Photo credit: www.theguardian.com
Haiti Faces Escalating Crisis Amid Surge in Gang Violence
Haiti is confronting a burgeoning crisis as gang-related violence intensifies, with the country teetering on the brink of “total chaos,” according to warnings from the United Nations’ special representative, María Isabel Salvador. Her statements, made during a UN Security Council meeting, highlight the desperation of the situation as violence continues to permeate different regions, leaving the population increasingly vulnerable.
Salvador’s assessment underscores a growing disillusionment among Haitians regarding the capacity of the state to address their needs amidst this turmoil. She emphasized the urgent requirement for international aid to avert the impending disaster. “I urge you to remain engaged and answer the urgent needs of the country and its people,” Salvador remarked, reflecting the critical juncture at which Haiti finds itself.
The country, already struggling as the poorest in the Western Hemisphere, is grappling with an array of challenges beyond gang violence, including cholera outbreaks and escalating instances of gender-based violence. The capital city, Port-au-Prince, has become a significant battleground where rival gangs are locked in conflict, vying for territorial control while the government’s response remains woefully inadequate.
The violence has surged in recent weeks, with armed groups engaging in activities that include murder, sexual violence, and kidnappings, further destabilizing the region. A Kenyan-led international force, authorized by the UN, has been deployed to address these issues. However, with only about 1,000 officers from six nations—far fewer than the 2,500 originally planned—the mission has struggled to make a meaningful impact on the escalating violence.
In a recent report, UN Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated that immediate international support is essential to enable the Haitian national police to regain control and prevent the capital from spiraling further into chaos. Echoing this sentiment, Haiti’s ambassador to the UN, Ericq Pierre, voiced a bleak picture, stating that “the Republic of Haiti is slowly dying” under the threats posed by organized crime.
Pierre urged the international community to assist in eliminating the armed gangs that threaten the safety of citizens. The UN report detailed a worrying surge in homicide rates, recording 2,660 murders over just three months—a staggering 41.3% increase compared to the previous quarter. Additionally, anti-gang operations have reportedly resulted in 702 deaths, with 21% of victims identified as innocent civilians.
Moreover, the report highlights the alarming increase in gender-based violence, with 347 incidents reported in a five-month span leading up to February 2025. Disturbingly, collective rape emerged as the most frequent violation, accounting for 61% of these cases. As the situation continues to spiral, it is evident that comprehensive international intervention and support are critical to averting further chaos and restoring stability to Haiti.
Source
www.theguardian.com