U.N. officials have raised alarms that violent criminal gangs are inching closer to achieving total control over Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, pushing the nation toward the edge of collapse. The situation has reached critical levels, with gangs holding an estimated 90% of the capital city. Executive Director of the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime, Ghada Fathy Waly, warned members of the U.N. Security Council that the encroachment of these gangs is intensifying daily, spreading into areas that have historically remained untouched by such violence.
Waly emphasized that the expansion of gang control has reached regions previously considered safe, including southern Haiti, where violence has sharply increased. In the east, criminal groups are exploiting key land crossings, such as Belladere and Malpasse, where attacks on police and customs officials have been reported. U.N. Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca also warned the council that without significant international intervention, the total collapse of state presence in the capital could become a real threat.
The rise of gang influence is directly linked to the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, which left the country without a president and in a state of political disarray. The U.N. report covering October through February highlights how the violence has been exacerbated by political turmoil and a lack of coherent security measures. Competing political interests and corruption allegations within transitional governing bodies have severely hindered actions to address the situation.
Meanwhile, in May 2024, the Trump administration took a hardline stance by designating two of Haiti’s most powerful gangs, Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif, as foreign terrorist organizations. This move signals a significant shift in U.S. policy toward the crisis, aiming to curtail gang activities and their influence. The U.S. State Department has also issued travel advisories, warning Americans about the heightened risks in Haiti, including kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and inadequate healthcare.
The ongoing violence and instability have placed immense pressure on both local and international actors to respond effectively. While various efforts have been made, including collaboration with Blackwater founder Erik Prince, the challenge remains formidable. The U.N. has stressed that without a unified and decisive international strategy, the situation in Haiti could deteriorate further, leading to more widespread chaos and loss of life.