The Deteriorating Security Situation in Haiti
Many have likened the scenes in Haiti to those of the dystopian film franchise “Mad Max”, highlighting the anarchy gripping the country’s capital, Port-au-Prince. Amid escalating violence and gang warfare, scenes of desolation unfold, painting a grim portrait of a city afflicted by an unprecedented wave of lawlessness. Ordinary citizens find themselves trapped in a nightmarish reality where basic necessities are scarce, and survival is a daily struggle. Port-au-Prince, once vibrant, has transformed into a battleground.
Haiti is facing heightened levels of violence and instability, driven largely by the activities of armed gangs operating in various parts of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and other urban centres. These gangs, led by figures like Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier and Gabriel Jean-Pierre, operate within a level of autonomy that belies their historical ties to political elites. In a nation where poverty and inequality are rampant, the allure of gang affiliation offers both power and survival in a landscape marked by systemic challenges.
Gangs have increasingly asserted control over significant portions of the capital, including the key infrastructure such as the airport, hindering the delivery of essential aid to vulnerable populations. The ongoing unrest has led to record levels of hunger and life-threatening malnutrition, exacerbating an already precarious situation for many Haitians. Traditionally, these groups were aligned with politicians, political parties, or businessmen, who could exert some degree of control over their activities. However, recent developments have seen gangs break free from these ties and emerge as independent forces within Haitian society.
The recent escalation of violence, including brazen attacks on police stations and institutions, reflects not only a struggle for political control but also a desperate plea for change. Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s announcement of resignation in the face of mounting pressure from both international actors and gang leaders highlights the severity of Haiti’s situation. The power of armed gangs remains largely unchecked, with these groups controlling significant portions of territory.
One key factor driving their autonomy is the gangs’ increased financial independence. Over time, they have amassed significant wealth through various illicit means, including extortion, kidnappings for ransom, drug trafficking, and weapons smuggling. Moreover, Haitian armed groups are not solely driven by criminal motives but also have political aspirations. They leverage their resources and influence to make political demands and shape the country’s governance. Following the assassination of President Moise in 2021, gangs have become more assertive in their political activities, including [successfully] calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Henry. Cherizier and other leaders have explicitly stated their opposition to foreign intervention and expressed aspirations to play a role in resolving the country’s crisis.
Decades of political instability, economic inequality, and social marginalisation have created fertile ground for the proliferation of armed groups. The legacy of authoritarian rule continues to cast a long shadow over Haiti’s trajectory. From the early days of independence, the country’s leaders struggled with reconciling the promise of emancipation with the economic demands of a plantation economy reliant on coerced labour. The founding fathers of Haiti, including Toussaint Louverture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines, opted to prioritise economic recovery and military strength over the aspirations of the newly liberated slaves. The authoritarian tradition established by early leaders entrenched a culture of personal rule and political patronage, where those in power monopolised resources and suppressed dissent to maintain their privileged positions. The Duvalier era was characterised by the paramilitary “macoutes” and perpetuated a system of elite domination and state violence, leading to widespread poverty and repression. Jean-Bertrand Aristide’s presidency, after the end of the Duvalier regime in 1986, had high hopes, yet was marred by corruption and violence.
Haiti continues to grapple with systemic challenges, such as endemic poverty and weak governance that further fuel the cycle of violence and despair. The humanitarian situation in the country continues to deteriorate, with millions of Haitians facing acute food insecurity, displacement, and lack of access to basic services. The failure of international interventions and the persistence of armed groups obstruct efforts to achieve lasting peace.
Kenya has offered to lead a UN-sanctioned mission aimed at restoring order to the violence-stricken nation. With plans to dispatch 1,000 police officers, Nairobi initially stood ready to take the lead in addressing the dire situation. However, Prime Minister Henry’s pending resignation has caused a delay in deployment. Despite this delay, President William Ruto of Kenya has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the mission. This move has prompted speculation about Kenya’s motivations, with some suggesting financial incentives from the United States. Yet, proponents argue that Kenya’s decision reflects a longstanding dedication to regional and global peacekeeping efforts. While external intervention may offer short-term relief, a sustainable solution remains to be seen. Initiatives to strengthen state institutions, promote inclusive governance, and tackle socio-economic disparities are indispensable to long-term stability. Moreover, any intervention must prioritise the protection of human rights, accountability, and the empowerment of Haitian civil society.
The United Kingdom, the United States, Ireland, and Canada have all issued advisories against all travel to Haiti. In response to the growing tensions, Haiti has declared a state of emergency, with a daily curfew imposed in the capital from 6pm to 5am until April 3rd. With limited commercial options for departure, those currently in Haiti are advised to prepare for an extended stay and seek assistance from their respective embassies. The exact timeline for the resumption of flight operations remains uncertain.
Image courtesy of mkphotos via Flickr, ©2013. Some rights reserved.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the wider St. Andrews Foreign Affairs Review team.
