Criminal gangs, wielding more power than Haiti’s security forces, have launched attacks on prisons and the capital’s airport, prompting closures of businesses and schools and displacing around 15,000 people in Port-au-Prince. The UN’s top human rights official described the situation as “beyond untenable,” citing over 1,190 deaths since the start of 2024.
Efforts to address the crisis have faltered, with calls for a multinational security force to support Haiti’s police and military. Recent events include a surge in violence on Feb. 29, as Prime Minister Ariel Henry sought UN-backed assistance in Kenya. Gang leader Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier announced a coalition of gangs demanding Henry’s resignation, leading to a state of emergency declaration by Haiti’s acting prime minister on March 3.
As the violence in Haiti escalates, Caribbean leaders have urgently called for an emergency meeting in Jamaica to address the dire situation there, inviting key international stakeholders including the United States, France, Canada, the UN, and Brazil.
The Caribbean Community (Caricom) has been attempting to facilitate the formation of a transitional unity government in Haiti amid ongoing political turmoil and violence. Despite efforts, consensus among Haitian political actors and civil society groups has not been achieved.
Haiti entered a state of emergency after fighting escalated, armed gangs broke inmates out of prison , and an estimated over ten thousand people were displaced while Henry was in Kenya seeking a deal for an international force to fight Haiti’s gangs.
While Henry agreed to hold elections by mid-2025, calls persist for a power-sharing interim government, which he has yet to announce. The international community, including the United States and Kenya, has expressed commitment to a multinational security mission to restore order, though legal obstacles in Kenya have delayed its deployment.
The US has specifically called on Henry to expedite a political transition as armed gangs seek his ouster.
Henry’s attempts to seek support for a UN-backed police force from Kenya have faced setbacks, including a ruling by a Kenyan court deeming such deployment unconstitutional. Additionally, Henry’s inability to return home due to safety concerns has highlighted the severity of the security situation in Haiti, prompting neighboring Dominican Republic to close its border and express concerns over the threat posed to its stability.
Violence in Haiti, including gang warfare, kidnappings, and political instability, threatens public safety by creating an atmosphere of fear, uncertainty, and danger. This violence disrupts daily life, impedes economic growth, and pushes people to flee their homes, seeking safety elsewhere.
The international community can help address this issue by providing financial and technical assistance to support the restoration of law and order, as well as promoting political stability and good governance.
There are several countries, including the US, UK, and France, that are ready and willing to work with the Haitian government and civil society to strengthen democratic institutions, improve the rule of law, and build the capacity of law enforcement agencies to combat violence and organized crime.
Promoting economic growth and job creation can help reduce poverty and provide opportunities for Haitians, reducing the incentives for violence and crime. This can be achieved through targeted investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and small businesses.
Ensuring that Haitians have access to basic services, such as healthcare, education, and clean water, is crucial for improving their quality of life and reducing the drivers of violence.
The international community should support efforts to foster dialogue between Haitian political actors, promote national unity, and address the root causes of the current crisis.
Collaboration with neighboring countries and regional organizations, such as CARICOM and the Organization of American States (OAS), can help address the security challenges faced by Haiti and support the country’s efforts to restore stability and public safety.
By working together, the international community can help Haiti overcome its current challenges and create a safer, more prosperous future for its people.