UN urges action as gang violence pushes Haiti to brink of state failure

Haiti is facing an unprecedented crisis as escalating gang violence undermines the state’s authority, a UN official warned on Wednesday.

“Haiti is at a critical crossroads. The extreme increase in gang violence continues to weaken state control, threatening both the people of Haiti and regional peace and security, with no signs of improvement,” Miroslav Jenca, UN Under-Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas, said during a meeting of the UN Security Council.

Jenca pointed out that the situation in Haiti represents more than another peak in insecurity – it is a severe escalation without end.

Noting that instability has reached new heights, Jenca said gangs now control about 85 percent of the capital, Port-au-Prince.

He said armed groups had encircled the city, “attacking government buildings and infrastructure while using extreme violence, including sexual violence, as a weapon of subjugation.”

Underscoring the dire humanitarian toll, he said more than 20,000 people had fled their homes in just four days this month, adding to the nearly 700,000 displaced by violence earlier this year.

Jenca also criticized insufficient funding for the UN’s $674 million humanitarian response plan, which is only 43 percent funded.

He also noted the efforts of the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), saying only 400 personnel had been deployed out of the planned 2,500.

Without additional international support, Jenca warned that Haiti risks a “complete collapse of state authority.”

“Such an outcome would be inexcusable for the people of Haiti, who have already endured far too much,” he added, urging the global community to step up security assistance and crack down on the illicit flow of drugs, weapons and ammunition that fuel gang violence.

The growing crisis in Haiti

Haiti, with a population of more than 11 million, faces serious challenges, including political instability, economic turmoil and a worsening security crisis.

According to the UN Integrated Office in Haiti, armed gang violence has claimed 3,900 lives since the beginning of the year.

The increase in violence also led to significant political changes. Prime Minister Ariel Henry resigned in April, prompting the establishment of a transitional council.

Garry Conille was appointed Prime Minister on 28 May, but was replaced on 11 November by businessman Alix Didier Fils-Aime following a council decision.