Doctors Without Borders Haiti Center Closed – Gang Violence
- Haiti is facing a catastrophic surge in violence, with armed gangs now controlling most of Port-au-Prince.
- According to data released by the UN Human Rights Office in January 2025, more then 5,600 people were reported killed in Haiti in 2024, a 20% increase...
- The gangs,frequently enough operating with complex weaponry,have expanded thier control over key infrastructure and neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince.
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Haiti’s Escalating Violence: A Deepening Crisis
Table of Contents
Haiti is facing a catastrophic surge in violence, with armed gangs now controlling
most of Port-au-Prince. Despite the arrival of a United Nations-backed
multinational security force in June 2024, the situation continues to
deteriorate.
According to data released by the UN Human Rights Office in January 2025,
more then 5,600 people were reported killed in Haiti in 2024, a 20% increase
from the 4,666 reported deaths in 2023.
The Current Situation
The gangs,frequently enough operating with complex weaponry,have expanded thier
control over key infrastructure and neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince. This
includes control over vital supply routes, leading to shortages of food,
water, and medical supplies.The gangs are reportedly led by figures like
Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier, who leads the G9 and Family alliance.
The multinational security force, led by Kenya, has faced challenges in
effectively countering the gangs. Thes challenges include logistical
difficulties, a lack of sufficient resources, and the complex political
landscape in Haiti.
Rising Death Toll and Humanitarian Crisis
The UN Human Rights Office’s January 2025 report paints a grim picture of the
human cost of the violence. Beyond the 5,600+ killings, the report details
widespread sexual violence, kidnappings for ransom, and the recruitment of
children into armed groups.
The escalating violence has triggered a meaningful humanitarian crisis.
Hundreds of thousands of Haitians have been internally displaced, seeking
refuge in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. Access to healthcare and
education has been severely disrupted.
Past Context and Political Instability
Haiti has a long history of political instability and social unrest. The
assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021 further exacerbated
the country’s challenges. The power vacuum created by his death allowed
gangs to consolidate their control.
The current crisis is also rooted in systemic issues such as poverty,
corruption, and a