U.N. Warns of ‘Total Collapse’ of State Control in Haiti’s Capital
United Nations officials have raised alarms about the near-total control exerted by violent criminal gangs over Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. With an estimated 90% of the city under gang control and violence expanding into previously stable regions, senior U.N. officials warn that without international intervention, state presence in the capital could collapse entirely. This escalating crisis is attributed to political turmoil, weak governance, and the aftermath of President Jovenel Moïse’s assassination in 2021.
Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, is under near-complete control by violent criminal gangs, according to United Nations officials. Senior U.N. representatives have warned that the situation is on the verge of ‘total collapse’ of state presence, as the gangs expand their influence beyond the capital into previously peaceful areas of the country.
The U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime’s executive director, Ghada Fathy Waly, informed the U.N. Security Council that gangs now control approximately 90% of Port-au-Prince. She noted that the violent groups are increasingly moving into Southern and Eastern Haiti, where attacks on security forces have been reported. U.N. Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca echoed these concerns, stating that the gang encirclement of the capital and their expansion into strategic regions are pushing the country closer to the brink.
The crisis has been exacerbated by the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, which led to a power vacuum and a lack of effective governance. A recent U.N. report highlighted that political instability, corruption, and inadequate security responses have allowed gangs to consolidate their power. Despite efforts by the U.S. to label some of the most powerful gangs as foreign terrorist organizations, the violence continues to mount, with the U.S. State Department issuing a travel advisory warning Americans against visiting Haiti due to extreme security risks.
The situation has drawn global attention, with U.N. experts emphasizing the need for immediate international action to prevent further destabilization. The U.S. has been involved in efforts to combat gang violence, but the complexities of the crisis suggest that a coordinated and sustained effort is required. With ongoing violence, limited state capacity, and a fragile political transition, Haiti remains at a critical juncture, and the international community is under pressure to respond effectively.
As the situation continues to evolve, the humanitarian and security implications are growing. The U.N. has called on all stakeholders to take urgent measures to restore order, protect civilians, and support the transition to stable governance. The path to stability in Haiti remains uncertain, and the international community must act decisively to mitigate the risks of further violence and chaos.
In conclusion, the collapse of state presence in Port-au-Prince represents a dire warning for Haiti’s future. The U.N. report underscores the urgency of the situation, with growing concerns about the potential for total state collapse and the broader implications for regional stability. As the world watches, the need for a coordinated and effective response has never been more critical.