Haiti is currently experiencing a catastrophic wave of violence that has led to a surge in brutality, resulting in numerous killings and displacement of thousands of residents. A consortium of UN agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and donor countries highlighted the grim situation, underscoring the extent of the violence that has intensified in recent weeks.
According to a statement from the group, which includes the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, “entire families have been brutally wiped out in their homes.” The violence has not spared innocent lives, with reports indicating that children and infants have been killed while attempting to flee the chaos. This alarming escalation of brutality is said to have commenced since the end of January, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis.
Gangs have seized control of significant areas in Haiti, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince, where they have carried out violent attacks despite the presence of multinational security forces from Kenya. These forces, part of a Kenyan-led multinational security support mission, were deployed to restore order; however, violence continues to escalate. The group expressed profound concern over the “unacceptable and inhuman intensity of the violence,” which has claimed many lives.
Recent statistics indicate that approximately 4,000 individuals have been displaced from the Kenscoff area, with an additional 2,000 people forced to flee various neighborhoods in the capital, including Delmas and Petion-ville. In light of these dire circumstances, the group called upon all factions involved in the violence to cease hostilities and halt the ongoing cycle of terror.
Reports from residents describe harrowing encounters with armed gangs. One individual recounted a chilling attack where assailants set fire to their home with a family member inside, illustrating the brutal tactics employed by the gangs. Another resident described a surprise attack that took place early in the morning while local vigilante forces were resting, adding to the sense of vulnerability felt by those affected.
Historically, Haiti—the poorest nation in the Americas—has faced instability, but conditions deteriorated significantly early last year as gang factions initiated coordinated assaults aimed at forcing the resignation of then-prime minister Ariel Henry. Henry eventually transferred power to an interim government, which, along with the multinational security support mission, has struggled to rein in gang activities.
Currently, the UN-approved security mission is staffed by around 1,000 personnel from six nations, primarily Kenya, although the initial expectation was for 2,500 troops. Tragically, the mission suffered a loss recently, with a Kenyan officer shot and killed amid the unrest. UN officials continue to advocate for increased international assistance, urging a surge of resources to combat the escalating violence that has displaced an estimated one million citizens.
In a bid to address the crisis, the UN issued an appeal for over $900 million in aid for Haiti for this year, a significant increase from previous funding levels that remained grossly underprovided. Last year, violence linked to gang activity resulted in 5,600 deaths and 1,500 kidnappings, marking a 20% increase compared to the previous year. Gender-based violence cases also reached alarming levels, with nearly 6,000 recorded incidents, of which 69% involved sexual assault.
In a recent public address, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime declared that authorities were effectively “at war” with the gangs. He reaffirmed a relentless commitment to empowering the police, military, and the multinational security mission to dismantle gang operations and restore stability in the region. This dedication comes as he marks 100 days in office, promising to take decisive action against the escalating violence that has gripped the nation.
