Haiti Violence: Gangs Control Capital – UN Report
Gangs now control much of Haiti‘s capital, fueled by political instability and a weak response to escalating gang violence, according to the latest UN report. The UN-backed mission faces critical shortages, with only 40% of its planned personnel deployed. Alarmingly,sexual violence by gangs has surged. Despite an arms embargo,powerful weapons flow in. Vigilante groups add a layer of complexity, with some committing abuses. Haitian authorities are embroiled in extrajudicial killings,and experts warn of continued deterioration without more international support.this crisis demands urgent action. News Directory 3 provides crucial insights. Discover what’s next …
Haiti Gang Violence Surges Amid Political Instability
since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, gangs in Haiti have expanded their power, controlling much of the capital.The country has remained without a president as then, exacerbating the political instability.
A U.N.-backed mission, spearheaded by Kenyan police, was deployed last year to address the escalating gang violence. However, the mission is understaffed and underfunded, operating with only about 40% of its planned 2,500 personnel. A proposal by U.N. Secretary-General antonio Guterres to provide logistical support, including drones and transport, has stalled.
Waly of the UNODC noted a surge in private security companies and vigilante groups responding to the gang activity. While some aim to protect communities, others operate illegally and collude with gangs.
Jenca reported that these vigilante groups have allegedly killed at least 100 men and one woman in the past three months,all suspected of gang affiliation.
the U.N. political mission in Haiti documented 364 incidents of sexual violence, involving 378 survivors, between March and April, highlighting a critically important increase in such crimes by gangs.
A U.N. report covering October through Febuary indicated that gangs have exploited political turmoil and a disorganized response to the security crisis.The report cited competing political ambitions and corruption allegations within Haiti’s transitional bodies as factors hindering progress.
Experts monitoring an arms embargo on Haiti told the Security Council that minimal progress has been made in restoring public security or organizing national elections by the target date of february 2026.
The experts warned that gangs will maintain the upper hand without increased international support, given the weak national police force, the need to rebuild the army, and the limited capacity of the multinational force.
The experts also noted that vigilante groups frequently enough include local police officers, some of whom are actively involved in human rights violations.
The Haitian National Police have been implicated in extrajudicial killings, with 281 summary executions by specialized police units in 2024, including women and children, according to the experts.
despite the U.N. arms embargo, gangs continue to acquire more powerful weapons from regional civilian markets and from police stockpiles in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, the experts said.
What’s next
The international community faces mounting pressure to bolster support for Haiti’s security forces and address the root causes of gang violence to prevent further destabilization.