Haiti: Signs of hope despite gang violence and political uncertainty

Powerful armed gangs control much of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and continue to expand into other regions of the country. Countless families have fled their homes, schools and health centers have closed, and humanitarian agencies are struggling to meet soaring needs as funding runs out.

But amidst this crisis there are also signs of progress. Haitian authorities are pressing ahead with long-delayed plans to restore democratic government through elections, security forces are starting to expel gangs from several strategic areas, and new international support is starting to arrive to help contain the violence.

This is where Haiti stands today.

Humanitarian situation: Millions of people need help, but aid is increasingly limited

The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen as violence, displacement and economic hardship reinforce each other. More than half the population of the country of around 11 million people now needs help.

Important facts

Around 6.4 million people requires humanitarian assistance with 3.3 million people prioritized for support.
1.47 million people have fled their homes largely because of violence.
More than 5.8 million people is expected to go hungry this year.
Violence continues to disrupt health services, clean water supplies and education, while aid organizations try to keep hospitals, nutrition programs and emergency shelters operating despite dwindling resources.
Humanitarian appeals in 2026 are critically underfunded. Only in mid-June 25 percent than necessary $880 million has been received, limiting life-saving operations.

Can Haiti finally hold elections?

Haiti has not had an elected president since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, due to long-term instability and insecurity.

Restoring democratic governance remains one of the country’s greatest challenges, but credible voting cannot take place unless security is significantly improved.

Armed gangs continue to control many neighborhoods and main streets, making it difficult to register voters, move election materials and ensure public safety.

Even so, preparations have accelerated in recent months and with a election budget of $120 million agree, it is hoped that the first round of voting can be held before the end of 2026, so that the president-elect can take office in February 2027.

Gang violence dominates daily life

Violence perpetrated by heavily armed gangs largely concentrated in Port-au-Prince remains the biggest obstacle to Haiti’s recovery.

Rivalry between criminal groups vying for territory and extortion has fueled increasingly brutal fighting.

The consequences for ordinary people in Haiti are dire.

In one major outbreak of violence in the Cité Soleil neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, earlier this year, at least 542 people died And 355 injured.

At least during that clash 176 women and girls were raped.

More and more children are also caught up in this crisis. Many have been forced to flee their homes, while others have been recruited by gangs or experienced extreme violence.

Are anti-gang operations making a difference?

For the first time in months, Haitian security forces are beginning to register real, albeit limited, success against armed gangs.

Special police units have expelled criminal groups from several strategic locations in Port-au-Prince, reopening some main roads and allowing government institutions to return to some parts of the city center.

The big new development is launch The Power of Gang Suppressiona UN-backed international security operation undertaken to help Haiti regain control of territory dominated by criminal groups.

They began patrolling Port-au-Prince in June. In one operation, officers arrested 14 suspects and confiscated hundreds of Molotov cocktails.

Meanwhile, two special justice units have begun operating to investigate mass crimes, sexual violence and major financial crimes.

Despite recent operations, the gangs are still capable of launching deadly attacks, extorting people and disrupting daily life.

Widespread human rights violations

Serious human rights violations continue to occur in Haiti.

Armed gangs are responsible for murders, kidnappings, rapes and forced displacement of entire communities.
Sexual violence is increasingly used to terrorize neighborhoods under gang control.
Vigilante groups and angry mobs have killed dozens of people suspected of collaborating with the gangs 87 people deaths reported; Some of them were beaten to death before their bodies were burned.
Concerns have also been raised regarding alleged abuses committed by members of Haiti’s security forces, including 40 cases involving summary executions by police officers.

The way forward for Haiti

The political, security and humanitarian crises in Haiti are all interconnected. It will be difficult to hold elections without better security. Increased security will be difficult to maintain without stronger governance.

And these efforts will not be successful if millions of people are still struggling with hunger, displacement and violence.

These are the top priorities:

Reduce the gang’s ability to operate and exercise control
Making Haiti safe enough for elections.
Better protect women and girls.
Fund humanitarian response.
Strengthen justice and end impunity.