities unveiled details of new political accord amid calls for continued dialogue.

Police officers mutinied amid repeated gang attacks on their officers. Gangs 10-25 Jan carried out over five attacks on national police in different cities, leaving at least 14 officers dead, two wounded and two missing. Notably, Grand Grif gang members 25 Jan killed six policemen in Liancourt commune. Armed police next day launched violent demonstrations in several cities, notably capital Port-au-Prince, where they attacked interim PM Henry’s residence and airport. Meanwhile, month saw overall increase in kidnappings in capital. Notably, unknown assailants 18 Jan kidnapped 29 bus passengers in Croix-des-Bouquets, outskirts of Port-au-Prince.

Authorities published details of new political accord. Authorities 11 Jan made public text of “21 December accord” between Henry and some members of opposition forces. Document called for creation of High Council of Transition, established 17 Jan, and Body of Oversight of Government Action to sit alongside Henry during transitional period until Feb 2024 when newly elected govt assumes power. Though document received support from some international actors, including European Union and UN, members of civil society platform Montana Accord continued to disregard it. U.S. Assistant Sec State Brian Nichols 5 Jan called for “broader consensus and greater flexibility among leaders from all sectors” to address political crisis. Meanwhile, institutional crisis 9 Jan peaked when terms of ten remaining senators ended, leaving Haiti with no elected officials.

Discussions on multinational security mission continued. PM Henry 1 Jan declared that request for national police support was not request for occupation or military intervention. UN Sec-Gen António Guterres 17 Jan reiterated “urgent need” for “international specialised armed force”. Canadian PM Justin Trudeau 10 Jan said Canada is working with U.S., Mexico and Caribbean partners to ensure “we will have options” if situation deteriorates, reiterating importance of Haitian-led solution to security crisis. Canadian Ambassador to UN Bob Rae 18 Jan said foreign military intervention would have little sustainable impact.

Security and humanitarian crisis persisted, govt signed political agreement pledging elections in late 2023, and talks on international military intervention yielded no significant outcomes.

Dire security and humanitarian situation persisted. Gang violence continued unabated. Notably, at northern exit of capital Port-au-Prince, heavily armed bandits 26 Dec opened fire on highway in Bon Repos district, killing bus driver and injuring passengers before setting fire to two gas stations, supermarket and over a dozen vehicles. Violence continued to aggravate humanitarian crisis: UN Children’s Fund 16 Dec said gang’s blockades of ports and main roads continued to severely hamper transport of medical supplies. Meanwhile, cholera outbreak spread further, with 20,320 suspected cases and 377 registered deaths as of 29 Dec. Pan American Health Organization 12 Dec announced arrival of first shipment of 1.17mn doses of cholera vaccine; vaccinations began 18 Dec.

New political accord failed to win support of key political actors. PM Henry 21 Dec announced agreement with civil society groups, political parties and private sector to organise elections before end of 2023; accord establishes Henry’s premiership until 7 Feb 2024. By end of month, over 600 organisations had endorsed agreement. However, number of major political actors, including leaders of civil society platform Montana Accord, had yet to sign it by 31 Dec.

Discussions on international intervention continued. During Canada’s second fact-finding mission in Haiti 7-9 Dec, Canada’s Ambassador to UN Bob Rae met with high-level political figures, including Henry and members of Montana Accord, who continued to insist on Henry’s resignation. Although Montana Accord remains firmly opposed to military intervention, representatives 8 Dec told Rae that transitional govt would accept internationally backed “rapid police support” to help police subdue gangs. Rae 21 Dec said broad political consensus is precondition for security mission.

Foreign govts imposed further sanctions on Haitian political and economic elites. U.S. Treasury Department 2 Dec froze U.S. assets of two politicians for alleged drug trafficking and gang financing; U.S. State Department 9 Dec announced sanctions on former head of Haitian customs and Senator Rony Célestine. Canada 5 Dec sanctioned three of Haiti’s most powerful businessmen for financing gangs, 20 Dec sanctioned two former govt officials.

Police regained control of oil terminal amid rising levels of gang violence, humanitarian crisis deepened, and international partners imposed sanctions on gang sponsors.

Police unblocked main oil terminal, but gang violence continued to spread. Govt 3 Nov announced National Police had regained control of Varreux oil terminal, blocked since 12 Sept by G9 gang coalition. Clashes between police and gangs however continued nearby for several days, preventing employees from returning to terminal until 7 Nov. Fuel 12 Nov reached petrol stations, but gangs’ control of key roads leading out of capital Port-au-Prince hindered supply to much of country. Meanwhile, violence continued at high levels. Notably, in Petite-Rivière de l’Artibonite commune – controlled by three allied gangs – unknown assailants 9 Nov killed 15 residents with machetes for their alleged complicity with gangs; suspected 400 Mawozo gang members 14 Nov attacked convoy of commercial vehicles, U.S. embassy vehicles and police in Croix-des-Bouquets commune.

Humanitarian crisis persisted. Gang violence continued to restrict flow of essential goods, intensifying humanitarian crisis. Notably, amid impact of fuel shortages on access to clean water and other basic services, ministry of health 27 Nov reported 1,003 confirmed cases of cholera, 11,889 suspected cases, and 223 deaths as of 26 Nov.

Foreign partners imposed new sanctions, continued discussions on military intervention. In bid to help authorities tackle rising insecurity, U.S. and Canada 4 Nov imposed sanctions on Senate President Joseph Lambert and former Senate President and leader of Ayiti An Aksyon political party Youri Latortue. Justice Minister Berto Dorcé and Interior Minsiter Liszt Quitel 11 Nov resigned, allegedly after their American visas were revoked. Canada 20 Nov announced sanctions against former President Michel Martelly and two former prime ministers, Laurent Lamothe and Jean-Henry Céant. Meanwhile, U.S. State Dept 8 Nov insisted on need for foreign troops to combat “long-term challenges”; Canadian PM Justin Trudeau 20 Nov said Canada is considering possible role in mission, but stressed need for “consensus across political parties in Haiti” before taking “more significant steps”. Ambassador to U.S. Bocchit Edmond 28 Nov reiterated need for “an international presence to help confront the gangs”.

Political crisis deepened as anti-govt protests continued and gangs extended their control across major cities.

Gangs continued to extend their power, targeting security forces and economic assets. Members of “Vitelhomme” gang attacked security personnel during month, 1 Oct killing National Palace security officer, 18 Oct killing Croix-des-Bouquets chief police commissioner, both in Tabarre commune, eastern part of capital Port-au-Prince. Meanwhile, members of “5 Seconds” gang 8 Oct attacked country’s largest flour mill, and G9 gang alliance members continued to blockade Varreux oil terminal, disrupting fuel deliveries and exacerbating humanitarian crisis. PM Henry and 18 cabinet members 7 Oct formally asked international community for “specialised armed force” to unblock Varreux and secure fuel flow; group of senators 9 Oct demanded Henry defer “illegal” request. In special session held 17 Oct, UN Security Council discussed possible sanctions against gang leaders and their sponsors, unanimously approved 21 Oct; also proposed “non-UN international security assistance mission”, but as of 28 Oct resolution draft had not been shared with member states. Meanwhile, U.S. Sec State Blinken 12 Oct announced security assistance and visa restrictions targeting Haitian officials and others involved in gang activity.

Political crisis deepened amid ongoing anti-govt protests. Protests demanding Henry’s resignation continued, leaving unknown number dead amid security forces’ heavy-handed response. Pitit Dessalines party leader Moïse Jean Charles 17 Oct called on demonstrators to target govt officials’ homes and “buy machetes to lead the revolution”. Assistant U.S. Sec State Nichols 12 Oct flew to Port-au-Prince for separate meetings with Henry, civil society platform Montana Accord Monitoring Office and Fritz Jean – selected by Montana Accord to lead transitional govt but whose relations with platform have since deteriorated – to resolve political crisis. Nichols urged all three to reach agreement, but political paralysis persisted.

Fuel shortages continued to exacerbate humanitarian crisis. Amid impact of fuel shortages on access to clean water and other basic services, health ministry 2 Oct reported new cholera outbreak, with 2,200 suspected cases and at least 55 confirmed deaths as of 22 Oct.

Protests demanding PM Ariel Henry’s resignation escalated and turned violent amid fuel price hike, forcing services to close; gangs exploited unrest and seized control of major oil terminal.

Anti-govt protests turned violent, forcing public and private services to close down. Protests that started late Aug demanding Henry’s resignation intensified: after govt 14 Sept announced drastic reduction of gasoline subsidies, which prompted sharp rise in prices, anti-govt demonstrations same day broke out and expanded across capital Port-au-Prince and other towns and cities, growing increasingly violent as protesters set fire to vehicles, blocked roads and burned barricades. Businesses, banks, transportation networks and other public services were forced to shut down, while many embassies, including Mexico’s and Dominican Republic’s, 14 Sept shut their borders. Police responded with force, with clashes (which involved gang members among protesters) leaving over ten civilians dead and many more injured. As leaders called for calm, businesses 21 Sept began opening their doors. However, protests and blockades 26 Sept resumed, again paralysing commercial and public activities across major cities. Civil society platform Montana Accord (who have proposed two-year transitional plan that includes five-member presidential college and new PM) 16 Sept said protests were legitimate and urged Haitians to continue taking to streets until formation of legitimate transitional govt.

Gangs exploited unrest, aggravating violence and blocking fuel supplies. G9 gang alliance, of which members 11 Sept murdered two journalists reporting on escalating gang violence in Cité Soleil district of Port-au-Prince, exacerbated unrest. Notably, G9 leader Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier was filmed 15 Sept leading protest and demanding Henry’s resignation. Meanwhile, G9 gang members 17 Sept dug trenches around Varreux oil terminal, blocking access to operators, employees and trucks and taking control of 188,000 barrels of fuel; petrol stations across country same day closed and had yet to reopen by end of month.

Fuel blockade further strained country’s public services, notably health sector. Caracol Industrial Park – which employs 13,000 workers – 25 Sept ceased operations due to lack of fuel, affecting electricity services. UN children agency UNICEF 26 Sept said fuel blockade was preventing deliveries needed to power hospitals and risked bringing country’s health services to “a standstill”.