Haiti, already mired in an ongoing crisis, faces an increasingly dire situation as gangs ramp up violence, attempting to consolidate control over areas of the capital and surrounding regions. On Tuesday, the head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), Maria Isabel Salvador, delivered a stark warning to the UN Security Council about the deteriorating conditions in the Caribbean nation. Salvador’s briefing highlighted how the unchecked power of armed groups is overwhelming Haiti’s national security apparatus, spreading fear and despair among the civilian population.
The conflict, driven by an alliance of well-armed gangs known as “Viv Ansanm,” has surged in recent days, particularly in and around the capital of Port-au-Prince. The violence is not confined to urban areas but has also spread into agricultural regions and cities steeped in Haitian history, such as Arcahaie, known for being the birthplace of the Haitian flag. The attacks are pushing the country further into chaos, severely impacting its ability to provide food and basic services, with millions of Haitians facing hunger and displacement.
A Country Gripped by Lawlessness
For years, Haiti has been trapped in a downward spiral of political instability, economic hardship, and rampant gang violence. But in recent months, the intensity of the conflict has reached new heights. The country’s fragile government, led by Prime Minister Garry Conille, is struggling to maintain control, and the national police force is stretched thin as it battles to contain the growing influence of gang coalitions. In her briefing to the UN Security Council, Salvador stressed that the situation in Haiti has “worsened” significantly, as the gang violence now extends beyond areas previously under gang control and has spread to new regions.
The Viv Ansanm alliance, a coalition of various armed factions, has gained ground in Port-au-Prince’s suburbs, coastal areas, and beyond. Their aggressive tactics have resulted in widespread terror, driving residents from their homes and overwhelming national security forces. According to the UN, more than 4,200 people have fled their homes in the past week alone, seeking refuge in makeshift shelters, churches, schools, and health centers. These displacements add to the already staggering figure of 700,000 Haitians displaced by the conflict since the gang war began to escalate in 2021.
The deteriorating security situation is further complicated by tensions within Haiti’s dual executive structure. A presidential council, operating alongside Prime Minister Conille’s government, has caused confusion and eroded public trust. With political infighting undermining efforts to bring stability, Salvador warned that the country’s governance issues are fueling the crisis, making it even harder to restore order and ensure public safety.
A Call for International Support Amid Mounting Violence
The Haitian government has called on the international community for assistance, and over a year ago, the UN Security Council ratified the deployment of an international security force to support the Haitian National Police (PNH). However, progress has been painfully slow. Despite the pledge of over 3,000 troops from various countries, only a fraction of this force has arrived in Haiti, leaving the international mission critically under-resourced.
This shortage of manpower and funding is impeding the mission’s ability to carry out its tasks. Salvador warned the Security Council that without adequate support, the international force may be unable to fully deploy or effectively aid the Haitian police. The consequences of this under-resourcing are clear: the gangs continue to expand their reach, unchecked, while the Haitian government remains overwhelmed and unable to respond decisively to the violence.
Prime Minister Conille has taken emergency measures, recalling several hundred police officers and soldiers from VIP protection duties to reinforce combat zones. Yet, these efforts are insufficient to contain the escalating violence. The national police force, already stretched to its limits, faces significant challenges in responding to the sheer scale of the conflict.
Humanitarian Crisis: Famine and Displacement
As the violence worsens, the humanitarian situation in Haiti has become critical. The conflict has severely disrupted agricultural production and supply chains, leading to widespread food shortages. Over 5 million Haitians are now suffering from food insecurity, with thousands facing famine conditions. The situation is particularly dire for those who have been forced from their homes, as displaced families struggle to access basic necessities such as food, clean water, and medical care.
In the makeshift camps that have sprung up in the wake of the violence, the conditions are harsh. Schools, churches, and health centers, never designed to accommodate large numbers of displaced people, are now overcrowded. Sanitation is poor, and access to health care is limited. The risk of disease outbreaks is high, and the lack of adequate nutrition and shelter is exacerbating the suffering of those who have fled the violence.
The situation is especially grave for women and children, who are among the most vulnerable in these conflict zones. Many have been separated from their families, and there are reports of gender-based violence, exploitation, and abuse in some of the makeshift camps. The international community has called for more support for Haiti’s displaced population, but resources are scarce, and humanitarian agencies are struggling to meet the overwhelming needs.
A Nation in Crisis: The Need for a Coordinated Response
Haiti’s descent into chaos has prompted growing concern from the international community. The UN has repeatedly urged member states to fulfill their commitments to the international security force, and several countries have pledged additional support. However, Salvador’s warning underscores the urgency of the situation: without swift action, the violence in Haiti will continue to escalate, and the country’s humanitarian crisis will worsen.
What Haiti needs now is a coordinated and comprehensive response. The international security mission, though essential, is only one part of the solution. Efforts to rebuild Haiti’s political institutions and restore public trust in the government are equally critical. The prime minister’s call for a more robust security response is a necessary step, but without a functioning government that can deliver services and address the root causes of the conflict, peace will remain elusive.
The international community must also scale up its humanitarian aid efforts. Millions of Haitians are facing severe food shortages, and the risk of famine looms large. Displaced families require immediate assistance, including food, clean water, medical care, and safe shelter. Long-term support will be needed to rebuild Haiti’s agricultural sector and restore its capacity to feed its population.
The Way Forward: Hope Amid Despair?
Despite the grim situation, there is still hope that Haiti can recover. The arrival of more international troops, coupled with increased financial support, could help stabilize the security situation. A renewed focus on political reconciliation and governance reform could restore some measure of public trust. But time is of the essence. Every day that the gangs gain more ground, more Haitians are displaced, and more lives are lost.
As the world watches, Haiti stands at a crossroads. The country’s future will depend on the collective will of its people, its leaders, and the international community to come together and confront the challenges ahead. The road to peace and stability will be long and difficult, but it is a road that Haiti must travel if it is to overcome its current crisis.
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