Haiti’s Descent into Chaos: Armed Gangs Control 80% of Port-au-Prince
Well-armed gangs have gained control over 80 percent of greater Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, as the government shirks its responsibility and hopes for the deployment of a Kenyan-led international force. This alarming situation has led to a wave of violence and lawlessness, with innocent civilians bearing the brunt of the chaos.
Recent images circulating on social media depict the horrifying reality faced by citizens as armed gangs wreak havoc in Port-au-Prince. In one particularly disturbing image, a group of men carries the lifeless body of a young individual who fell victim to a bullet wound in his own home. This incident occurred in the Carrefour-Feuilles neighborhood, merely a kilometer away from the National Palace.
Carrefour-Feuilles has been under relentless attack from a nearby gang operating in the Grand Ravine area. Frustrated and fearful, residents of this besieged neighborhood joined thousands of others in a march through Port-au-Prince, demanding action from the authorities.
The dire situation has forced even the United States Embassy to close its doors to the public, with staff confined to the premises due to the ongoing gun battles in the vicinity. Large areas of the capital have fallen under the effective control of these well-equipped gangs, leaving residents without access to essential resources such as food, water, and healthcare. Thousands of Haitians have been displaced from their homes, further exacerbating the already dire circumstances.
Haiti, a country with approximately 11 million inhabitants, already grapples with extreme poverty and food insecurity, with half of the population living under these conditions. Moreover, Haiti’s fragile institutions are virtually non-existent, and many consider the government of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who assumed power following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise, to be illegitimate. The prime minister himself has been accused of involvement in Moise’s assassination.
A recent poll conducted by Agerca, an NGO affiliated with the business community, revealed that 63 percent of Haitians are in favor of international intervention to assist the Haitian National Police in restoring order. However, the Haitian left and numerous grassroots groups vehemently oppose the idea of further armed intervention. Critics argue that the pervasive lawlessness stems from the governing style of the PHTK party, which has been in power since 2011. They also accuse Prime Minister Henry of seeking foreign forces to prop up his unpopular administration.
These critics also highlight the country’s previous experience with international intervention, specifically the United Nations Mission for Stabilization in Haiti (Minustah) deployed between 2004 and 2017. The UN force faced severe backlash when infected sewage from one of its camps triggered a cholera outbreak that claimed the lives of 10,000 Haitians. Additionally, members of the UN force were accused of murder and sexual assaults.
While the idea of a Kenyan-led international force has been proposed, some question the suitability of Kenyan police for this mission. Detractors argue that the Kenyan police do not speak French or Creole, the predominant languages in Haiti, and have faced criticism for employing excessive force against protesters in their own country.
Amidst the ongoing struggle to establish an effective and legitimate authority in Haiti, it is essential to find a balanced solution that addresses the pressing issues while respecting the sovereignty of the nation. The situation calls for a comprehensive and sustainable approach that not only brings peace and stability but also reinforces Haiti’s ability to govern itself. Only through such a concerted effort can Haiti escape the clutches of armed gangs and regain hope for a better future.
