A disastrous earthquake hit Haiti in 2010, leaving the country in deep distress. Reconstruction failed to address the systemic problems underlying its extreme socio-economic inequality and endemic political and gang violence. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021 and a bout of natural disasters soon thereafter, Haiti’s humanitarian plight has gone from bad to worse. Crisis Group aims to shed light on the sources of Haiti’s strife and supports core reforms to the security sector and state that could pave the way for credible elections, improved security and clean government.
Haiti has established a new transitional government to combat surging gang violence and tackle the resulting humanitarian crisis. In this excerpt from the Watch List 2024 – Spring Update, Crisis Group explains how the EU and its member states can help.
Insecurity persisted despite deployment of police officers from Kenya-led security mission, which remained hamstrung by funding and equipment shortfalls; efforts to form electoral council stalled.
Gang violence expanded beyond capital. Justice and Security Minister 12 Aug raised concerns about resurgence of gang violence in several parts of country, particularly noting attacks on Ganthier Customs Office and Monfort Institute for deaf children in Croix-des-Bouquets commune north east of capital Port-au-Prince. Confrontations between members of Viv Ansanm gang alliance and civilians in capital’s Solino neighbourhood 15 Aug caused at least a dozen deaths and injuries on both sides. Prison break in Saint-Marc city 16 Aug resulted in 12 fatalities. Demonstrations 19 Aug broke out in Solino and other neighbourhoods of Port-au-Prince to demand support from police in defending their neighbourhoods. Meanwhile, U.S. 20 Aug sanctioned former president Michel Martelly for sponsoring gangs, facilitating drug trafficking and money laundering.
Kenya-led foreign security mission faced challenges. Kenyan police officers from multinational security mission, tasked with battling gangs, carried out more joint patrols and targeted missions. Kenyan mission chief General Otunge 12 Aug told representative of Organization of American States that full operations against gangs were expected to begin in near future, without stating exact date. PM Conille 28 Aug announced joint operation between police and Kenyan officers to oust gangs from “one of the roughest neighbourhoods of capital”, but did not provide further details. Challenges with mission persisted, however, including limited resources, uncertain funding and need for reinforcements. U.S. and France 23 Aug delivered 26 armoured vehicles and equipment.
Efforts to form electoral council stalled amid fragile political situation. PM Conille 7 Aug stressed in BBC interview that transitional govt is “very fragile” and in need of support from international community. He also warned it will be “extremely difficult” to hold elections before Feb 2026 without more security support and humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, Transitional Presidential Council struggled to form Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) to organise vote. Civil society groups, Catholic Church and press associations had agreed to nominate CEP representative but internal divisions led to pushback against selected individuals, stalling CEP’s formation.
The gangs have never controlled so much territory in Haiti. They [now] have … established strongholds in areas the police have not been able to access.
If [the Haitian gangs] continue to blockade the ports and the capital’s airport, the lack of supplies and food could seriously worsen the humanitarian crisis.
Countries should implement all necessary measures to curb the illegal arms to Haiti, including inspections at their own ports within their own borders.
The situation [in Haiti] is an emergency … If the gangs continue with these large-scale attacks, they could control all of the capital in a matter of days or weeks.
The gangs are showing they can bring Haiti to its feet whenever they want.
What It Will Take To Stop Gang Violence And Promote Stability
With the acting premier out of the country, Haitian gangs have formed a united front to take over key sites and deter an international security mission from embarking. In this Q&A, Crisis Group expert Diego Da Rin assesses whether a new administration can respond.
This week on Hold Your Fire!, Richard speaks with Crisis Group experts Diego Da Rin and Renata Segura about a new offensive by gangs in Haiti, efforts to form a transitional government and prospects for a Kenya-led police mission to restore order.
This week on The Horn, Alan is joined by Crisis Group’s Haiti expert Diego Da Rin and Africa Director Murithi Mutiga to discuss the surging gang violence in Haiti and how it affects the prospects of a Kenya-led mission to restore order in the country.
The UN Security Council has approved deployment of a Kenyan-led force to Haiti to help battle criminal gangs the police cannot subdue alone. The mission will need to tread carefully – both in prior planning and once on the ground – to sidestep pitfalls in its path.
7 July marks the second anniversary of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse’s assassination. In this Q&A, Crisis Group expert Diego Da Rin explains why insecurity has gripped Haiti since the murder and why some Haitians have turned to self-defence groups to fend off rising gang power.
In this video, Frank Giustra speaks about the level of suffering Haiti is currently experiencing.
Criminal gangs are wreaking havoc in Haiti, nudging public opinion toward accepting the idea of an international force that would help restore security. Outside powers should prepare a mission only with solid backing from the country’s politicians, including their pledges to form a transitional government.
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