Haiti: Signs of hope despite gang violence and political uncertainty
Powerful armed gangs control large parts of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and continue expanding into other parts of the country. Families are fleeing their homes in
Powerful armed gangs control large parts of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and continue expanding into other parts of the country. Families are fleeing their homes in record numbers, schools and health centres have closed, and humanitarian agencies are struggling to meet soaring needs as funding runs dangerously low. Yet amid the crisis there are also signs of progress. Haitian authorities are pressing ahead with long-delayed plans to restore democratic government through elections, security forces have begun pushing gangs out of some strategic areas, and new international support is arriving to help tackle the violence. Here’s where Haiti stands today. © PAHO Humanitarian situation: Millions need help, but aid is running short The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen as violence, displacement and economic hardship reinforce one another. More than half the country’s population of around 11 million now needs relief aid. Key facts Around 6.4 million people need humanitarian assistance with 3.3 million prioritized for support. need humanitarian assistance with 3.3 million prioritized for support. 1.47 million people have fled their homes largely due to violence. have fled their homes largely due to violence. More than 5.8 million people are expected to go hungry this year. are expected to go hungry this year.
Violence continues to disrupt healthcare, clean water supplies and education, while aid organizations are trying to keep hospitals, nutrition programmes and emergency shelters operating despite shrinking resources. The 2026 humanitarian appeal is critically underfunded. By mid-June, only 25 per cent of the required $880 million had been received, limiting life-saving operations. Can Haiti finally hold elections? Haiti has not had an elected president since the murder of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, due to long-term instability and insecurity. Restoring democratic government remains one of the country’s biggest challenges, but credible voting cannot take place unless security improves significantly. Armed gangs continue to control many neighbourhoods and major roads, making it difficult to register voters, move election materials and guarantee public safety. Even so, preparations have accelerated in recent months and with a $120 million election budget agreed it is hoped that the first round of voting can be held before the end of 2026, allowing an elected president to take office in February 2027. Gang violence dominates everyday life Violence by heavily armed gangs concentrated largely in Port-au-Prince remains the single biggest obstacle to Haiti’s recovery. Competition between rival criminal groups over territory and extortion has fuelled increasingly brutal fighting.
The BriefWire