Conflict in Haiti: Violence, Hunger Crisis and Political Instability

The situation in Haiti in 2024 is dire, marked by extreme violence, a hunger crisis, and political instability. Gang violence has surged, with over 3,600 fatalities reported this year alone, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis affecting 5.5 million people needing assistance.

The political landscape remains chaotic, with a transitional presidential council struggling to establish authority amid rampant gang activity and the absence of a functioning government since 2023. Food insecurity is critical, with 1.4 million people on the brink of famine and childhood malnutrition rising by 30%. The international community’s response has been slow, complicating efforts to stabilize the country and address urgent needs.[i]

The crisis is driven by several interconnected factors:

1. Escalating Gang Violence: Armed groups control around 90% of Port-au-Prince, disrupting food supply chains and humanitarian aid efforts, leading to inflated food prices and restricted access to essential goods.
2. Economic Instability: Soaring inflation and job losses have left two-thirds of families struggling to afford basic necessities. The cost of a food basket Rose by 22% from August 2023 to February 2024. [ii]
3. Low Agricultural Production: Agricultural yields have plummeted due to adverse weather conditions and violence affecting farmland, with significant crop losses reported.
4. Displacement: Over 360,000 people have been displaced due to violence, further complicating access to food and livelihoods.[iii]

The Gang violence in Haiti:

1. Political Manipulation: Historically, politicians have relied on gangs for power, using them to secure votes and suppress opposition. This relationship has fostered gang autonomy, allowing them to challenge the state.
2. Weak Governance: The absence of a strong national police force and effective governance creates a power vacuum that gangs exploit, leading to widespread lawlessness and violence.
3. Economic Desperation: Chronic poverty and unemployment drive young people into gangs, exacerbated by the devastation from past natural disasters and international sanctions that crippled the economy.
4. Drug Trafficking and Extortion: Gangs increasingly finance themselves through drug trafficking, extortion, and kidnappings, establishing a cycle of violence that further destabilizes communities.
5. Recent Escalation: The assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021 intensified gang rivalry and violence, with leaders like Jimmy Chérizier mobilizing forces against the government.

Haiti’s conflict in 2024 is characterized by rampant gang violence, political instability, and humanitarian crises. The assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021 marked a significant turning point, leaving a power vacuum that gangs have exploited, now controlling about 80% of Port-au-Prince.

The situation worsened dramatically in early 2024, with over 2,500 casualties reported due to escalating violence, including coordinated attacks on police and state infrastructure. The government’s inability to maintain security has led to widespread displacement, with nearly 95,000 people fleeing violence.

International efforts are underway to establish a transitional government and deploy foreign security assistance, but the effectiveness of these measures remains uncertain amid ongoing gang dominance and severe humanitarian needs affecting 5.5 million people.[iv]

Political Instability

Haiti’s political instability in 2024 is deeply rooted in a history of violence and governance failures. The assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021 left the country without a functioning government, leading to a power vacuum exploited by gangs, which now control approximately 80% of Port-au-Prince.

The interim Prime Minister, Ariel Henry, has faced immense pressure to resign amid escalating violence and public unrest. His government has struggled to hold elections or establish a stable political framework, exacerbating divisions among political factions.

International Response:

The international community’s response to Haiti’s political crisis has involved multiple initiatives aimed at restoring stability and addressing humanitarian needs:

1. United Nations Involvement: The UN has emphasized a “Haitian-led, Haitian-owned” political process, calling for urgent deployment of a Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) to assist the Haitian National Police. This mission was authorized in October 2023 but has faced delays due to the political upheaval following Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s resignation in March 2024.
2. Humanitarian Aid: The UN and its agencies have been actively providing humanitarian assistance, including food and medical supplies, despite dangerous conditions. However, funding remains critically low, with only 6% of the required $674 million for humanitarian efforts secured as of early 2024.
3. Regional Collaboration: CARICOM has facilitated dialogue among Haitian stakeholders to form a Transitional Council, aiming to stabilize governance and prepare for elections. This regional approach underscores the importance of local leadership in addressing Haiti’s challenges.
4. U.S. and Other Nations’ Support: The U.S. has pledged approximately $300 million in aid, emphasizing the need for a coordinated international response. Other countries, including Canada and France, have conducted evacuation missions for their nationals amid escalating violence. [v]
5. Calls for Human Rights Focus: Organizations like Amnesty International stress that military interventions alone will not resolve the underlying issues of poverty and institutional weakness, advocating for a comprehensive approach that includes human rights considerations. [vi]

Overall, while there is a consensus on the urgency of international support, effective implementation remains hindered by ongoing violence and political instability.

[i] “HAITI: ONE IN FIVE FAMILIES ON VERGE OF FAMINE IN PORT-AU-PRINCE AS GANG VIOLENCE GRIPS CAPITAL”, Save the Children, https://www.savethechildren.net/news/haiti-one-five-families-verge-famine-port-au-prince-gang-violence-grips-capital, (Date of Access: 30.09.2024).

[ii] “Haiti: Gangs and Vigilantes Thrive Amid Political Deadlock”, Acled data, https://acleddata.com/conflict-watchlist-2024/haiti/, (Date of Access: 30.09.2024).

[iii] “Haiti-Events of 2023”, HRW, https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2024/country-chapters/haiti, (Date of Access: 30.09.2024).

[iv] “Haiti: Soaring number of displaced desperately need protection and aid priority, UN experts urge”, OHCHR,

https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/06/haiti-soaring-number-displaced-desperately-need-protection-and-aid-priority, (Date of Access: 30.09.2024).

[v] “Haiti: Mid-year metrics 2024”, Acled data, https://acleddata.com/2024/08/07/haiti-mid-year-metrics-2024/, (Date of Access: 30.09.2024).

[vi] “Haiti in-depth: A transition beset by challenges and uncertainty”, The New Humanitarian, https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/analysis/2024/03/20/haiti-depth-transition-beset-challenges-and-uncertainty, (Date of Access: 30.09.2024).