Haiti’s National Palace was wrecked in the earthquake of 2010, and the government has been in various forms of chaos ever since.

Current Crisis in Port au Prince

Photo Marco Dormino / The United Nations

Haiti’s capital Port au Prince is in crisis again. Armed gangs have moved into new areas and many fear that the government will soon lose control completely.

In the past month, over 60,000 people have fled their homes. They join more than a million who had already escaped gang violence.

Many are living in dirty camps without toilets or clean water, where rape is common. Most Haitians do not have enough to eat, making this one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. Gangs have burned hospitals and destroyed schools. The violence has shut down U.S. commercial flights at the airport.

International Response

The Trump administration is considering a travel ban that would prevent Haitians, even those with U.S. visas, from entering the United States.

The Department of Homeland Security also plans to cancel work permits and immigration protections for over 500,000 people, including 211,040 Haitians, who were allowed into the U.S. under a Biden-era program.

An influx of tens of thousands of deportees would probably make the situation even worse, and yet the US foreign policy establishment seems to have no plans for Haiti, and President Trump, while pursuing war solutions in Europe and the Middle East seems to have little interest in neighboring Haiti.

Gang Control and Violence

Gangs control up to 90% of Port-au-Prince. They hold key neighborhoods and roads, making it hard for people to move in and out. And once the gangs control the water supply, the power supply, and internet cables, their control of the city is almost total.

The gangs do not control Toussaint Louverture International Airport, although it remains closed to flights. They also do not fully control the seaport, the main police headquarters, or the National Palace. However, they have attacked areas near these locations.

If gangs seize the government’s headquarters, it would signal the fall of the capital. A takeover of the airport would also be critical, as it is used by foreign security forces. The Haitian police headquarters is nearby, so any gang attack would face heavy resistance.

Security Mission and Aid

Kenya is leading a security mission in Haiti with fewer than 1,000 personnel, most of them trained as policemen, but they are understaffed and underequipped.

While the U.S. has allowed some aid to continue, future funding is uncertain and no country strongly favors sending its troops to restore order in Haiti under the direction of the UN.

The U.S. has already evacuated non-essential embassy staff and closed consular services. Other embassies are watching the situation closely.

Government Control and Future

It is uncertain whether the current government can hang on. The government has used drones to attack gangs, but this has not removed key gang leaders. Gangs are becoming stronger and continuing their attacks. Many police stations and courts have been destroyed or abandoned, and several major prisons are no longer functioning.

The situation is about as desperate as it could be. Several Haitian gangs have been designated as terrorist organizations by neighboring Dominican Republic, Haitians have been deported from the DR in large numbers, and the mountainous border between the two countries has effectively been sealed.

Sources: United Nations, Miami Heralds, Haiti Times.

Conclusion

The crisis in Haiti is one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world, with gangs controlling up to 90% of Port-au-Prince and the government struggling to maintain control. The international community seems to have no clear plan to address the situation, and the future of the country remains uncertain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current situation in Haiti?

Haiti is facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with gangs controlling up to 90% of Port-au-Prince and the government struggling to maintain control.

What is the international response to the crisis?

The international community seems to have no clear plan to address the situation, with the US considering a travel ban and the UN struggling to lead a security mission.

What is the impact of the crisis on the Haitian people?

The crisis has led to a massive displacement of people, with over 60,000 fleeing their homes in the past month, and many living in dirty camps without basic necessities like toilets or clean water.