Haiti is teetering on the edge of a precipice, with gang violence surging to unprecedented levels and threatening to engulf the entire nation. What was once fragmented gang activity has morphed into a coordinated assault on Haitian society, with the "Viv Ansanm" (Living Together) coalition leading the charge. These armed groups have seized control of key areas, including the capital, Port-au-Prince, expanding their reach from marginalized neighborhoods into the downtown core and even middle-class areas. The situation is dire, with a UN official recently stating that Haiti is nearing a "point of no return."
The statistics paint a grim picture of the escalating violence. Between July 2024 and February 2025, the UN Human Rights documented a staggering 4,239 killings and 1,356 injuries. In one horrific massacre in Cité Soleil, 207 people were executed in just five days. The gangs are not only increasing the frequency of their attacks but also their sophistication, wielding increasingly powerful weapons, many of which are illegally trafficked from the United States. These firearms are central to killings, kidnappings, sexual assaults, and widespread extortion. Gangs have even established checkpoints on major roads, demanding "circulation taxes" and often shooting those who resist.
The impact of this escalating violence on the civilian population is devastating. Over a million Haitians have been displaced, nearly a tenth of the population, seeking refuge from the relentless attacks. Essential services have collapsed, with hospitals struggling to function and schools forced to close. Many neighborhoods face daily challenges in accessing basic necessities like drinking water and food, with residents risking their lives to obtain them. The humanitarian crisis is further compounded by a resurgence of cholera and alarming reports of sexual violence, particularly against women and girls.
Women and girls are disproportionately affected by the crisis. They face widespread sexual violence at the hands of gang members, including abduction, rape, and murder. Many are forced into exploitative "relationships" under constant threat of violence. Sexual violence is often underreported due to fear of retaliation, social stigma, and a lack of trust in public institutions. In displacement camps, women and girls face acute food insecurity and a lack of basic necessities like shelter, sanitation, and protection.
The impact on children is equally horrifying. Thousands have been forced to witness horrific acts of violence, and many are unable to attend school. Some are trafficked, exploited, and even armed by gangs. The UN reports a staggering increase in sexual violence against children, with millions having witnessed violence that no child should ever have to see.
The international community is struggling to respond effectively to the crisis. A Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, authorized by the UN, has faced numerous challenges, including insufficient personnel and funding, poor coordination, and difficulties in deploying effectively. While the MSS and the Haitian police have achieved some successes, they have been unable to stem the tide of gang violence. The UN Secretary-General has warned that further international support is "required immediately" to prevent Haiti from slipping further into chaos.
The situation in Haiti is critical. Without a coordinated and effective response from the international community, including robust support for the Haitian National Police and the full deployment of the MSS, the country risks descending into total chaos. The urgent need for humanitarian aid, protection for vulnerable populations, and a comprehensive strategy to address the root causes of the violence cannot be overstated. The future of Haiti, and the lives of its people, hang in the balance.
