Around 5 million Haitians, roughly half the population, are struggling to survive as food insecurity and violence spread across the country. Gang war deaths in 2023 reached 5,000, almost double from the year before. Haiti remains one of the poorest countries in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region, with a GDP per capita of around $1,750.
Haiti has suffered a multitude of problems, from foreign intervention (1915, 2004) and debt, to political instability, natural disasters, and gang warfare. Historically, Haiti was once one of the richest French colonies in the region and a leading producer of sugar, coffee, cacao, and coffee. However, after paying 150 million Francs to achieve independence from France in 1804, Haiti never truly gained economic stability.
The power vacuum in Haiti worsened after President Ariel Henry resigned amidst gang violence, prompting gang leaders to fight for dominance. Over 200 gangs are active in the capital, Port-au-Prince, controlling around 80% of the city.
Major Players
G-Pep
Originally opponents of G9, G-Pep joined forces with them to form a “criminal federation” aimed at preventing the return of President Henry. G-Pep maintains significant connections with opposition parties.
G9 Family and Allies
Led by Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizer, a former policeman, G9 is Haiti’s largest gang. The group controls essential public services such as electricity and water and primarily earns money through extortion. G9 has several links to the police and government and initially operated as proxies for assassinated President Jovenel Moïse (2021), managing social unrest and securing votes.
The Gang Crisis
Gangs have blocked pathways for aid entering Haiti and taken control of several government facilities. Government forces remain ill-equipped to counter the gangs, who have obtained weapons from cartels, local police, and smugglers from the US.
The gangs lack a unified goal but continue to make political demands. It appears they are vying for a share of Haiti’s political power and will do whatever is necessary to remain relevant.
What’s Next?
Politicians are urging the formation of a coalition government to end the violence. However, the gangs have signaled their intent to keep fighting. Migrants fleeing to the Dominican Republic are being turned back by Dominican police forces. Around 160,000 people have been displaced.
The US is evacuating its citizens from Haiti and has stated it is prepared to deploy troops if “necessary.” Kenya and Haiti, prior to President Henry's resignation, signed a deal for 1,000 police officers to be deployed to Haiti. Whether this agreement will be honored is uncertain, given the current situation.
Final Thoughts
Haiti has long been plagued by instability. The lack of meaningful intervention highlights that Haiti has lost its value to former colonial rulers and the US after the failure of past peacekeeping missions and the US invasion in 1915.
Haiti’s economy is collapsing, with minimal prospects for the labor market. Without urgent intervention, the country seems trapped in an almost inescapable cycle of violence and poverty.