All You Need to Know About the Current Gang Violence in Haiti

Written by Cove Johnson Rabidoux

Haiti is a nation that has been grappling with political instability and socioeconomic challenges since the assassination of its former president Jovenel Moise in 2021. However, problems really arose in 2022, when attacks and violence caused by armed gangs skyrocketed. In fact, the World Food Program USA claims that “in the first four months of 2023, there were more civilians killed in Haiti than in Ukraine.” This surge in gang violence has not only shaken the country's fragile stability but has also brought immense suffering to its people. 

So what exactly is happening in Haiti? For the past few years, gangs around Haiti have fought for control of the major port city of Port-au-Prince. At the beginning of 2024, two of Haiti’s largest prisons and Haiti’s only international airport were both attacked by gangs. Innocent civilians were caught in the crossfire of the fighting and were often left wounded or dead. Decades of political turmoil, corruption, poverty, and lack of economic opportunities have all lent themselves to the creation and proliferation of these gangs. 

The spike in gang activity and violence started around September 2019 when thousands of Haitians protested and demanded the resignation of President Jovenel Moise. When he was assassinated in 2021, Ariel Henry, who was prime minister under Moïse, assumed power. However, when there were several missed elections, many began protesting against Henry. Last year, when Henry again postponed elections, armed gangs in Port-au-Prince grew even more violent. 

The consequences of the surge in gang violence are severe. Greg Beckett, an associate professor of anthropology at Western University in Canada said, “January and February have been the most violent months in the recent crisis, with thousands of people killed, or injured, or raped.” Thousands of Haitians have fled their homes due to fear of kidnapping, violence, and starvation. Since gang violence has taken over the country, food, water, and gas have all become sparse, leaving prices to escalate. Plus, World Food Program USA states, “In the Artibonite region, the presence of armed groups has blocked farmers from delivering their produce to the market.” As a result, the majority of Haitians are leaving with a depleted supply of food and produce. Additionally, the already strained healthcare system struggles to cope with the influx of victims requiring medical attention, exacerbating an already dire situation. 

Therefore, Haiti is in desperate need of support and materials. By providing humanitarian aid to those in Haiti, supporting efforts to strengthen governance and the rule of law, donating to humanitarian organizations, and spreading awareness about this crisis in Haiti, you can help support the people and alleviate their suffering.