U.N. Reports Gangs Control Most of Haiti's Capital

U.N. Reports Gangs Control Most of Haiti's Capital

Senior United Nations officials reported that gangs have gained significant control over Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital, and that authorities are unable to prevent increasing violence in the country.

An estimated 90% of Port-au-Prince is now under the control of criminal groups, according to Ghada Fathy Waly, executive director of the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime. These groups are expanding their activities into surrounding and previously unaffected areas.

"Southern Haiti, which until recently was insulated from the violence, has seen a sharp increase in gang-related incidents," Waly said. "And in the east, criminal groups are exploiting land routes, including key crossings like Belladere and Malpasse, where attacks against police and customs officials have been reported."

Waly stated that the state's authority is diminishing as gang control expands. Criminal groups are filling gaps left by limited public services and are establishing alternative governance structures. Gang control of major trade routes has disrupted legal commerce, resulting in higher prices for essential goods such as cooking fuel and rice.

U.N. Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca told the Security Council that the ongoing gang presence in Port-au-Prince and their expansion is increasing instability.

"Without increased action by the international community, the total collapse of state presence in the capital could become a very real scenario," Jenca said.

Gangs have increased in power since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021. Previously, they were estimated to control 85% of the capital. Haiti has not had a president since the assassination.

A U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police arrived in Haiti last year to address gang violence. However, the mission is currently understaffed and underfunded, with only about 40% of the 2,500 personnel originally planned. A proposal by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in February to provide additional support to the mission has not advanced in the council.

In response to the gangs, Waly noted a rapid increase in private security companies and vigilante self-defense groups. Some of these groups attempt to protect communities, while others act outside the law and cooperate with gangs.

"Over the last three months," Jenca said, "these groups reportedly killed at least 100 men and one woman suspected of gang association or collaboration."

Jenca also reported an increase in sexual violence by gangs, with the U.N. political mission in Haiti documenting 364 incidents involving 378 survivors from March to April.

A recent U.N. expert report covering October through February stated that gangs have taken advantage of political instability and a disorganized response to the security crisis. The report cited competing political interests and allegations of corruption within transitional governing bodies as factors hindering progress.

"While the expansion of territorial control brings gangs additional sources of revenue and bargaining power," the experts said, "these attacks are also backed by individuals trying to destabilize the political transition for their own political goals."

The report indicated that little progress has been made toward restoring public security or implementing plans for national elections by February 2026.

With a national police force experiencing leadership tensions, an army in need of rebuilding, and limited capacity of the multinational force, the experts warned that gangs are likely to maintain their advantage unless international support increases.

Regarding vigilante groups, the experts stated that they often include local police officers, some of whom participate in human rights violations.

The Haitian National Police have also carried out a significant number of extrajudicial killings, with suspected gang members often executed without trial. The experts cited 281 summary executions by specialized police units in 2024, including 22 women and 8 children.

Despite a U.N. arms embargo, gangs continue to acquire more powerful weapons from regional civilian markets and from police stockpiles in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.