Responsibility for Gangs in Haiti's Capital
An analysis of the actors and factors contributing to gang control of Port-au-Prince
Based on United Nations reports and international news, the crisis of gangs controlling up to 90% of Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, is the result of a complex combination of factors.
While France's historical actions set the stage for long-term instability, the immediate causes are a power vacuum following the 2021 presidential assassination, alleged complicity by some of Haiti's economic and political elites, and an insufficient international response.
Key Actors and Factors
The table below summarizes the key actors and factors responsible for the current situation.
Colonial-era "independence debt" (1825-1947) crippled Haiti's economy and institutional development for over a century, creating conditions for long-term instability.
Impact: This debt severely limited Haiti's ability to build strong state institutions and economic resilience.
Groups like Viv Ansanm, led by figures such as Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier, control territory through extreme violence, kidnappings, and sexual assault.
Tactics: These groups exploit power vacuums and use fear to establish control over neighborhoods and resources.
UN reports indicate Haitian elites and politicians finance and arm gangs for political goals, destabilizing transitions for power.
Method: Providing resources and political protection to armed groups in exchange for influence and control.
President Jovenel Moïse's 2021 assassination created a major leadership void that gangs exploited to expand their influence dramatically.
Timeline: Gang control expanded significantly in the months following the assassination.
A UN-backed Kenyan police mission is severely understaffed and underfunded, failing to counter gang strength effectively.
Current Status: International efforts have been unable to match the scale of the crisis.
Understanding the Complex Crisis
Attributing responsibility for a crisis of this scale is complex, as it involves layers of cause and effect:
The issue is not about assigning blame to a single entity, but rather understanding how these factors interact. Historical exploitation created a fragile state, domestic actors weaponized gangs for political ends, a triggering event created an opportunity, and the international response has so far been inadequate to reverse the tide.
The situation remains dynamic. Recent developments, such as the appointment of a new transitional council led by figures from the private sector, show an attempt to restore order. However, powerful gang leaders have explicitly vowed to overthrow this new government, indicating the battle for Haiti's future is ongoing.
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